Enhanced automation and reporting leads to efficiencies and time savings
30 minutes
The time it now takes to process and file sales and use tax returns each month – down from three days.
At a glance
Client
National automotive repair company
Industry
Transportation
Our role
Solving sales and use tax inconsistencies
Our solution
Building an efficient tax processing system
Scenario
Sales and use tax process was slow, error-prone
A large national automotive repair company wanted to create efficiencies throughout their direct tax lifecycle by combining the use of technology with Grant Thornton’s tax provision and compliance services. They were working exclusively in Excel, often spending three-plus days each month manually manipulating data to file their sales and use tax returns. Given the time constraints and manual process, the final sales and use tax amounts for each jurisdiction were susceptible to over/under collections with little visibility into the source of the issue.
Approach
Tax engine tools create faster, efficient model
Utilizing leading tax engine tools created efficiencies in process and automated steps that might otherwise be manual and time consuming. This enabled the company to maintain software solution licenses and own the technology suite while Grant Thornton professionals built an efficient tax process to deliver optimal outsourced provision and compliance services.
Result
Data visualization enhances work flow and accuracy
This approach delivered a more efficient tax process by automating the trial balance and state apportionment load into the ONESOURCE modules, leveraging provision data for the return and allowing for push-and-pull functionality through the use of custom workpapers. Enhanced reporting was recognized via Domo's data visualization spotlighting new insights to tax-affected data. Recognizing the benefits of the custom configured technology solution, the company sought additional process enhancement applications for their indirect tax processes. The Grant Thornton team created a new Domo process that replaced the Excel process and reduced the monthly three-plus day process down to 30 minutes with increased accuracy due to the repetitive steps now being automated and enhanced insight into past over/under collections via data visualizations. The implementation of Domo enhanced project management, giving the company a deliverable status dashboard to easily view an accurate, up-to-date picture of where deliverables stand, with the ability to send alerts notifying a user about upcoming or overdue tasks.
Related Resources
Connect with our team



Michael Colagiovanni
Principal, Tax Services
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
Mike Colagiovanni is a partner in the Tax Services practice of Grant Thornton’s Cleveland office, specializing in corporate taxes, including income tax accounting and financial reporting matters. He is the Central region leader of Tax Accounting and Risk Advisory Services (TARAS).
Cleveland, Ohio
Industries
- Manufacturing, Transportation & Distribution
- Transportation & distribution
- Retail & consumer brands
Service Experience
- Tax



Robert D. Clarke
National Tax Leader, Tax Digital Consulting
Grant Thornton Advisors, LLC
Rob is based in Tampa, FL and is the national tax leader for Tax Digital Consulting, which focuses on helping clients undertake the digital transformation journey with consultative services and solutions.
Tampa, Florida
Industries
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing, Transportation & Distribution
- Technology, media & telecommunications
- Retail & consumer brands
Service Experience
- Tax
- State & Local Tax
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