DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIRECT TAX

Monday, October 23, 2023 – All Times Listed are Central Time Zone

StartEndMinutesTopicSpeaker(s)
12:00Registration
12:55Welcome and Introductory Remarks
1:002:0060Expanding Sales Tax to Services – A Kentucky Case Study and Policy Analysis
Like most states, Kentucky previously imposed its sales and use tax on retail sales of most tangible personal property but only on a few services. But since 2018, the Kentucky General Assembly has been busy expanding the base to include many new services. These additions have been a jolt and challenge to administrators, practitioners, and the public. This panel will use these changes in the Bluegrass State as a case study to discuss the policy issues and analyze the pros and cons of expanding a sales tax to most services. (60 Min.)
Richard Dobson, Executive Director, Office of Sales & Excise Taxes, Kentucky Department of Revenue; Frankfort, KY

Michael Mazerov, Senior Fellow, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities; Washington, DC

Fred Nicely, Senior Tax Counsel, Council On State Taxation; Washington, DC

Mark Sommer
(Moderator), Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLP; Louisville, KY
2:003:0060Ever-Changing Trends in Sales and Use Tax Compliance Many businesses rely on a combination of in-house employees and outsourced providers to manage their sales and use tax compliance. This session will explore the benefits and issues that can arise with outsourcing versus co-sourcing models and will provide guidance for managing outsourced providers. The panelists will also discuss emerging trends and strategies for handling sales tax compliance. (60 Min.)Kyle Brehm, State & Local Tax Attorney, Fredrikson & Byron, PA; Minneapolis, MN

Gwendolyn Evans, Principal & CEO, GSE; Dallas, TX 

Jennifer Jensen, Partner, PwC; Washington, DC
3:003:15

Break

3:154:1560What Exactly Did I Purchase? The True Object and Similar Tests
The continuing convergence of technology and services into a single product requires vendors and taxing authorities to conduct often difficult and fact-intensive analysis to determine taxability. This panel will discuss the latest developments regarding the application of the true object test (and similar tests) for analyzing these mixed transactions, as well as case studies to help bring clarity to an often opaque area of tax law. (60 Min.)
Jennifer White, Partner, Reed Smith LLP; New York, NY

Carley Roberts, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Sacramento, CA

Robert Weyman, Principal, KPMG LLP; New York, NY
4:155:1560These Ain’t Your Grandma’s Digital Products
The digital revolution has continued to race forward without a pause to give state tax agencies or taxpayers a chance to catch up. Where are the cracks beginning to show? What can be done to patch things up? Or have things gotten so far along that more fundamental reform is needed? This panel will discuss the most recent changes in the digital economy and the states’ efforts to respond. (60 Min.)
Gil Brewer, Senior Assistant Director for Tax Policy, Washington State Department of Revenue; Tumwater, WA

Jeff Cook, Senior Manager, Washington National Tax, KPMG LLP; Washington, DC

Chris Wilson, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP; Nashville, TN
5:15Adjourn
5:157:00Cocktail Reception – Sponsored by Tax Notes
TOTALDAY240

CLE: 4 hours – CPE: 4.8 hours (4.5 NASBA)