Live from the floor at Data Cloud USA in Austin, Texas, Mark Dzeda, Founder and CEO of Industrial Tax Consulting (ITC Tax), and Adam Glatz of ITC Tax tackle the question shadowing every digital infrastructure project right now: where is the power going to come from, and who is going to welcome it? Their answer points away from the grid and toward rural land, gas fields, and generation built behind the meter, supported by the incentives and funds available for dispatchable power.

The conversation then turns to something harder to engineer than a substation: community trust. Adam makes the case for what he calls social permitting, getting in front of communities early, explaining honestly how cooling systems and compute actually work, and treating site selection as the moment engagement begins rather than an afterthought. He is direct about the follow through, too. If you commit to green space or parks, you meet that commitment. The goal is a future where data centers are received the way traditional manufacturing is received today, as a welcome neighbor rather than a fight.

They close with one word each on what will define the future of digital infrastructure. Adam says people, arguing that the technology and the wealth it generates only matter if they benefit the communities hosting it. Mark says China, framing global competition as the pressure that accelerates development, drives efficiency, and pulls investment back into the United States. For anyone building, siting, or advising on capital-intensive projects, both answers are worth sitting with.

Key Takeaways

● Moving projects to rural areas and gas fields, closer to readily available fuel, is one of the most practical answers to the industry's growing power challenges.

● Building generation behind the meter rather than pulling from the grid changes the conversation with states and communities, and incentives and funds exist to support dispatchable power.

● Companies that generate their own power can sell dispatchable power back to the grid as needed, which removes a common objection raised by opponents of data center development.

● On-site generation brings construction jobs, tax dollars, and investment to rural communities, and it spares them from hosting large incoming power lines.

● Social permitting means showing up in the community with honest, authentic information about how projects, water cooling systems, and the underlying technology actually work.

● Advances in compute efficiency and cooling technology will help reduce power demand, and explaining that clearly to residents matters as much as achieving it.

● Commitments made during site selection, like maintaining green space or adding parks, have to be met and exceeded on the back end, not just promised on the front end.

● Traditional industries are currently well received by communities in a way data centers are not, and the goal is for data centers to earn that same standing.

● Asked for one word defining the future, Adam Glatz chose people, noting that all the wealth and tools created by AI and data center capacity should ultimately benefit people.

● Mark Dzeda chose China, arguing that competitive pressure speeds technology development, increases investment in U.S. facilities and workers, and pushes companies to become more efficient.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: Live from Data Cloud USA in Austin

00:35 - Solving the Power Challenge: Rural Sites, Gas Fields, and Behind the Meter

01:57 - Building Trust and the Rise of Social Permitting

03:22 - Following Through on Community Commitments

04:07 - One Word for the Future: People

05:20 - One Word for the Future: China and Investment Returning to the U.S.

Content Partner

JSA TV: http://jsa.net/

JSA TV captures the stories, the people, the insights and the passion behind the digital infrastructure companies that power our connected world."

You can find more details here: https://www.jsa.net/jsa-tv-podcasts/

Connect

● ITC Tax Podcast: https://www.itctax.com

● Mark Dzeda, Founder and CEO, Industrial Tax Consulting (ITC Tax): https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdzeda/

● Adam Glatz, ITC Tax: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-glatz-31121290/

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness #DataCenters #DigitalInfrastructure #SiteSelection #TaxIncentives #EconomicDevelopment

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, the conversation comes live from the second day of the SelectUSA Investment Summit, where Mark Dzeda, and Colin YOON, share practical guidance for Korean and other Asian companies preparing to invest in the United States. Drawing on a long career in tax, Mark explains why the most valuable moment in any expansion happens before the public announcement, when a company still holds maximum leverage to negotiate with counties, states, and municipalities.

Mark walks through how site selection shapes the long-term cost of a facility, and why working closely with economic development foundations can open doors to better terms. He also offers a candid caution: never over-promise or under-deliver. Committing to terms you cannot meet can trigger fallback provisions and undercut the value of any deal you sign.

For foreign investors worried about dealing with American tax offices, Mark offers reassurance. The government offices that bring companies in tend to be genuinely welcoming, and many states actively compete for investment and jobs. The key, he says, is being upfront from the start and recognizing that locating in the States is also a commitment to be a good corporate citizen.

Key Takeaways

● Your strongest negotiating position exists before you announce your investment. Once you commit publicly, you lose the leverage to negotiate better terms with counties, states, and municipalities.

● Site selection is critical. Where you ultimately place a facility shapes its long-term tax and operating costs, so evaluate locations carefully before deciding.

● Work closely with economic development foundations and the officials responsible for attracting investment and jobs. They are eager to partner with incoming companies.

