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President's Message

Trisha Fortune, CMI, CPA
IPT President

Hello, fellow PROfessionals.  I am excited to share some highlights from our recent Sales Tax Symposium held in late September in Texas.  We had a fantastic turnout, with a great crowd full of energy and enthusiasm.  The sessions were packed with insightful discussions on important topics, and the networking opportunities were incredible—it's always inspiring to see our PRO community come together to exchange ideas and build connections.

A few standout moments include our pickleball event, which was like a well-placed “dink” for experts and beginners alike.  And the Texas Rangers game was full of surprises when the Rangers scored an exciting ninth-inning victory.  And who could forget the late-night bingo?  It brought out the competitive spirit in everyone, with almost a hundred people dropping in to play.  This year, the committee provided both great content and many networking opportunities to make this Symposium one of my all-time favorites.  

The general and keynote sessions were spectacular; we learned about navigating generational differences from Kitty Kollmeyer, witnessed an impactful presentation on ethics from Chuck Gallagher, and learned about the taxation of digital products from the always-informative Jared Walczak. 

Since we've concluded this year’s Sales Tax programs, I want to extend a special thank you to all those who served on planning committees and participated in these events.  Please see below for those who served on these committees and the dates and locations for our upcoming 2025 Sales Tax programs.

This year was also significant for our value added tax (VAT) programs.  We held the inaugural VAT School in May and just wrapped up the VAT Symposium—both being tremendous successes.  The VAT School provided a deep dive into VAT concepts, which was well attended and reviewed, so much so that we’re doing it again in 2025!  (See below for a printable version of all IPT’s 2025 programs.)  The VAT Symposium included many sessions demonstrating how VAT principles are applied in today’s economy and offering strategies to manage them.  I enjoyed welcoming attendees to the VAT Symposium and getting to know them over lunch.

As we head into the final quarter of the year, we’re gearing up for the Credits & Incentives Symposium in October, followed by the Property Tax Symposium and the State Income Tax Symposium in November, all of which will be held in Tucson.  I plan on attending both and I look forward to seeing many of you there as well!

Sales Tax Symposium Recap: Energy, Engagement, and Unforgettable Moments

September’s Sales Tax Symposium was a resounding success, drawing nearly 600 SALT professionals nationwide! It was a fantastic program with great sessions, excellent networking opportunities, and a lively atmosphere that energized the attendees.

The educational sessions were outstanding, featuring insightful presentations on various important topics. Kitty Kollmeyer's keynote on navigating generational differences gave us valuable takeaways for fostering stronger workplace dynamics. Chuck Gallagher's impactful presentation on ethics offered crucial insights into maintaining integrity in our profession. Jared Walczak's deep dive into the taxation of digital products was a particular highlight, providing much-needed clarity on an evolving issue.

Beyond the sessions, the networking events were equally memorable. Attendees loved the pickleball event, the Texas Rangers game, and the late-night bingo – a huge hit! These activities provided the perfect balance of fun and camaraderie, making this year's Symposium truly special.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who worked behind the scenes to make this event a great success. Be sure to check out the event photos, and we look forward to seeing you at the next IPT event!

Keynote speaker Kitty Kollmeyer, PCC, with Sales Tax Symposium Chair Rachael Averett, CMI, IPT President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA, and IPT Executive Director Chris G. Muntifering, CMI.

Attendees got a chance to connect at an evening reception.

President Fortune at the opening session of the Symposium.

Attendees take a moment to chat between sessions.

Monday’s lunch featured region-based tables so participants could discuss the issues specific to their communities.

Jeremy Grove, Esq. and Joesph A. Vinatieri, Esq., led a breakout session to summarize noteworthy judicial sales & use tax developments from the past year.

Conference attendees enjoyed some healthy competition at the networking event featuring pickleball.

Keynote speaker Chuck Gallagher made a lasting impression on us with his message on the consequences of our choices.

Presenters Stephen P. Kranz, Esq. and Tina M. Hartman discuss marketplace laws in this breakout session.

