Sales Tax Research Specialist
Purple Wave Auction, Manhattan, KS, United States
Purple Wave is a growing online auction services company with nearly 400 employees. Our subsidiary of a publicly traded company facilitates thousands of transactions daily across multiple states, requiring accurate sales tax determination for diverse product categories and complex buyer/seller scenarios.
Purple Wave is seeking an experienced Sales Tax Research Specialist to serve as a subject‑matter expert for multi‑state sales tax compliance. This research‑focused role requires deep investigative skills to interpret tax statutes, track legislative changes, and build comprehensive documentation of sales tax rules across jurisdictions.
Responsibilities
Tax Research & Legislative Analysis
Conduct in‑depth research of sales tax statutes, regulations, administrative rulings, and case law across multiple states.
Monitor legislative changes, proposed bills, and regulatory updates affecting sales tax applicability and rates.
Research and interpret state‑specific guidance on exemption eligibility, product taxability, and sourcing rules for specialized categories (farm equipment, industrial equipment, construction machinery and vehicles).
Investigate nexus implications, boundary changes, and jurisdictional modifications impacting tax obligations.
Cross‑reference multiple authoritative sources to verify accuracy and resolve conflicting guidance.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
Create detailed research memoranda documenting findings, analysis, and supporting citations.
Develop comprehensive reference guides and maintain a searchable knowledge base of state‑specific tax rules.
Build a tax research library organized by state, product type, and tax topic with proper audit trails.
Prepare research summaries of significant tax law changes and their operational impact.
Translate complex tax research into clear, accessible guidance for non‑tax professionals.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication
Partner with Accounting to share research findings and align on tax positions.
Provide tax research support and guidance to Customer Service, Operations, and Sales teams.
Conduct training sessions on tax updates and exemption requirements for internal stakeholders.
Serve as liaison between departments on tax‑related questions and process improvements.
Communicate proactively with leadership on emerging tax issues and compliance risks.
Tax Calculation, Compliance & Rate Management
Research and map sales tax jurisdictions, rates, and special districts for new business locations and expansion.
Provide backup support for sales tax calculations and tax determination for routine and complex transactions.
Provide occasional support for customer exemption certificate review and validation.
Assist with sales tax compliance activities including return review, remittance verification, and filing support as needed.
Research and resolve escalated tax questions involving ambiguous statutes or unique transaction scenarios.
Provide research‑backed guidance to customer service and accounting teams on complex tax matters.
Support audit preparation with historical research and documentation of tax positions.
Process Improvement
Identify gaps in tax research documentation and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with IT and Product teams on tax automation projects and software evaluation.
Share best practices with team members and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Undertake additional assigned duties as requested.
Supervisory Responsibilities None
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, Business Administration, or related field.
6+ years of progressive experience in sales tax research, compliance analysis, or a related tax research role.
Demonstrated expertise researching and interpreting tax statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance.
Strong understanding of US multi-state sales tax framework including exemptions, nexus, sourcing rules, and use tax.
Proven ability to conduct complex legal/regulatory research using government databases and official sources.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems.
Exceptional analytical and written communication skills with the ability to document research clearly.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
Strong ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax audiences.
Self-directed with strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Team player who shares knowledge and contributes to collaborative problem-solving.
Spanish speaking bi‑lingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Applicants may be requested to complete position-specific skills assessments.
Applicants must be either a U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.
Requires the ability to satisfactorily complete a background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Multi-state sales tax research experience with e-commerce or marketplace businesses.
Experience with sales tax software (Avalara, Vertex, etc.).
Knowledge of auction business models and equipment categories (construction, agriculture, fleet, industrial).
Experience with Sage Intacct or similar cloud accounting systems.
Experience training or presenting to diverse audiences.
Working Settings
Full-time, salaried, exempt; not eligible for overtime.
Office hours are 8 am–5 pm, Monday through Friday, Central Time zone; additional hours may be required depending on priorities.
Remote eligible with preference given to candidates based near our Manhattan, Kansas headquarters.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Must be able to access various departments of the location.
Compensation
Salary range of $80,000–$110,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Monthly bonus program based on company revenue, paid on a “percent to plan” formula (90% = $300, 100% = $600, 110% = $900, 120% = $1,200).
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with employer match up to 4% starting the first day of employment.
Company-paid life insurance with options for supplemental coverage.
Fully paid short-term disability provided by the company.
3 weeks of paid time off annually (details shared during onboarding).
Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) – eligible to purchase company stock at a discount after 90 days of employment; enrollment opportunities each May and November.
