2022 State Tax Conference

Richard Jones presented on two topics at the 2022 State Tax Conference, sponsored by the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA).

On January 13, Rich presented "State Tax and Technology." Rapidly evolving advances in technology redefine the very nature of the products and services that are bought and sold. But our state tax laws have not kept apace, leaving taxing authorities and businesses to struggle over how to apply old-school tax laws to new-fangled technologies. Rich addressed the state tax implications for various incarnations of software and internet transactions, and recent Massachusetts case law.

On January 14, Rich presented "Sales/Use Tax for Contractors, an Identity Crisis." For sales tax purposes, contractors who construct or improve real property are distinguished from vendors that sell tangible personal property. But for many businesses, including granite countertop companies, cabinet makers, flooring specialists and electricians, there is industry-wide confusion. In this session, Rich discussed the fundamentals and nuances troubling Massachusetts DOR audit policies and best strategies to help avoid the consequences of getting it wrong.