Thomas A Boniface, Jr., CPA

It is with great sadness that IPT learned of the passing of Thomas “Tom” A Boniface Jr. Tom passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

2025 Programs – Mark Your Calendars!

Plan ahead for 2025! The schedule of IPT’s 2025 programs, including dates and locations, is ready for download. Click Here to access the calendar and stay ahead of upcoming events.

Volunteer in 2025!

As a member-run association, IPT relies on its members, both corporate and consultant, to actively participate in the planning and presentation of its programs. Your involvement and perspective are vitally essential in the delivery of content that all attendees come to expect. We ask you to consider serving next year on an IPT committee or speaking at a program to help us continue to provide premier-level programs in 2025.

Experienced speakers are always in high demand in all IPT programs. Balancing these programs with the perspective of both corporate and consultant members creates a highly impactful session for all attendees. Speaking at an IPT program will showcase your unique experience, enhance your networking outreach, and elevate your status within the SALT community.

As a program planning committee member, you will help identify and plan topics of utmost interest to the IPT membership. You will also help identify and select speakers, and if attending that program, work with the chair on opening assigned sessions and possibly acting as a moderator. You can also assist in planning networking events and activities at these programs.

Even though these programs will not happen until next year, the formation of committees is underway now, and soon, speakers will be sought. If you would like to be considered for these opportunities in 2025, contact IPT and an IPT staff member will follow up.

IPT’s Fall Symposiums, the Property Tax and State Income Tax Symposiums are coming this month!

Register by October 17th for the Property Tax Symposium and save $100
Property Tax Symposium
November 10 – 13, 2024
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona

It is one of the year's most anticipated property tax educational programs! The Symposium offers engaging content featuring dozens of sessions on legislative updates, property tax strategies, current events, regional updates, and the latest industry news. Attendees can also earn CPE and connect with fellow property tax professionals. Register now and be a part of this premier event! To register click here.

Early Registration Savings for the State Income Tax Symposium Ends October 17th.
State Income Tax Symposium
November 10 – 13, 2024
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona

IPT’s State Income Tax Symposium offers in-depth insights into the field's most pressing issues. It provides comprehensive analysis and deep dives into the latest and most relevant topics in state income tax. This is the place to learn from the best in the field, gaining actionable strategies to apply in everyday practice. Attendees will hear from leading state income tax professionals from both corporate and advisory backgrounds, sharing their expertise and real-world experiences. To register click here.

New CMIs in Sales Tax

IPT’s Board of Governors has bestowed the CMI Sales Tax designation to the following members, after successfully completing the necessary education, experience, and testing requirements. Please join IPT in congratulating the following members for achieving the CMI Sales Tax designation! 

 

CMI Sales Tax
Christopher Barone, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP
Joshua Blume, CMI – PwC US Tax LLP
Timothy Brooks, CMI – Love’s Travel Stops, Inc.
Jenner Bryson, CMI – Peisner Johnson
Nikhil Chheda, CMI – Nikhil Chheda, LLC
Heath Christian, CMI – AT&T
Austin DeMoss, CMI – Wipfli LLP
Richard Fuller, CMI - RSM US LLP
Rifat Islam, CMI – Texas Tax Group, Inc.
Joe Jacoby, CMI – Allegion PLC
Benjamin Klophaus, CMI - Weaver
Tha Lock, CMI – Ernst & Young LLP
Christine Pope, CMI - TaxValet
Kortney Sonnier, CMI - Weaver

VAT Symposium Highlights

The VAT Symposium was a fantastic event that explored the latest developments in VAT from around the world. Attendees enjoyed engaging presentations, insightful discussions, and strategic guidance on how VAT impacts state and local taxation. The intimate setting fostered meaningful connections, offering ample networking opportunities. The event's combination of expert speakers and focused sessions made it a valuable experience for all attendees.

VAT Symposium Chair Phillippe Stephanny and Vice Chair Anitha Chakravarthi get ready for the opening session.