Equal Opportunity Employer Purple Wave is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to selecting the best-qualified candidate for each position in the organization. No employee will discriminate against an applicant for employment or a fellow employee based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, or other physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.
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Purple Wave is seeking an experienced Sales Tax Research Specialist to serve as a subject‑matter expert for multi‑state sales tax compliance. This research‑focused role requires deep investigative skills to interpret tax statutes, track legislative changes, and build comprehensive documentation of sales tax rules across jurisdictions.
Responsibilities
Tax Research & Legislative Analysis
Conduct in‑depth research of sales tax statutes, regulations, administrative rulings, and case law across multiple states.
Monitor legislative changes, proposed bills, and regulatory updates affecting sales tax applicability and rates.
Research and interpret state‑specific guidance on exemption eligibility, product taxability, and sourcing rules for specialized categories (farm equipment, industrial equipment, construction machinery and vehicles).
Investigate nexus implications, boundary changes, and jurisdictional modifications impacting tax obligations.
Cross‑reference multiple authoritative sources to verify accuracy and resolve conflicting guidance.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
Create detailed research memoranda documenting findings, analysis, and supporting citations.
Develop comprehensive reference guides and maintain a searchable knowledge base of state‑specific tax rules.
Build a tax research library organized by state, product type, and tax topic with proper audit trails.
Prepare research summaries of significant tax law changes and their operational impact.
Translate complex tax research into clear, accessible guidance for non‑tax professionals.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication
Partner with Accounting to share research findings and align on tax positions.
Provide tax research support and guidance to Customer Service, Operations, and Sales teams.
Conduct training sessions on tax updates and exemption requirements for internal stakeholders.
Serve as liaison between departments on tax‑related questions and process improvements.
Communicate proactively with leadership on emerging tax issues and compliance risks.
Tax Calculation, Compliance & Rate Management
Research and map sales tax jurisdictions, rates, and special districts for new business locations and expansion.
Provide backup support for sales tax calculations and tax determination for routine and complex transactions.
Provide occasional support for customer exemption certificate review and validation.
Assist with sales tax compliance activities including return review, remittance verification, and filing support as needed.
Research and resolve escalated tax questions involving ambiguous statutes or unique transaction scenarios.
Provide research‑backed guidance to customer service and accounting teams on complex tax matters.
Support audit preparation with historical research and documentation of tax positions.
Process Improvement
Identify gaps in tax research documentation and recommend improvements.
Collaborate with IT and Product teams on tax automation projects and software evaluation.
Share best practices with team members and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Undertake additional assigned duties as requested.
Supervisory Responsibilities None
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Tax, Business Administration, or related field.
6+ years of progressive experience in sales tax research, compliance analysis, or a related tax research role.
Demonstrated expertise researching and interpreting tax statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance.
Strong understanding of US multi-state sales tax framework including exemptions, nexus, sourcing rules, and use tax.
Proven ability to conduct complex legal/regulatory research using government databases and official sources.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems.
Exceptional analytical and written communication skills with the ability to document research clearly.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
Strong ability to explain complex tax concepts to non-tax audiences.
Self-directed with strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Team player who shares knowledge and contributes to collaborative problem-solving.
Spanish speaking bi‑lingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Applicants may be requested to complete position-specific skills assessments.
Applicants must be either a U.S. Citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.
Requires the ability to satisfactorily complete a background check.
Preferred Qualifications
Multi-state sales tax research experience with e-commerce or marketplace businesses.
Experience with sales tax software (Avalara, Vertex, etc.).
Knowledge of auction business models and equipment categories (construction, agriculture, fleet, industrial).
Experience with Sage Intacct or similar cloud accounting systems.
Experience training or presenting to diverse audiences.
Working Settings
Full-time, salaried, exempt; not eligible for overtime.
Office hours are 8 am–5 pm, Monday through Friday, Central Time zone; additional hours may be required depending on priorities.
Remote eligible with preference given to candidates based near our Manhattan, Kansas headquarters.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Must be able to access various departments of the location.
Compensation
Salary range of $80,000–$110,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Monthly bonus program based on company revenue, paid on a “percent to plan” formula (90% = $300, 100% = $600, 110% = $900, 120% = $1,200).
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with employer match up to 4% starting the first day of employment.
Company-paid life insurance with options for supplemental coverage.
Fully paid short-term disability provided by the company.
3 weeks of paid time off annually (details shared during onboarding).
Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) – eligible to purchase company stock at a discount after 90 days of employment; enrollment opportunities each May and November.
Equal Opportunity Employer Purple Wave is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to selecting the best-qualified candidate for each position in the organization. No employee will discriminate against an applicant for employment or a fellow employee based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, or other physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.
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