Why Sales Tax Trips Up Even the Best Operators

Sales tax is one of the most overlooked—and misunderstood—areas of hospitality operations. Yet for many operators, it represents a significant source of risk, complexity, and unexpected disruption.

In this episode of Behind the Tab, we’re joined by Cristine Vickery of DAVO by Avalara to explore why sales tax continues to be a challenge across breweries, taprooms, food halls, and multi-unit concepts.

Cristine shares a clear, practical look at where operators run into trouble—from inconsistent filing processes and cash flow mismanagement to the compounding impact of small errors over time. The conversation also highlights how automation is helping operators shift from reactive, manual processes to a more reliable, set-it-and-forget-it approach.

As part of GoTab’s commitment to an open, operator-first ecosystem, integrations like DAVO are designed to reduce administrative burden and give operators greater confidence in their day-to-day operations.

If you’re looking for a simpler, more predictable way to manage sales tax, this episode offers a strong starting point.

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