VAT Symposium Chair welcomes IPT President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA

Steven Butler and Callum Lawson led a trip around the world to examine key principles of the regimes and nuances companies should consider when doing business internationally.

Program Chair Stephanny and Anuradha Mohanty present the first session of the Symposium, Global Technical and Caselaw Updates

VAT Symposium Chair Phillippe Stephanny and Vice Chair Anitha Chakravarthi with Committee members Kaatje Street and Callum Lawson.

CMI/CCIP Exam Schedule & Deadlines

2024 CMI State Income Tax Exams
*The CMI State Income Tax exams are administered by appointment only, and held at the IPT office in Atlanta, Georgia.  
*After completion of the application process, candidates must notify IPT of their intention to sit with at least 90 days’ notice.  The exam date will then be scheduled through coordination with the CMI - State Income Tax Professional Designation Committee. 
*Please contact Jake Lipps, IPT’s Certification Manager, for more information. 

Applications must be received via email on or before the deadline for receipt of applications. Applications received after this deadline will NOT be reviewed in time for consideration of the subsequent exams. 

November 2024 CMI Property Tax Exams
Tucson, Arizona
Exam Dates: November 9-10, 2024

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2024 exams has passed.
* The date for examinees to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements has passed. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 10, 2024.

January 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: January 31 - February 1, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the January 2025 exams is October 30, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than December 16, 2024. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than January 6, 2025.

February 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: February 28 - March 1, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the February 2025 exams is November 25, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than January 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than January 28, 2025.

May 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams (Written Exam Only)
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: May 31, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the May Written Exam 2025 exams is March 10, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than April 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than April 30, 2025.

June 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Exam Dates: June 21-22, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the May Written Exam 2025 exams is March 10, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than May 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than May 21, 2025.

July 2025 CCIP Exam 
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: July 21-22, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the July 2025 CCIP exam is April 21, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than June 9, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than June 20, 2025.

August 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams 
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: August 22 - 23, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the August 2025 CMI Property Tax exams is May 21, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than July 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than July 22, 2025.

September 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams 
Indian Wells, California
Exam Dates: September 27-28, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the September 2025 CMI Sales Tax exams is June 27, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than August 13, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than August 27, 2025.

November 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams 
Indian Wells, California
Exam Dates: November 1 - 2, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2025 CMI Property Tax exams is August 4, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than September 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 1, 2025.

November 2025 CCIP Exam 
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: November 15 - 16, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2025 CCIP exam is August 13, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than October 1, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 15, 2025.

2025 Sales Tax Schools - Save the Date

2025 Sales Tax School I
February 24 – 28, 2025
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta, GA

2025 Sales Tax School II
April 28 - May 2, 2025
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta, GA

Upcoming Local Luncheons 

 

DFW Local Luncheon Golf Tournament
October 22, 2024
Location:  Cowboys Golf Club
8am – 1 pm
Contact:  Kristen Scherer

IPT San Francisco Local Luncheon Group
October 23, 2024 * 12-1 pm 
Location:  Golden Gate University
Topic: The Age of Aquarius and AI; Dawn of New Innovation in State and Local Tax
Speakers: Speakers: 
Steve Vitale
Austin Harrison
Registration: Sandy Jacobs 

IPT St. Louis Local Luncheon Group
Location: Westport Event Center, 12031 Lackland Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63146 
Topics & Speakers:
1. Missouri Tax Appeals
Amy Westermann, Commissioner, Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission
Benjamin Slawson, Counsel, Missouri Department of Revenue
Matt Landwehr, Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP
2. Ethics
Randy Hilger, CPA
3. Loper Bright/Chevron Deference
Sreenu Dandamudi, Director and Associate General Counsel – Regulatory, Spire Energy
Contact: Lorraine Bratcher

IPT Chicago Local Luncheon Group
December 11, 2024 * 12 pm
Location: Greek Islands - Lombardi, IL
Contact: Melissa Metzelfeld 

Thank you to our Sales Tax Program Committees!

