Team /

Kate Nickelson

Kate Nickelson joined Merit Advisors as a Manager in the Sales tax practice, specializing in use tax compliance, audit defense, and refund recovery for clients across the oil and gas industry.  Kate excels at building empowered teams, streamlining complex tax processes, and delivering strategic solutions that support both compliance and broader business goals. Her approach consistently reduces risk, enhances accuracy, and drives measurable value for clients.

Throughout her 15 years of experience in sales and use tax, Kate has led initiatives across the energy, manufacturing, and contracting sectors. Prior to joining Merit, Kate spent time working at ONEOK, Hilti, Laredo Petroleum, Matrix Service Company, and BDO USA, LLP in Tulsa, Oklahoma.


Kate earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Strayer University and her Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Analysis from Northeastern State University. She is also a Certified Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation (CMI – Sales Tax).

Rewards of Merit

Explore our case studies to see how Merit helps energy companies unlock trapped value.

Maximizing Energy Storage Tax Credits & Incentives

Power & Infrastructure
Case Study

This energy infrastructure provider switched to Merit after a prior advisor fell short in capturing available incentives.

Saving $100 Million for Utility-Scale Projects Across Texas

Power & Infrastructure
Case Study

Merit coordinated 12 abatements across six utility-scale power projects, securing critical tax savings while meeting tight deadlines.

Protecting At-Risk Property 
Tax Abatements

Power & Infrastructure
Case Study

Merit preserved critical abatements after our client’s prior advisor made an error that jeopardized significant savings.