“Home grown” or legacy tax platforms are simply not equipped to deal with today’s technology needs. Making significant changes to this massive installed base sometimes can feel like turning around an oil tanker. Increasingly, IT leaders are recommending upgrades to these platforms — which can run the gamut from an on-premise upgrade to an ambitious move to a cloud or hybrid cloud deployment.  The question is, what does that mean for your tax technology infrastructure? In this episode of the Tax Technology Today podcast series, Jen Kurtz, Chief Technology Officer with Vertex, Inc. will offer her insights as “resident tax technologist” on where tax and IT department leaders should focus their efforts when planning on modernizing their tax systems. Tax systems historically have been primarily integrated and tied in with ERP systems — that is, on-premise. Because of this integration with ERP, tax systems have been slow to leave the building, so to speak.  Kurtz says that’s changing. “Tax is no longer just an integration to ERP,” she says in this episode. “It is now very much part of customer facing systems like ecommerce and customer relationship management systems.” Today, we’re in a transition period — a hybrid phase. “The hybrid nature will continue for some time, over the next 5-plus years,” Kurtz says in this episode, adding, “although in tax technology we will continue to see an increase in demand for cloud-based solutions.” Tune in to hear more from Jen Kurtz on how these changes are driving and shaping IT purchase decisions, and fostering cooperation among IT, tax and business leaders.  Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex.

Tax Technology Today

Best Practices For Upgrading Legacy ERP Systems

Approximately 18 months ago, , the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in the landmark case South Dakota vs. Wayfair. The effects of that case are still rippling through businesses around the country, changing the way they handle compliance forcing many to adjust their tax compliance and planning strategies. For many IT departments, this has meant new tools and technologies to help them smooth the way in this new tax landscape. The gist of Wayfair is this: states can impose the obligation to collect and remit sales tax on certain companies even if they lack a physical presence in the state. A lot has been written on Wayfair, and Vertex Inc. has a great FAQ on the case here. In this conversation Michael Bernard, Chief Tax Officer, Transaction Taxes, with Vertex, we focus on optimizing technology: tax compliance, planning and audit defense in a post-Wayfair world. “Compliance is really the bedrock of what tax departments do,” says Bernard. Information has to be accurate and timely, and mistakes in transactions tax calculations — like sales tax — can start a wave of errors that waste time and money. Bernard urges tax and IT departments to work together. “It’s essential that tax departments work with IT departments — they can help with the purchase that the tax department will deploy. This is crucial in terms of their compliance function.” Tune in for more, as Bernard shares insights on tax planning and best of all, audit survival! Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex

How To Optimize 3 Major Tax Processes with Technology: Tax Compliance, Planning and Audit Defense

Tax collecting and reporting has always been complex, and with new legislation comes new layers of complication. This is only going to accelerate as businesses and the government alike try to keep up with technological advancements. Tax departments are leaning on IT more than ever to make recommendations and help to implement tax automation solutions. In this episode of Tax Technology Today, Chris Livingston, Cloud Business Leader with Vertex Inc., explains how the landmark court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair is affecting how IT and Tax departments work together, and what preparations for business post-Wayfair need to be considered. “Companies may need to invest in new technologies and new processes. Businesses really need to be prepared.” The good news is that in this new world, there’s even more impetus to tear down silos between departments. “IT needs to know a little bit about tax,” says Livingston, “and tax needs to know a lot about IT so that they can do their jobs and everything can flow smoothly.” Tune in to discover the three critical questions you need to ask potential vendors, and what constitute some of the best practices for evaluating tax software vendors. Spoiler alert: Security should play a huge role in evaluating and selecting a partner for this critical business function. And Livingston points out that you’ll need to be sure your change management game is on point as well.  Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex

Automating The Tax Process: How Tax & IT Come Together For Success

As technology continues to evolve and impact the way companies do business, one division that is feeling these changes is the tax function. Tax leaders now need a sophisticated understanding of how technology impacts tax transactions, and executive management is demanding this level of understanding from their tax professionals. This has given rise to two new kind of professional titles knowns as taxologists and tax technologists. But there is a distinct difference between the two roles. In this podcast, we will be joined by Jen Kurtz, chief technology officer, resident tax technologist, with Vertex for a discussion about how roles in the tax office are poised to change, and what companies need to know to bring their tax staff up to date. Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex

Do You Need a Tax Technologist for Your Organization?

Sweeping changes are transforming the global tax environment. Longstanding tax rules no longer apply as tax overhauls in Europe and the US force businesses to adapt and comply with new policies. How tax leaders address these pivotal challenges will largely determine their company’s success amid historic changes in tax rules and ever-increasing regulatory scrutiny. Is your company ready? In episode two of our podcast series on the changing space of tax technology, we will talk with Jen Kurtz, Chief Technology Officer at Vertex. Jen will discuss how to navigate the new tax landscape using advanced tax technology. We will also learn how using automated tools for tax data management, determination, and compliance can help tax functions deal with the increasing complexities in the tax environment across the globe. Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex

Today’s Essential Technologies Amid a New Tax Landscape

The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair will dramatically change the landscape for online sellers when it comes to sales tax. Any business that sells goods remotely could be affected, which means some companies may need to invest in new technology and processes for taxes.  In Episode 1 of our podcast series on the changing space of tax technology, we will talk with thought leaders from Vertex about what the ruling means for the end-to-end tax process at affected businesses. What should businesses being doing to prepare to comply with new rules? How could automating the tax process assist with the new calculation and reporting requirements of the Supreme Court decision? Produced by IDG Communications, Inc., in association with Vertex

South Dakota v. Wayfair Ruling: Are You Ready to Comply?

The global tax landscape is changing: Witness the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair. In other cases, longstanding tax rules no longer apply. For business executives, new technologies and skillsets may help navigate this shifting tax and regulatory reality. Join us as we talk with Vertex thought leaders about the changing tax landscape, how to plan for changes, where emerging technologies may prove beneficial, and best practices for success amid historic changes in tax rules and regulations. - Sponsored by Vertex