A friend of mine (let’s call him Speedy) told me about a recent traffic ticket. The officer was shooting radar at the bottom of a hill and clocked him doing “a little” over the speed limit. When the officer asked Speedy how fast he thought he was going, his alleged response was: “I’m not totally sure, so how about I turn around and give it another shot to see.”

I’m not 100% convinced that Speedy’s story was true, but it’s still funny. Can you imagine trying to negotiate with a police officer?

What about striking deals with sales tax auditors?

Before the economic downturn: Sure, but make sure you have your ducks in a row and your offer is solid.

In our current economy: Fuhgeddaboudit!

Let me be fair, it’s still possible to strike deals with sales tax auditors. However, it’s a lot harder to do these days.

In more prosperous times, the promise of a check in 48 hours could grease the wheels of progress and everyone was happy.  Today, it takes a solid understanding of sales tax law, familiarity with industry standards in sales tax, and great relationships with the taxing authorities.  An advisor that can do this for you is worth every penny.

Now, if your a mega online retailer (I won’t say their name but it starts with “Ama” and ends with “zon”) and you can afford to offer deals in the $100 million+ range, the rules of the new economy get thrown out the window!