● Avoid over-promising or under-delivering. Locking yourself into terms you cannot realistically meet can trigger fallback provisions you are obligated to satisfy.

● American tax offices and government bodies are generally friendly to foreign investors, though some states operate in a more business-like manner than others.

● States and localities such as Texas, Williamson County, Georgia, and Alabama actively court Korean and Asian investment because they value the jobs and resources these companies bring.

● Signing a contract to locate in the States is also a commitment to be a good corporate citizen, so transparency with local authorities matters.

Timestamps

00:00 - Live from the SelectUSA Investment Summit

00:55 - Why Leverage Matters Before You Commit

01:46 - Are American Tax Offices Friendly to Foreign Investors

02:07 - Which States Compete Hardest for Asian Investment

02:58 - Final Takeaways for Korean and Asian Investors

Connect

● ITC Tax: https://www.itctax.com

●Colin YOON: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-yoon-3523b47/

● Mark Dzeda, Founder & CEO, KPMG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdzeda/

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, the conversation turns global. Recorded at SelectUSA, the premier event for connecting international investors with opportunities across the United States, this episode tackles a question on the minds of companies from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and beyond: how do you maximize tax savings when bringing major capital into the U.S.? With the Korean government alone committing up to $350 billion across semiconductors, shipbuilding, defense, and energy, the stakes for getting incentives right have never been higher.

Mark and Colin lay out a deceptively simple principle that most investors learn too late: your leverage with state and local tax authorities exists before you announce your investment, not after. Once the announcement is public, incentives shift from a negotiating tool to a diminished reward. Mark explains why treating site selection as a competitive process across states, not cities, is the single most effective way to unlock the deepest sales tax, property tax, and job credit incentives available.

But landing the incentives is only the beginning. Colin walks through the compliance obligations that follow, framing every incentive agreement as a binding contract with real terms to meet and real consequences for falling short. From staying on top of reporting requirements to watching for clawback provisions, this episode is essential listening for any company planning a U.S. investment and unwilling to leave money on the table.

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness #USInvestment #SelectUSA #ForeignDirectInvestment #TaxIncentives

Key Takeaways

● The United States actively courts foreign investment and will roll out the red carpet, but the investor's leverage with state and local tax authorities exists only before the investment is publicly announced.

● Once an announcement is made, incentives become a reward rather than a negotiating tool, and the returns on your investment diminish significantly.

● To maximize incentives, shop around and compare states, not cities, and make the process a competitive siting so authorities know they are bidding against one another.

● Properly negotiated incentives can deliver substantial savings across sales tax, property tax, job credits, and additional support from local communities.

● Every incentive agreement is a binding contract. Securing the deal is just the start; meeting the contract's terms is what protects the savings.

● Investors must stay on top of ongoing compliance requirements and watch carefully for clawback provisions that can reclaim incentives if obligations are not met.

● Asian investors from Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are committing massive capital to U.S. sectors like semiconductors, shipbuilding, defense, and energy, yet many are not fully aware of the tax incentives and savings available to them.

Connect

● Podcast: https://www.itctax.com

● Guest: Colin YOON, Tax Savings Specialist, KPMG, https://kpmg.com/us Executive advisor to ITC Tax

CEO, Asia Global links

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, Dawn walks through exactly what to do after you file a property tax protest in Texas. From requesting evidence to spotting errors in the appraisal district's records, she breaks down the entire ARB process in a way that makes it approachable for any property owner, whether you are protesting real estate or business personal property.

Dawn explains the difference between informal and formal hearings, why uniform and equal arguments often produce the biggest wins, and how to gather the right documentation to support your case. She shares a real client example where a simple comparison to a neighboring property delivered a $7,000 tax savings, proof that showing up and protesting can pay off in a real way.

If you have ever felt intimidated by the appraisal review board or assumed the system was stacked against you, this episode is your roadmap. Dawn makes it clear: the ARB is built for everyday property owners, the appraisers expect protests, and the remedies available after a formal hearing only exist if you go through the process.

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness #ARBHearing #PropertyTaxProtest #AppraisalDistrict

Key Takeaways

● Always request the appraisal district's evidence after filing a protest. The tax code requires them to deliver it at least 14 days before your hearing, and if they fail to provide it, they cannot use it against you at the ARB.

● For real estate protests, verify the physical characteristics on file, square footage, amenities, and condition, then gather photos, repair quotes, and maintenance records to support a lower value.

● A uniform and equal argument means your property must be appraised the same way as comparable neighbors. Lot value per square foot is one of the easiest places to spot inequity.

● For business personal property, review the depreciation schedules carefully. Check that costs are accurate, economic lives are reasonable, and non-taxable items like software are not being appraised.

● Idle, obsolete, or underutilized equipment should be flagged with evidence such as scrap value, repair costs, or utilization data to bring the assessed value down.

