CPE Sneak Peek: Sales Tax

Brent Watson, CPA, has always admired the work of doctors and reckons this appreciation is what pointed him in the direction of accounting.

While his work specializing in state and local tax doesn't involve monitoring physical wounds or prescribing medicine, his job does allow him to aid people and address their financial pain and burdens.

Addressing challenging tax laws and preventing damage to his patients' businesses makes him a self-proclaimed "sales tax doctor."

Watson will be providing a basic overview of the most important areas of sales tax that CPAs in the workplace need to be aware of at the OSCPA's upcoming Lunch + Learn: Sales Tax Overview for CPAs on July 19. 

"CPAs need to be aware of issues that can greatly impact businesses – usually in damaging ways, and occasionally in beneficial ways," Watson said. "We don’t intend to cover the details of any of these issues, but we hope to inform attendees so that they are aware and alert to these issues."

Watson has more than 30 years of practice in sales tax, property tax and tax incentive programs, and he is currently the principal at SALTA, PLLC, a tax advocacy firm which he founded in 2017. He is also a 14-year member of the OSCPA.

OSCPA members can attend this CPE event, in-person or virtually, for FREE. Sign up today to ensure you are ready to manage the sales tax needs of your clients.

Q&A with Brent Watson, CPA

Wire: What was the experience of founding your own firm, SALTA, PLLC, like?
Watson: Founding SALTA has been the most satisfying experience in my professional career. It has provided an opportunity to assist smaller clients who cannot afford services by the large national firms, as well as networking with local CPA firms and other consultants nationally to provide the support that our clients need. 

Wire: What goal or experience is still on your bucket list?
Watson: As I approach the “senior season” of life, one of my goals is to develop folks who can continue the SALTA legacy of providing excellent caring service. Personally, I am looking forward to opportunities to spend time more time with friends and family and to work with our state leaders to improve our tax laws. (And maybe I am crazy, but I have considered running for office…)

Wire: What do you consider your greatest achievement? 
Watson: Looking back over the time since we launched SALTA, it is gratifying to remember times that we helped clients overcome serious challenges, including unfair audits and multi-state tax compliance. Additionally, I have had opportunities to advise Oklahoma leaders about various tax simplifications and improvement opportunities.

Wire: What advice would you give to new or aspiring CPAs?
Watson: Remember that folks don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. If you treat people according to the “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12) – treating them as you would like to be treated – rather than focusing on how much revenue you will extract from them, clients will be loyal and will tell others as they move between employers. As long as you guard your reputation by being honest and caring for your customers, you will have a fulfilling career.

Don't miss out on benefiting from Watson's priceless expertise. Save your spot for the OSCPA's Lunch + Learn: Sales Tax Overview for CPAs, July 19, in person or virtually.