Targeted populations transactions offer a powerful, but often misunderstood, pathway to qualify for New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs). These deals can unlock financing for projects that serve or employ low-income individuals, even when they fall outside traditional geographic eligibility. However, they also introduce unique compliance challenges and require strategic planning to execute successfully.

In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services Podcast, Jason Callaham and Joe Hennessee, Senior Managers in the Strategic Financing Services group, break down the essentials of targeted populations within the NMTC program. They explore:

• What targeted populations are and why they matter
• Common misconceptions and compliance hurdles
• Practical strategies for structuring competitive transactions
• Real-world lessons from a recent youth services project in Alaska

Whether you’re a nonprofit, business sponsor or investor, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you leverage targeted populations effectively and deliver meaningful community impact.

New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) continue to be a transformative tool for driving economic development and revitalization in underserved communities. With the recent passage of legislation making the NMTC program permanent beginning January 1, 2026, organizations now have long-term certainty to plan and invest in impactful projects.

In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services Podcast, Laurel Tinsley, Strategic Financing Services Leader, speaks with Emma Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer of The Innovate Fund, about how NMTCs are being leveraged to create meaningful outcomes across a six-state service area. The conversation explores how The Innovate Fund identifies and structures projects that generate quality jobs, improve health and wellness, and align with long-term community goals.

Discover how Cherry Bekaert's Strategic Financing Services team and the Innovate Fund are working together to strengthen local economies and support sustainable growth.

New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) are a powerful tool for driving economic development and expanding services in underserved communities. In this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services Podcast, Trevor Nelson, Manager with the Strategic Financing Services team, speaks with Catriona Carlisle, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Greenville, about how NMTCs supported a major facility expansion.

The conversation highlights the key phases of a successful NMTC closing, from project planning through compliance. It also demonstrates how Cherry Bekaert’s Strategic Financing Services team supports clients throughout the NMTC process, helping unlock funding and enhance community impact.

Listeners will gain practical insights on aligning with community development goals, managing documentation and compliance while keeping stakeholders informed. This client testimonial emphasizes the importance of preparation, strong partnerships, and long-term planning in delivering meaningful, lasting change.

New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) provide essential benefits for driving economic growth and revitalization in underserved communities. By leveraging this impactful program, organizations can attract significant private sector investment through loans or equity, transforming community development projects and expanding access to jobs, facilities and services.

Additionally, NMTCs enhance the capacity of community development lenders, investors and financial service providers, creating a robust network that addresses the needs of low-income areas. With strategic allocation and comprehensive guidance, NMTCs empower businesses and nonprofits to achieve substantial community impact and sustainable growth.

On this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services Podcast, Laurel Tinsley, Strategic Financing Services Leader, and David Altman, Project Finance Senior Manager, delve into the fundamentals of NMTCs and their profound influence on community revitalization. Together, they explore insightful examples of NMTC-driven projects and discuss how Cherry Bekaert's Strategic Financing Services team supports organizations in navigating the NMTC process.

Discover how Cherry Bekaert combines strategic knowledge and a nationwide network to maximize the benefits of NMTCs for impactful community development.

Sales tax automation provides numerous advantages, simplifying the complex process of calculating sales and use taxes. By leveraging advanced tax technology, such as Avalara, businesses can streamline tax compliance and rely on accurate tax calculations that can withstand the scrutiny of an audit.

Additionally, automation simplifies tax management across multiple platforms, channels, and enterprise resource planning (ERP), allowing businesses to scale without worrying about sales tax. With real-time updates and precise tax calculations, businesses can focus on strategic activities, confident that their sales tax compliance is accurate and efficient.

On this episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services Podcast, Sales & Use Tax Leader Lauren Stinson and Sales & Use Tax Senior Manager Tiffany Rodi are joined by Avalara’s Global Head of Strategic Accounting Partnerships Sona Akmakjian. Together, they explore the transformative impact of technology on sales tax compliance and discuss insights on automated tax solutions. Discover the strategic partnership between Cherry Bekaert and Avalara, which merges technology with professional guidance to optimize tax processes for businesses.

Related Insights

• Case Study: From Overlooked Liability to Optimized SaaS Sales Tax Compliance in Avalara
• Article: The Vital Role of Accurate Product Tax Codes
• Article: Why Your Business Needs a Sales Tax Software Tune-Up
• Article: Vermont Sales Tax Laws: Pre-Written Software Sellers With Nexus Must Collect and Report Sales Tax
• Article: How Sales Tax Complications Are Stalling Tech Acquisitions

In the most recent episode of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services podcast, we focus on the Virginia pass-through entity tax (PTET) election. Join Cathie Shaw, partner at Cherry Bekaert, and Tony Konkol, State and Local Tax Manager, as they navigate the intricacies of this important topic.

The Virginia PTET election is a crucial consideration for businesses operating in the state. Throughout the podcast, our knowledgeable speakers address common questions and concerns and provide clarity on key issues, such as cash flow implications, refundability and the interplay with federal tax regulations.

Cathie and Tony explore the benefits of making the election, including potential tax deductions and credits, as well as the practicalities of filing and deadlines. They also cover the retroactive nature of the election and tips on navigating the complexities of state tax law.

Whether you're a business owner, tax professional, or simply interested in the intricacies of state tax law, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of the Virginia pass-through entity tax election.

Related Thought Leadership

• Article: Top 10 States for Credits and Incentives Opportunities
• Article: How To Determine if Your Company Is Eligible for State Credits and Incentives
• Podcast: How To Take Advantage of Pass-Through Entity Tax in North Carolina
• Podcast: How Does the Georgia Pass-Through Entity Tax Election Work?

Following other jurisdictions that created a workaround from new requirements in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, North Carolina first enacted their pass-through entity tax (PTET) election through North Carolina Bill 105. These elections became available to businesses on January 1, 2022. Businesses operating as partnerships or S Corporations and filing a Federal Form 1065 or 1120-S, are potentially eligible to take advantage of the North Carolina PTET election.

Cathie Stanton, State & Local Tax Leader, and Tony Konkol, State & Local Manager, are back on Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Podcast to discuss North Carolina’s PTET elections. Together, they unpack how businesses can capitalize on this benefit, utilize this election, tackle its intricacies and comply with each jurisdiction’s varying requirements when filing.

Related Resources:

• State Pass-Through Entity Tax Elections – Don’t Leave Cash on the Table!
• North Carolina Department of Revenue Issues Guidance & Updated FAQs on the State’s Pass-Through Entity Tax
• Pass-Through Entity Tax Update
• Pass-Through Entity Tax Services

Georgia House Bill 149, that went into effect January 1, 2022, created the opportunity to make pass-through entity tax (“PTET”) elections in the state. PTET elections provide a workaround of the $10,000 limitation for the amount of state and local taxes that individuals can deduct from federal taxes. Businesses that operate as S-corporations, pass-through entities, partnerships, and LLCs treated as partnerships, are all potentially eligible to take advantage of these savings.

Join Cathie Stanton, State & Local Tax Leader, and Tony Konkol, State & Local Manager, on Cherry Bekaert’s latest podcast as they discuss the intricacies of how PTET elections can benefit Georgia businesses.

Related Resources:

• State Pass-Through Entity Tax Elections – Don’t Leave Cash on the Table!
• Georgia & South Carolina Enact Pass-Through Entity Tax Election
• Pass-Through Entity Tax Update
• Pass-Through Entity Tax Services