● Ask for an informal meeting with the appraiser before the formal hearing. Most disputes are settled at this stage, and one taxpayer saw his $500,000 building value drop to match a neighbor's $110,000 valuation, a $7,000 tax savings.

● If you rendered assets you should not have, like software, intangibles, or leasehold improvements already captured in real estate, it is not too late to correct it after the notice of value comes out.

● Protests must be filed within 30 days of receiving your notice of value. For real estate without a notice, the deadline is May 15. For business personal property, it is 30 days from the date on the letter or the date received, whichever is earlier.

● The formal ARB hearing is run by three of your peers from the county, not the appraisal district. It is structured but friendly, and going through it preserves your right to additional remedies afterward.

Connect

● ITC Tax Podcast: https://www.itctax.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, Mark sits down with the Honorable John Brusniak, one of Texas's most prominent property tax attorneys, who has been litigating property tax cases since the state's tax code was adopted in 1982. John walks through exactly why every property owner should file, what a protest needs to contain, and the procedural moves that quietly determine whether you win or lose at the appraisal review board.

John explains the three most common grounds for protest, the new $125,000 business personal property exemption, and a critical mailing change that took effect last Christmas Eve. He also breaks down the burden of proof in Texas, how to use photographs as evidence, and why an informal conference before your hearing is often your best shot at a settlement. Spoiler: roughly 60 to 70 percent of taxpayers who protest get a reduction.

For owners weighing what to do after the appraisal review board rules, John lays out all three appeal paths, district court, binding arbitration, and the State Office of Administrative Hearings, including the deadlines, dollar thresholds, and one rule that can sink your appeal entirely if you ignore it. If your notice of appraised value just hit your desk, this is the conversation to listen to before you act.

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness #PropertyTaxProtest #TexasPropertyTax #AppraisalDistrict

Key Takeaways

● Filing a protest protects your legal rights. Skip the deadline and you forfeit your chance to challenge anything the appraisal district does with your property that year.

● The three most common grounds for protest are excessive market value, unequal appraisal compared to similar properties, and missed exemptions, including the new $125,000 business personal property exemption now available in Texas.

● If you did not receive a notice of value, file a protective protest anyway. Appraisal districts are not required to send a notice when nothing changed from the prior year, and waiting can cost you your appeal rights.

● The U.S. Postal Service no longer cancels mail the day you drop it off. To lock in your filing date, walk your protest into the post office and ask the clerk to hand cancel the envelope across the postage stamp.

● Always check the box requesting the appraisal district's evidence. It gives you a 15-day preview of their case and legally freezes their testimony so they cannot introduce anything new at the hearing.

● Always request an informal conference. It is your best opportunity to settle before the appraisal review board, and panels are skeptical of taxpayers who have not tried to resolve their disputes.

● Texas law places the burden of proof on the appraisal district for value and equity protests, but appraisal review boards still expect physical evidence. Bring photographs, use close-ups, and document damage in detail.

● Your property value cannot be raised as a result of a protest hearing, but anything you testify to under oath can be used against you in future years, including omitted property the district was previously unaware of.

● Top-line agreements let you bypass the appraisal review board entirely while preserving your right to appeal to a higher authority.

● Appeals after the ARB ruling include state district court (60 days, any property), binding arbitration through the Comptroller (60 days, up to $5 million non-homestead), and the State Office of Administrative Hearings (30 days, $1 million minimum). To preserve your appeal, you must pay at least the tax amount you admit you owe.

● Roughly 60 to 70 percent of taxpayers who protest receive some value reduction. The odds favor filing.

Connect

● ITC Tax Podcast: https://www.itctax.com

● ITC Tax on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itc-tax

● Mark Dzeda, Host, ITC Tax: https://www.itctax.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week, host Stephen Shaw sits down with Kyle Hanson, a seasoned property tax consultant, to explore the ins and outs of dealer heavy equipment and its impact on business personal property tax assessments.

Kyle breaks down how businesses can strategically leverage tax provisions to reduce liabilities on heavy equipment, what qualifies for reduced assessments, and the critical filing rules to avoid penalties. They also dive into recent legislative changes, including the move from monthly to quarterly filings, aimed at simplifying the process for businesses.

Key Takeaways

1. Understand how dealer heavy equipment affects business personal property tax assessments.
2. Learn which types of heavy equipment qualify for reduced tax rates.
3. Discover filing protocols that protect your business from penalties.
4. Get clarity on recent legislative changes from monthly to quarterly filings.

Resources

Learn more and connect with the ITC Tax team at itctax.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week on the ITC Tax Podcast, Trudie sits down with Dawn to break down the brand-new Texas business personal property exemption that took effect in January 2026. Passed through House Bill 9, this exemption automatically removes the first $125,000 of value per location, per taxing jurisdiction, simplifying filing for small businesses and reducing the compliance burden across the board.

