Sales tax automation service provider Avalara has appointed sales tax administration veteran Scott Peterson as director of government affairs, effective November 12.

Peterson most recently served as executive director of the Streamline Sales Tax Governing Board Inc. (SSTGB), where he was responsible for the administrative needs of the Board and its committees.

Prior joining SSTGB in 2000, Peterson was director of the business tax division for the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation. In that position he was responsible for the administration of the South Dakota sales tax, the contractor's excise tax, and municipal sales tax.  Before that Scott worked for the South Dakota Legislature specializing in tax policy.

“Avalara welcomes Scott as we amplify our growth and help businesses of all sizes automate the sales tax function,” said Avalara founder and chief executive Scott McFarlane.  “Additionally, if Congress and the president decide to pass and sign an online sales tax bill, we want to ensure every seller who has to obey the new law can choose their own service provider.  Scott’s unmatched sales tax management perspective at the state and national level, combined with his understanding of how technology can ease the burden, will play a key role when representing Avalara’s practical solution.”