Eighty-three percent of companies have experienced an increased number of audits due to state and local tax revenue shortfalls, according to a new survey.

The survey, of 140 tax executives from Global 2000 companies, occurred at a user conference hosted by tax management software developer Sabrix. Ninety-six percent of the attendees said that despite the recession, transaction taxes such as sales and use taxes will continue to be an area of focus.

In response to the economic downturn, 45 percent of the attendees said their companies had reduced their employee headcount, but 45 percent also increased their investment in tax technologies.

Eighty-one percent of the respondents have made sales and use tax and value-added tax a more strategic focus of their company due to the economy. A similar proportion said they have implemented new programs and processes to remain compliant.