Dawn walks through how the exemption works for single locations, multi-location owners, leased property, and related entities, plus what to watch for as appraisal districts figure out implementation in year one. If you own business personal property in Texas, this episode is essential listening.

#PropertyTax #ITCTax #TaxStrategy #TaxCompliance #BusinessTaxes #TexasTax #TaxExemptions #TaxSavings #BusinessPersonalProperty #SmallBusiness

Key Takeaways

● House Bill 9 created a new automatic exemption for the first $125,000 of business personal property value, effective for the 2026 tax year.

● The exemption applies per location and per taxing jurisdiction, so businesses with multiple sites can claim it at each one.

● If your total BPP value at a location is $125,000 or less, you simply check a box on the new rendition form and skip the detailed asset listing entirely.

● Many counties will not require you to file a rendition the following year if your value stays under the threshold, but check with your county or ITC Tax to confirm.

● Leased property is treated differently: the $125,000 exemption applies to the aggregate value across all leased assets in a jurisdiction, not per location.

● Related entities at the same location only receive the exemption once, preventing businesses from splitting into smaller entities to multiply the benefit.

● Appraisal districts are still working out implementation details in this first year, so watch your notice of value carefully and protest if anything looks wrong.

Resources

House Bill 9, passed by the Texas Legislature, creating the business personal property exemption effective January 2026.

Learn more and connect with the ITC Tax team at www.itctax.com.

This show was produced with the production help of www.truthworkmedia.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

In this episode, Dawn Walior and Trudie Nguyen walk us through the most commonly missed property tax exemptions in Texas — and how they can translate into significant savings for your business. From the Freeport exemption to pollution control and the newer biomedical exemption, learn what you may be leaving on the table, how to apply, and the critical deadlines you need to know. Plus, an important warning about recent changes to USPS mail processing that could affect your filings.

Key Takeaways:

- The Freeport exemption is one of the most frequently missed opportunities — even if you think your inventory doesn't qualify, it's worth a closer look.

- Inventory that ships to a local Texas client may still qualify for Freeport if that client ships it out of state within 175 days.

- You can choose a September 1 inventory valuation date instead of January 1 — a smart move if your inventory is lower in the fall.

- Pollution control exemptions apply more broadly than most people realize — any equipment required to meet regulatory standards may qualify, and the exemption lasts as long as you own the equipment.

- The biomedical exemption is relatively new and exempts machinery, equipment, and finished goods for biomedical companies.

- There are no application fees for filing exemptions with the appraisal district. The only fee is for TCEQ pollution control use-of-determination reviews.

- New legislative change: if you extend your rendition deadline to May 15, your Freeport exemption application is now automatically extended to May 15 as well.

Resources:

Visit www.itctax.com for questions about Texas property tax exemptions and compliance.

#PropertyTax #TexasTax #FreeportExemption #PollutionControl #BiomedicalExemption #TaxCompliance #ITCTax #TaxExemptions #TexasBusiness #PropertyTaxSavings #TaxDeadlines #InventoryTax

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week, host Stephen Shaw sits down with Brett Zieren, a property tax consultant at ITC, to break down why property tax deadlines matter, especially the fast-approaching April 15 cutoff in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Brett shares how different states handle extensions and the steps required to file them correctly. Plus, he shares simple but important tips, like keeping certified mail receipts, so you’ve got proof on your side if anything ever gets questioned.

A little organization and early action can go a long way. Listen to feel more confident, stay compliant, and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs.

Key Takeaways

• April 15 is a big deal: If you own property in states like Texas, Louisiana, or Florida, don’t sleep on this deadline.
• File on time (or file for an extension): You’ve got options, but they only help if you act early and follow the right steps for your state.
• Keep your receipts: Simple habits like saving certified mail proof can protect you if there’s ever a dispute about when you filed.
• Stay ahead, save money: A little organization and proactive planning now can help you avoid headaches later.

Resources

Learn more and connect with the ITC Tax team at itctax.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax

This week, on the ITC Tax Podcast, Mark Dzeda speaks with industry veteran James Wicklund to discuss how recent geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are impacting global oil markets. Mark and James explore the growing demand for natural gas driven by data centers and technological growth, and how energy companies are adapting through innovation and diversification to navigate an increasingly complex market.

Key Takeaways

1. Geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions can quickly impact global oil prices.
2. Oil markets remain highly cyclical and volatile.
3. Data center growth is driving increased demand for natural gas.
4. Energy companies must innovate and diversify to stay competitive.

Resources

Learn more and connect with the ITC Tax team at itctax.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Optimize Your Property Tax!

ITC Tax