They say, "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey." Well, I recently got back from 'holiday' (vacation) and in my opinion, I definitely enjoyed the destination more than the journey.
The act of getting from point A to point B and C and D..... which involves driving to the airport, flying, taking trains, renting cars - all a process of hurrying and waiting, trying to follow signs to get to the right place on time when you've never been there before - it can all be quite stressful, confusing and frustrating at times.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh - but when you get to the place you were traveling to, you can finally relax, catch your breath, and breath a sigh of relief. You made it.
Can you relate?
This whole process of getting from point A to point B, and journey vs. destination plays out in our daily lives - in our careers, our families - and the goals we make and strive for. It's a little different than traveling from the aspect that the "journey" for our careers and families is a daily journey. Our whole lives could be described as made up of several journeys and destinations. A marathon with a series of sprints, so to speak. Thus, we have to find a way to enjoy the journey and not just the destinations or we will be miserable.
Why am I talking about this on a state tax newsletter?
Well, all business professionals and tax professionals are people with goals, dreams who deal with this issue. Also, all companies, as they grow go through the same stages of "journeys and destinations" with aspirations of continued growth. Constantly seeking new strategies and tactics to achieve new levels of growth and success. Consequently, life and business requires navigating the ups and downs of the journey and destinations.
State taxes, whether that be sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes or payroll taxes can inhibit a company's growth or ability to reach desired destinations if not addressed effectively and timely.
State tax policy in 2026 is marked by broad tax reductions and base changes alongside evolving new taxes and compliance burdens. Many states implemented income tax rate cuts or flattening reforms amid strong post-pandemic revenues, while others broadened tax bases (especially sales taxes to digital goods, services and advertising). A few states are attempting to raise taxes on "millionaires."
Federal changes (notably the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA) are prompting states to revisit conformity to bonus depreciation, R&D deductions, and SALT deduction workarounds. Remote commerce and workforce realities continue to reshape nexus (taxable presence) rules. The protection of P.L. 86-272 is being diminished.
Pass-through entity (PTE) taxes for the SALT cap workaround have spread to nearly all eligible states (36+). States are grappling with the digital economy and how to impose sales tax on it. Administration and enforcement are intensifying. States face budget pressures from slower economic growth and reduced federal funds, so they are boosting audit focus and targeting compliance gaps.
Within the above environment of constant change and uncertainty, companies have to continue their journey to their desired destination with the hope they can minimize negative impacts. Therefore, state and local taxes shouldn't be an afterthought or something to postpone addressing.
I hope you enjoy your journey(s) and pause to enjoy the destinations in your life (and business).
Peace. Be blessed.