Now that IPT’s 2024 Sales Tax Programs have concluded, we thank everyone who dedicated their time and expertise to serving on IPT’s Sales Tax Program committees—your efforts made these events a tremendous success!

Sales Tax I School Committee:
Chair: Emily Gauthier, CMI KPMG LLP
Vice Chair: Leslie S. Hahn, CMI, CPA BDO USA

Jesse R. Adams, III, Esq. Jones Walker LLP
Caroline Cain, CMI Indirect Tax Grant Thornton Advisors LLP
Rodney L. Cole, CMI Lithia Motors, Inc.
Christian Eduardo Diaz The Coca-Cola Company
Winona Dotson, CMI Public Storage, Inc.
Rachel Duplantis, CMII Deloitte Tax LLP
LiKeisha S. Gibson, CMI DMA - DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.
Latasha Lewis, CMI CohnReznick LLP
Mike Maiter, Esq. Vertex, Inc.
Jeff McGhehey, CMI, CPA The Home Depot
Colleen Medici, CMI Comcast Corporation
Michael C. Radvansky, CMI Michael James Sales Tax Solutions, LLC
Crystal Schultz, CMI Eide Bailly LLP
Josh Sigmon, CMI, MBA Compass Group USA
Jason Tomlinson, CMI, CPA Ryan, LLC
Jared Walczak Tax Foundation

Sales Tax School II
Chair: Kathleen M. Holston, CMI, CPA WebsterRogers LLP
Vice Chair: William J. McConnell, CMI, CPA, Esq. Zayo Group LLC

Scott Adams AT&T
Andre B. Burvant, Esq., CPA Jones Walker LLP
Jaye A. Calhoun, CMI, Esq. Kean Miller LLP
Brian M. Ebeling, CMI, MT Innovative Sales Tax Solutions, LLC
Kathleen A. Foster, CMI Ernst & Young LLP Charlotte, NC
Brandon K. Hayes, CMI Indirect Tax Services
Rick L. Johnson, CMI Vertex Inc.
Marjorie Levy, CMI, CPA Hilton Worldwide
Christine Marie Macciomei Indeed
Melissa J-L Myers, CMI BDO USA, LLP
Luke Reese, CMI Merit Advisors, LLC
Jeffrey M. Rhines, CPA DuPont Specialty Products USA, LLC
Tiffany Rodi, CMI Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
Kenneth W. Taylor, Jr., CMI FORVIS, LLP
Daniel L. Thompson, CMI, CPA Thompson Tax LLC
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Esq. Bewley, Lassleben & Miller, LLP

Sales Tax Symposium Committee
Chair: Rachael Averett, CMI Advantous Consulting, LLC
Co-Vice Chair: Joshua Veith, JD, LLM NextEra Energy, Inc
Co-Vice Chair: Jennifer S. White, Esq. KPMG LLP

Dennis Anding, CMI, CPA Crowe LLP
Puneeta Arora, CMI Element Fleet Management Corp.
Ginger Brady Avalara, Inc.
Matthew P. Brown, Esq. Forvis Mazars, LLP
Edward Andrew Chapman, CMI Accenture, LLP
Darryl Allan Conner Reddy Ice LLC
Kathleen Cornett Alston & Bird, LLP
Camanda Fergus Jones Walker LLP
Pamela Flowers Republic National Distributing Company, LLC
Heather Gilbreath, CMI Frazier & Deeter, LLC
Benjamin K. Lee Bewley, Lassleben & Miller, LLP
Chelsea Marmor, Esq. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Dennis Marshall, CMI Deloitte Tax LLP
William Mayer, CMI KPMG LLP
Melissa J-L Myers, CMI BDO USA
Dakota Newton, Esq.
Duane Morris LLP Lan Nguyen, CMI Entergy Services, LLC
Christopher Potter Ryan, LLC
Lorraine Remick Chevron Corporation
David R. Simms, CMI Wheels LLC
Alexander St. Clair, CMI, CPA St. Clair Financial Consulting, Inc.
Chadron Woodfork, CMI Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC