FAST Enterprises, a Colorado-based software company, is providing what Smith described as an “off-the-shelf” computer system used by more than a dozen other state revenue agencies. He said one of the goals is to keep any customized programming to a minimum.

Glassdoor Inc., a jobs and career website, on Tuesday announced the medium-sized companies where employees are the happiest to work—and two are in Colorado.

The New Provincial Sales Tax Project implemented state-of-the-art technology that improves service delivery to businesses, reduces administration costs and fosters better engagement with citizens. This unique project has resulted in a shift in the way the Ministry conducts its business, resulting in greater efficiency, effectiveness, and improved client experiences.

The computer system used by the Tennessee Department of Safety is 35 years old and badly needs to be replaced.

For the second time since 2008, state auditors have told the department to replace the aging system, which was installed in 1978.

A word of caution to consumers who are behind on paying their state taxes – the Minnesota Department of Revenue is getting far more efficient at collecting the money it is owed.

Minnesota collected $266.4 million in tax debt this year, according to the Revenue Department. The state still has about $381 million in unpaid tax bills, but that is down roughly $80 ­million from 2012.

Paying taxes and renewing vehicle registrations is a necessary part of American life for most of us, but rarely an enjoyable one. Governments should do what they can to at least make the process as simple as possible for its citizens. This is often easier said than done. However, Arkansas has made great technological strides in recent years to simplify both of these obligations.

Not long ago, our Department of Finance and Administration was processing taxes with 30 different computer systems. Those systems ran on aging mainframes, and some of the work still could only be done on paper.