Topic: Turning the tables of state tax auditors by getting refunds of sales & use tax

Speakers: Bryan Valencia, Partner, Calvetti Ferguson and The Woodlands, TX Chapter Co-Chair, and Orges Lleshaj, Sales and Use Tax Senior Manager, Dallas, Calvetti Ferguson

Presentation: 

Sales and use tax refund review projects offer businesses a proactive means to recover overpaid taxes and optimize their financial resources. By conducting thorough assessments of past transactions, companies can identify instances where they have overpaid sales and use taxes, often due to exemptions, credits, or erroneous calculations. Recovering these overpayments through refund reviews can result in significant savings and boost the company's bottom line. Additionally, these projects help in fostering compliance awareness and ensuring that businesses are maximizing their tax benefits within the bounds of the law.

Moreover, sales and use tax refund review projects contribute to enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of a company's tax processes. By systematically analyzing historical data and identifying areas for improvement, businesses can implement measures to prevent future overpayments and streamline their tax compliance procedures. This proactive approach not only mitigates the risk of costly errors but also frees up resources that can be redirected towards core business activities. Furthermore, by demonstrating a commitment to optimizing financial performance, sales and use tax refund review projects can enhance the company's reputation and instill confidence among investors and stakeholders.

Speakers' bios:

Bryan Valencia
Bryan is a tax partner and serves on the executive committee. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy. He has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting, specializes in federal taxation, and works regularly with international and state tax issues. He has extensive experience in IRS examinations and works with clients in manufacturing, oilfield services, distribution companies, oil & gas, engineering services, software, healthcare, and real estate. His service expertise includes federal and state tax compliance, tax consulting, and specialty tax credit consulting. Bryan is also affiliated with the Texas Society of CPAs, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Nebraska Society of CPAs. He is also highly involved in his community serving organizations, such as the Financial Executives Networking Group, the Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation, and the Boy Scouts of America.
 

Orges Lleshaj
Orges has over eight years of professional experience in sales and use tax. He is a certified member of the Institute for Professionals of Taxation and spent the last six years working for a Big Four public accounting firm. Orges has extensive experience working with clients in various industries, including energy, manufacturing, telecommunication, and financial services. He specializes in assisting clients in defending audits, filing refund reviews, performing research, voluntary disclosure agreements, and compliance work. Orges holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from East Central University.