Meet Nathan Yoder, Winner of the 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award

Every year, the Sales Tax Institute honors a professional who represents what it means to be a true Sales Tax Nerd: someone who brings passion, precision, and generosity to the field. The 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award goes to Nathan Yoder, a professional whose curiosity and commitment have inspired peers, clients, and new learners alike.

“As a specialist in a minority field, this award feels almost like a medal of honor—an affirmation of energy focused on learning and helping others,” Nathan says.

A Career Sparked by Curiosity

Nathan’s connection to sales tax began decades ago in Belgium, where he first encountered VAT while working in bookkeeping. Over the years, sales tax became a recurring part of his work until, about four years ago, his supervisor asked him to specialize. That opportunity unlocked a new passion.

Soon after, he enrolled in the Sales Tax Institute’s Jumpstart course, which helped him see sales tax as a career path rather than a task. The course deepened his understanding of the subject and introduced him to a community of professionals who shared his enthusiasm.

Now, as the lead sales Tax specialist at Adams Brown, Nathan blends deep technical skills with mentorship and a drive to simplify the process for businesses navigating multi-state compliance.

What Makes Nathan a True Nerd

Nathan’s excitement for sales tax is constant. “I light up about sales tax,” he says, “because it affects every area of life.” That enthusiasm extends to both his professional problem-solving and his daily interactions. He laughs about catching an error on his scooter purchase when freight was improperly taxed (proof that he’s always in tax mode!).

At work, Nathan’s creativity stands out. He built a QuickBooks Online import process that bridges reporting gaps, ensuring accurate state filings that align with financial data. The tool reflects his technical depth and his desire to make compliance more accessible. He’s known for finding innovative, efficient solutions that make life easier for clients and colleagues alike.

But what truly defines Nathan is his role as a teacher and mentor. He regularly uses real-world examples, like a California ruling on cooking classes, to spark discussion among his team and the Sales Tax Nerd Community. His approach helps others develop the analytical thinking needed to interpret taxability with confidence.

“Over the last 4 years, I’ve gotten to know Nathan and see his level of sales tax knowledge and confidence grow. At any event where he has been a participant, The Sales Tax Institute Advanced Workshop or Sales Tax Nerd Community events, he is generous in sharing his expertise and answering questions posed by others. As a prior finalist for this award, Nathan demonstrated this growth in his 2025 application, and I’m thrilled he has received this honor.
I look forward to working with him over the next year.” – Diane Yetter

Building the Future of Sales Tax

Nathan’s vision for his career extends beyond technical excellence. He’s passionate about mentoring others who are new to the profession, ensuring the next generation of sales tax specialists feels supported and capable.

He’s also interested in policy and process improvement, particularly around simplifying multi-state obligations. Inspired by the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, Nathan hopes to engage more with their efforts to modernize how states and businesses interact on sales tax issues.

“I really get excited about letting people know what’s actually going on and making it doable for them,” he says. “So it’s not just this black wall out there.”

That sense of clarity and collaboration is what makes Nathan’s approach stand out. Whether training a new teammate or advising a client through a complex issue, he brings empathy, patience, and precision to every interaction.

The Human Side of Nerdiness

Sales tax might seem like a numbers game, but for Nathan, it’s also about people. 2024 Sales Tax Nerd Award winner, Heidi Diegelman, shared that Nathan helped her feel like she belonged during a training session when she was overwhelmed. For him, that feedback meant more than any technical achievement.

Nathan believes that community is one of the profession’s greatest strengths. He’s found countless opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect through the Sales Tax Nerd Community. His generosity with time and expertise embodies the collaborative spirit that makes this field thrive.

Nathan’s Advice to Future Sales Tax Nerds

“If you’re willing to get involved, sales tax offers variety and fulfillment,” Nathan says. “Don’t be afraid to take on challenges beyond your expertise. If you reach out, you’ll find professionals ready to help you.”

He encourages new practitioners to see sales tax not just as compliance, but as a dynamic, evolving profession where curiosity pays off. “Think of it as joining a national community focused on improving one area of our world,” he adds. “If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you.”

Watch Nathan’s Interview

Catch Nathan’s energy and insight firsthand in his Sales Tax Nerd Award 2025 interview video.

He shares stories from his career, his creative solutions, and how he’s helping shape the future of sales tax one project at a time. And if you want to meet Nathan, be sure to join us at the Advanced Workshop in Dallas in February!

2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award Finalists

The Sales Tax Institute also congratulates this year’s amazing finalists. Each demonstrated passion, creativity, and leadership in their work. Together, they showcase the depth of talent and enthusiasm in the sales tax community. Thank you for continuing to inspire others to learn, connect, and share knowledge.

We are so proud to know this group of professionals that advocate bringing an increased focus on sales tax within their companies and the wider field of accounting.

The 2025 finalists are:

• Hussam Alhallak, Tax Accountant, Casella Waste Systems
• Jill Bartlett, Sr Accountant, Tax, Defy Security
• Katarina Fallico, Lead Legal Counsel, FishingBooker, Inc./Booker Group doo Beograd, Serbia
• Stefanie Herbert, Accounting Manager, CVW Accounting Inc.
• Kaelyn Robinson, Finance Coordinator, Koven Technology, Inc.

Learn more about each finalist on the Sales Tax Nerd Award page.