In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we speak with Craig Johnson, Executive Director of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. Craig talks about what the board does and shares some of their accomplishments since 1999 with both participating and nonparticipating states.
Questions asked and answered in this Episode:
- What is Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board?
- What are some of Streamlined’s major accomplishments?
- Why aren’t the other 22 states registered with the board?
What You Will Discover:
- [00:44] What is Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board
- [02:48] Some of their major accomplishments
- [07:40] Their central registration system for sellers
- [13:22] Why other states don’t register to participate
- [19:38] Creating uniform definitions using candy as an example
- [29:13] The resolution to allow non-member states to participate
- [35:47] Survey results from registered sellers
- [41:34] What Craig is hopeful for the future
Quotables:
- “We’ve made significant improvements and significant strides in making it easier for businesses.” - Craig Johnson [02:43]
- “We didn’t really have, I don’t believe, a true appreciation for all the various nuances multi-state businesses face. We knew our laws inside and out. I knew our laws inside and out. Quite frankly, expected multi-state businesses to know them just as well, but while we’re focusing just on our laws, multi-state businesses, they're trying to do this and they’re focusing on every state’s laws that they’re operating in. And I think as part of our accomplishments, we now as states have a much better understanding and appreciate really for what multi-state businesses face and the challenges that they have.” - Craig Johnson [05:24]
- “If you’re not in a Streamlined state and you’re going to make sales in any one of our member states, you can still register through Streamlined.” - Craig Johnson [13:11]
- “We are trying very hard to walk that fine line of where does simplification or where does simplification in state sovereignty, where’s the ideal spot for them to meet?” - Craig Johnson [21:16]
- “I want a business to focus on growing its business. I don’t want a business to focus on ‘I have to do my taxes. I have to calculate sales tax.’ Let somebody else do that.” - Craig Johnson [39:53]
- “We have to listen to business. If we’re going to make things easier, we have to understand from the people that are actually doing the work on a day to day basis. What’s causing the problem? And then figure out what the response is and work with them, like ‘Ok, what do we see as a solution that works from both the states’ side and the seller’s side?’” - Craig Johnson [43:58]
Relevant Links:
Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board: streamlinedsalestax.org
Craig Johnson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craig-johnson-97027b69
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