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).

BAck to Team

Rewards of Merit

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

Wiping Out Tax Liabilities for Non-Op Interests

Royalties & Non-Op
Case Study

This operator engaged Merit to minimize property tax liabilities for its mineral holdings by reducing the working interest values.

Fixing a Mineral Interest Mistake to Secure Big Savings

Royalties & Non-Op
Case Study

This large operator turned to Merit after a state Tax Commission error resulted in an unfair valuation.

Reducing Inflated Assessments the Competition Overlooked

Downstream
Case Study

Unhappy with its prior tax consultant, this petrochemical facility wanted a partner who could reduce its ad valorem assessments.