State official named interim director of the national Streamlined Sales Tax Committee

PIERRE, S.D. – Scott Peterson, Director of the South Dakota Dept. of Revenue and Regulation Business Tax Division, has been appointed Interim Director of the Conforming States Committee of the Streamlined Sales Tax.

“Successful resolution of this issue is paramount to leveling the playing field for main street businesses in South Dakota,” said Governor Rounds on the announcement.  “Furthermore, Scott’s appointment as interim director, compliments my recent appointment by the National Governors Association as co-lead on the Streamlined Sales Tax Issue.”

The appointment of an interim director is a critical step toward establishing a governing board that will administer the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.  The Agreement represents a four-year effort by state and local governments, and members of the business community to create a more uniform and simplified sales tax system.  To date, 19 states, including South Dakota, have changed their laws to comply with the agreement.

 “It is a great opportunity for Scott personally, and a great opportunity for South Dakota to continue to be at the center of the national discussion on the issue of application of taxation on internet sales,” said Gary Viken, Secretary of the Department of Revenue and Regulation.  

Peterson has served as director of the Business Tax Division of the Dept. of Revenue and Regulation for the last nine years.  Prior to that, he worked as a research analyst for the South Dakota Legislative Research Council.  Over the next six to eight months, Peterson will split his time between South Dakota and Washington, D.C.