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2 min read

Franchise fee changes in Missouri

By Azavar Executive Leadership on Sep 24, 2021 3:48:04 PM

Recent legislation slashes a key revenue source for local governments

Local leaders across Missouri are scrambling to figure out how big a bite recent legislation will take out of their revenue streams over the next few years.

Gov. Mike Parsons recently signed a package of legislation that outlines how Missouri municipalities can collect online use tax. The state was the last in the country to reconcile the 2018 Supreme Court decision South Dakota v. Wayfair.

Part of the law includes a provision that cuts cable franchise fees in half by 2027. This has some communities panicking, as revenue from cable franchise fees shrivel over the past decade as consumers shift from traditional cable packages to streaming services.

Topics: utility tax franchise fee Missouri cable tax streaming tax
1 min read

Forest View, Illinois chooses Azavar to advance tax compliance

By Tom Fagan on Aug 27, 2021 9:27:48 AM

Azavar has been selected by Forest View, Illinois to conduct a comprehensive review of its taxes and fees. We are pleased to partner with this unique Cook County community, which lies along Chicago's west side border.

One key reason that municipalities seek out tax compliance audits is that they suspect what we call a revenue leak— a loss of income from taxes and fees caused by errors to tax rolls.

Topics: azavar utility tax revenue review client news Illinois compliance audit
2 min read

Tax Compliance Reviews for Bath, New York

By Tom Fagan on Aug 27, 2021 9:08:10 AM

We’re excited to welcome yet another new customer to the Azavar family—Bath, New York. This town of more than 12,000 is located in New York State’s Finger Lakes region, a well-loved region known for recreation, agriculture, and viticulture.

Topics: azavar utility tax franchise fee client news New York local revenue
2 min read

$45K in additional local revenue after a compliance audit

By Azavar Local Revenue Team on Jun 15, 2021 11:52:22 AM

Learn how we're bringing revenue home to Chino Hills, California

Southern California’s Chino Hills community is tucked at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. This area has experienced explosive population growth over the past 20 years and now boasts a population of nearly 84,000. Local leaders need more funds to keep up with expansion.

Topics: utility tax revenue review compliance audit California audit results
2 min read

Cord-cutting leads to falling cable taxes, states to take action

By Shylo Bisnett on Mar 31, 2021 9:53:10 AM

In just 2020 alone, more than six million Americans nixed cable service in favor of getting content from a streaming platform. Some of the reasons include a desire to save on the cost of a costly cable package, lack of interest in much of what cable offers, and increased content quality from competitors.

Topics: local government utility tax local budgets cable tax
1 min read

National Chocolate Cake Day

By Shylo Bisnett on Jan 27, 2021 2:07:36 PM

January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day!

Pretty much everyone loves chocolate cake, right? Sinking your teeth into a decadent slice of moist cake slathered in the frosting of your choice … it really doesn’t get much better than that.

Treat yourself to a slice (or two) of chocolate cake from your favorite local bakery today. It’s a great moment of self care, and helps support small businesses. And we all know that Main Street businesses can use every penny right now.

Topics: utility tax revenue review
1 min read

Recovered: $1 Million in Cable Franchise Fees

By Shylo Bisnett on Dec 14, 2020 7:00:00 AM

Learn how we helped Springfield, Illinois find these funds

Local governments have always had to track down every possible penny. And nowadays? It’s absolutely critical.

Azavar’s team of local government revenue experts partnered with Springfield, Illinois on a comprehensive review and discovered nearly $1 million in uncollected cable franchise fees. That’s not pocket change! Learn all about it here.

Impressed? Set up a time to speak with our team about how we can partner with your municipality. We’ll take a look at your books and get to work for you—with no upfront costs.

Topics: utility tax case study franchise fee revenue review