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U.S. Sales Tax Rate Changes Reach 10-Year High

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By Michael Bernard.

The domestic sales tax landscape in the United States has been in a constant state of flux over the last decade. Myriad circumstances including a lagging economy, restrictions around COVID-19, shrinking sales tax bases and reductions in federal aid for state and local governments have all led to 2023 seeing a 10-year high for sales tax rate changes.

In fact, the 2023 Vertex End-of-Year Sales Tax Rates and Rules report shows that a total of 444 sales tax rate changes took place across all U.S. state and local jurisdictions. Beyond that, the total number of rate changes as well as new sales taxes across all jurisdictions — 676 in 2023 — is second only to the 724 combined changes and new sales taxes that occurred in 2017. The 2023 number is also roughly 17% higher than the combined total for 2022, showing that this trend will likely continue into 2024.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. A closer look shows that several trends emerged and contributed to the volatility and complexity of tracking and complying with indirect taxes in 2023.

Companies faced a barrage of district-level rate changes. Generally, around 100 new district taxes are enacted each year to fund fire protection, emergency services, hospitals and other services. As all of these new district taxes continue to accumulate, more and more tax jurisdictions are recalibrating their tax rates. In 2023, the number of rate changes jumped to 173, up threefold from 63 rate changes in 2022. Thankfully for taxpayers, many of those changes were decreases, but that doesn’t make those changes any less complex for tax teams tracking this information for compliance purposes.

Rate increases outnumbered decreases in cities and counties. Of the 76 sales tax rate changes that took place at the county level, 52 were rate increases and only 24 consisted of decreases — a nearly 2:1 ratio. At the city level, sales tax rate increases — 158 — outnumbered decreases — 35 — by almost 5:1.

States continue to issue new fees, exemptions and tax holidays. State and local jurisdictions continue to implement more fees, including everything from environmental “green fees” and retail delivery service fees to fees on transactions within airport and entertainment or dining districts. While these are not technically sales taxes per se, they pose similar challenges to indirect tax teams. In 2023, several states including Maryland and Pennsylvania implemented new green fees; Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida deployed new sales tax exemptions or updated their existing exemptions; and Minnesota brought on new delivery fees.

Since 2014, an average of 372 sales and use tax rate changes have occurred annually. But if you look deeper, you’ll see that the rate change increase most recently has been driven solely by districts. State sales tax rates have held steady or decreased slightly in the past several years, while the number of new district taxes has ranged from 115 to a staggering 237 in the past decade.

What does all of this mean for 2024? The short version is more of the same. However, the factors driving increases in new sales taxes and rate changes will evolve.

Current state fiscal conditions appear unsustainable. State and local fund reserves have been full in recent years due to pandemic-related federal relief. While this is positive news, there are signs that show the situation could change. With a shrinking sales tax base, widespread cuts to other funding sources (income taxes and property taxes), dwindling federal pandemic aid and the growing use of sales tax holidays, states will need to increase sales tax rates, implement new fees and extend sales taxes to new areas.

Sales taxes on services don’t seem likely for 2024. Despite half of U.S. gross domestic product being generated by services (both professional and personal), states have encountered incredible hurdles in attempting to tax those services. Not only is it a significant administrative lift — new regulations must be drafted, more auditors need to be trained and processes must be overhauled.

It’s clear that tax departments will need to be nimble once again in 2024, adjusting to the situations outlined above along with other developments including legislative and regulatory changes.

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Michael Bernard is Chief Tax Officer at Vertex, Inc.

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Leaders

Mark Cuban is The Maverick Entrepreneur Changing Business and Beyond

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Mark Cuban's journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit

From selling garbage bags door-to-door as a child to becoming a billionaire tech pioneer and beloved “Shark,” Mark Cuban’s journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit. His straight-talking approach and business acumen have made him one of the most recognizable business figures of our time.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pittsburgh on July 31, 1958, to working-class parents, Cuban learned the value of hustle early. His grandfather, a Russian immigrant, sold merchandise from the back of his car—perhaps planting the entrepreneurial seed that would define Cuban’s future.

After graduating from Indiana University in 1981 with a degree in business, Cuban didn’t follow a traditional career path. Instead, he moved to Dallas with just $60 in his pocket, sleeping on the floor of a friend’s apartment while working as a bartender.

Building His Fortune

Cuban’s first major success came in 1990 when he sold his computer consulting firm, MicroSolutions, for $6 million. However, his true financial breakthrough arrived during the internet boom of the 1990s. Cuban and his business partner Todd Wagner founded Broadcast.com, an internet radio company that streamed audio of sports events and other content.

In 1999, Yahoo acquired Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in stock—a deal that instantly made Cuban a billionaire and cemented his place in tech history.

The Dallas Mavericks Era

In 2000, Cuban purchased a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for $285 million. Under his passionate and sometimes controversial leadership, the team transformed from a struggling franchise into NBA champions in 2011.

Unlike traditional team owners, Cuban sits courtside at games, openly criticizes referees, and maintains close relationships with players. His hands-on approach revolutionized NBA ownership culture and turned the Mavericks into a billion-dollar franchise.

Beyond Business: Media and Philanthropy

Cuban’s charismatic personality made him a natural fit for television. Since 2011, he has been a main investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where his no-nonsense approach and investment savvy have helped launch numerous successful startups.

