Outsourcing Sales Tax Compliance at Air Liquide

This case study details the outsourcing of sales tax compliance by Air Liquide, a manufacturer of industrial gases. The document outlines the challenges faced by the tax department due to an increase in workload from 1,200 to 5,000 returns annually after the company reorganized into eight operating units. To manage this increased burden, the Compliance Lead, Chris Ackman, initiated discussions about outsourcing compliance processes. The decision to outsource was influenced by the need for a more efficient management of compliance tasks and the anticipated increase in audit volume. The case study describes the selection process for an outsourcing provider, emphasizing the importance of end-to-end service and a strong reputation. After transitioning to Vertex, Air Liquide experienced significant reductions in compliance workload and improved document management, allowing in-house staff to focus on more strategic initiatives. The document concludes with insights into the benefits realized from outsourcing, including enhanced efficiency and proactive compliance management.