Streamlining the Process with Technology
Builders face numerous challenges when it comes to fulfilling their tax obligations to local governments. While much attention is often given to the financial burden of taxes themselves, the administrative processes involved in paying these taxes can be equally daunting and time-consuming. Many of these challenges mirror those faced by other construction-related industries, but they are often amplified due to the project-based nature and geographical spread of operations in the building sector.
One of the primary hurdles builders encounter is working with their landlords or property managers on tax payments, particularly for those operating from leased workshops or office spaces. In many cases, property taxes are included in lease agreements, with the landlord responsible for making payments to the local government. However, this arrangement can lead to complications if there are discrepancies in the tax assessment or if the landlord fails to make timely payments. Builders may find themselves caught in the middle, potentially facing penalties or operational delays due to circumstances beyond their direct control.
Tax Payments Can Play an Important Role for Builders
Ensuring timely payments is another critical challenge for builders. Local governments often have strict deadlines for tax payments, and missing these deadlines can result in significant penalties and interest charges. For builders managing multiple projects across different jurisdictions, keeping track of various payment schedules and tax rates can be a logistical nightmare. This complexity is further compounded when different taxes (e.g., property taxes, business license fees, sales taxes) have different due dates and payment processes, or if the wrong amount is paid and then errors need to be amended.
These complexities are a real problem within local governments. Approximately 28.4% of governments recognize the complicated nature of their current process and would like to see improvements made in the tax payment process1.
The Technology Working Behind the Scenes
Many builders rely on payment processors or third-party services to handle their tax payments. While this can streamline operations, it also introduces an additional layer of potential complications. Builders must ensure that their chosen payment processor is reliable, accurate, and compliant with local government requirements. Any errors or delays on the part of the payment processor can have serious repercussions for the business, including late fees, compliance issues, and damage to their relationship with local authorities.
The consequences of delays or inaccuracies in tax payments can be severe for builders. Beyond the immediate financial impact of penalties and interest, such issues can create significant headaches for accounting departments. Reconciling discrepancies, correcting errors, and managing disputes with local tax authorities can consume valuable time and resources that could otherwise be devoted to designing, managing and completing builds. Moreover, these problems can potentially impact a builder’s credit rating and reputation, making it more difficult to secure financing or bid on large-scale projects in the future.
Given these challenges, it is important for local governments and their building constituents to leverage the right processing technology provider to facilitate smoother, more efficient tax payment processes. Advanced automation capabilities today can significantly reduce the risk of errors and delays, ensuring that payments are processed accurately and on time. Automated systems can handle complex calculations, apply appropriate tax rates based on jurisdiction, and flag potential issues before they become major problems.
However, technology alone is not enough. Human-led customer service teams play a vital role in supporting builders and government agencies through the tax payment process. These teams can provide expert guidance on complex tax issues, assist with resolving discrepancies, and offer personalized support to builders navigating the intricacies of local tax regulations. The combination of advanced technology and knowledgeable human support creates a robust system that can address the diverse needs of builders across different project types and sizes.
Fostering a More Builder-Friendly Locale
Implementing such comprehensive solutions benefits not only builders but also local governments themselves. By streamlining the tax payment process, governments can improve their revenue collection efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and foster better relationships with the building community. This, in turn, can lead to increased compliance rates and a more stable tax base with long-term building operations to support essential public services.
Moreover, adopting user-friendly, technologically advanced tax payment systems can enhance a locality’s attractiveness to builders. In an era in which construction companies have increasing flexibility in choosing where to locate their operations, the ease of doing business — including the simplicity of tax compliance — can be a significant factor in decision-making. Local governments that invest in modern, efficient tax processing systems may find themselves at a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining builders.
It’s important to recognize that the transition to more advanced tax processing systems is not without its challenges. Local governments must carefully consider factors such as data security, system integration with existing infrastructure, and the need for staff training. However, the long-term benefits of such investments — both for the government and the business community — far outweigh the initial hurdles.
The challenges builders face in paying taxes to local governments are multifaceted and can have significant impacts on their operations and financial health. By recognizing these challenges and taking proactive steps to address them through the implementation of advanced processing technology and robust customer support, local governments can create a more builder-friendly environment.
This approach not only eases the burden on builders but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of local government operations. As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, the adoption of such solutions will be crucial in fostering a thriving, mutually beneficial relationship between local governments and the building community they serve. GSCB
Niko Spyridonos is CEO and Founder of Autoagent (autoagent.com), a leading provider of innovative payment processing solutions tailored for local governments. The company specializes in streamlining tax collection and management through secure online payment portals, making it easier for its government partners to fulfill their financial obligations.
1: Autoagent tax processing survey of local governments; April 2024