Behind the public persona lies a dedicated philanthropist. The Mark Cuban Foundation supports various causes, including entrepreneurship programs for at-risk youth and research into treating rare diseases. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs, aiming to dramatically reduce prescription medication prices for millions of Americans.

Looking Forward

Today, Cuban continues to disrupt industries through his forward-thinking investments in AI, cryptocurrency, and healthcare. Despite his billions, colleagues describe him as remarkably approachable and genuinely passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Cuban remains focused on making healthcare more affordable through Cost Plus Drugs and exploring new frontiers in digital technology. His commitment to transparency in business practices and creating opportunities for others forms the cornerstone of his ongoing legacy.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Cuban’s advice remains consistent: follow your passion, outwork the competition, and always be learning. As he often says, “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it all away from you.”

Mark Cuban’s journey from selling garbage bags to building a multi-billion-dollar empire proves that with determination, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, extraordinary success is possible.

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Technology

Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

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Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. Unlike classical computers, which use bits to process information as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers leverage qubits, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, along with entanglement and quantum tunneling, enables quantum computers to solve complex problems exponentially faster than traditional systems. As this technology advances, industries across the board are exploring its potential to revolutionize computing, security, and data processing.

Real-World Applications of Quantum Computing in Industries

Several industries are already benefiting from quantum computing’s capabilities. In healthcare, quantum algorithms are accelerating drug discovery by simulating molecular structures at an unprecedented scale, significantly reducing the time required for pharmaceutical research. Financial institutions are leveraging quantum computing to optimize trading strategies, portfolio management, and risk assessment. In manufacturing, quantum simulations enhance material science, leading to the development of stronger and more efficient materials. The logistics sector is also utilizing quantum computing to optimize supply chain management, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Key Developments from Tech Giants in Quantum Research

Leading technology companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Intel are at the forefront of quantum computing research. Google made headlines with its claim of achieving quantum supremacy in 2019 when its quantum processor completed a calculation in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer thousands of years. IBM continues to advance its quantum computing roadmap with cloud-accessible quantum computers and the development of a 1,000-qubit processor. Microsoft is investing heavily in topological qubits, a novel approach aimed at creating more stable quantum processors. Meanwhile, Intel is working on silicon-based quantum chips, striving to make quantum computing more scalable and accessible.

Quantum Cryptography and Its Potential to Redefine Security

As quantum computers advance, they pose a significant threat to current encryption methods. Traditional cryptographic techniques, such as RSA and ECC encryption, rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, a challenge that quantum computers can overcome almost instantly. Quantum cryptography, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), offers a solution by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to create theoretically unbreakable encryption. Governments and cybersecurity firms are actively researching post-quantum cryptographic solutions to safeguard sensitive data against potential quantum attacks.

Challenges in Scaling Quantum Technologies

Despite its immense potential, quantum computing faces several challenges before it can become widely adopted. One of the biggest hurdles is qubit stability, as qubits are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, leading to errors in computations. Error correction mechanisms are still in their early stages, requiring significant advancements before quantum computers can handle large-scale, practical applications. Additionally, quantum hardware is expensive and requires extreme cooling conditions, making commercialization difficult. Researchers and tech companies are actively working on solutions to address these challenges, but widespread implementation remains years, if not decades, away.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries by solving complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. From pharmaceutical research and financial modeling to secure communications and logistics optimization, its applications are vast and transformative. However, challenges related to scalability, stability, and cost must be addressed before quantum computers can become mainstream. With continued advancements from tech giants and research institutions, the future of quantum computing holds immense promise, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in computing and security.

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Technology

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy for 2025

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Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy

In a strategic move to diversify revenue streams and enhance user engagement, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has unveiled plans to introduce paid subscriptions for select subreddit content by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to offer exclusive, subscriber-only content within certain communities while maintaining the platform’s foundational free access.

During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session, Huffman described the paid content model as a “work in progress,” emphasizing its significance as one of the “new, key features” slated for rollout this year. He reassured users that the introduction of paid subreddits would not compromise the availability and growth of free content on the platform. This approach seeks to balance monetization efforts with Reddit’s commitment to open access, ensuring that the core user experience remains intact.

In addition to paid subscriptions, Reddit is exploring the development of marketplace features within subreddits. This would enable users to conduct transactions directly on the platform, facilitating the buying and selling of goods and services without the need for third-party platforms. Such a marketplace could significantly enhance user interactions and create new monetization avenues for both Reddit and its users. However, Huffman noted that this aspect of monetization is still under development and may take time to fully implement.

These strategic initiatives come in the wake of Reddit’s financial performance in 2024, where the company reported a net loss, prompting a reevaluation of its monetization strategies. Despite the financial setback, Reddit experienced a 39% increase in daily active unique visitors, totaling 101.7 million users. This growth, although slightly below market estimates, underscores the platform’s expanding user base and the potential for monetization through diversified offerings.

Reddit’s foray into paid content and on-platform transactions reflects a broader trend among social media platforms seeking sustainable revenue models beyond traditional advertising. By introducing exclusive content and facilitating user-driven commerce, Reddit aims to enhance user engagement, attract new audiences, and provide content creators with opportunities to monetize their contributions. As these plans unfold, the platform will need to navigate potential challenges, including user reception and the integration of new features, to successfully balance monetization with its community-driven ethos.

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