SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2022

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Vertex, Inc. (“Vertex”) and its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”) (collectively, the “Company”) operate as solutions providers of state, local and value added tax calculation, compliance and analytics, offering software products which are sold through software license and software as a service (“cloud”) subscriptions. The Company also provides implementation and training services in connection with its software license and cloud subscriptions, transaction tax returns outsourcing, and other tax-related services. The Company sells to customers located throughout the United States of America (“U.S.”) and internationally.

Basis of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has a 65% equity interest in Systax Sistemas Fiscais LTDA (“Systax”), a provider of Brazilian transaction tax content and software. Systax is considered a VIE given that the equity investors, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Vertex includes Systax in the condensed consolidated financial statements as Vertex is the primary beneficiary of the equity interests in Systax and participates significantly in the variability in the fair value of Systax’s net assets.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information and include the accounts of the Company. Certain information and disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “2021 Annual Report”) filed with the SEC on March 16, 2022. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 has been derived from audited financial statements included in the 2021 Annual Report. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022, the interim condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and the interim condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity and the interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are unaudited. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with that used to prepare the annual audited consolidated financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year ending December 31, 2022.

Segments

The Company operates its business as one operating segment. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, approximately 7% and 8%, respectively, of the Company’s revenues were generated from customers located outside the U.S. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenues generated from customers located outside the U.S. were approximately 6% and 6%, respectively. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $995 and $699, respectively, of the Company’s property and equipment assets were held outside the U.S.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy (the “Fair Value Hierarchy”) prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The Fair Value Hierarchy requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Classification in the Fair Value Hierarchy is based on the lowest of the following levels that is significant to the measurement:

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3: Inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions and valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The inputs require significant management judgment or estimation.

The Company’s assessment of the significance of an input to a fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the determination of fair value and the measurement’s classification within the Fair Value Hierarchy.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements include: (i) the estimated allowance for subscription cancellations, (ii) expected credit losses associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts; (iii) allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities; (iv) the reserve for self-insurance, (v) assumptions related to achievement of technological feasibility for software developed for sale, (vi) product life cycles, (vii) estimated useful lives and potential impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets, (viii) potential impairment of goodwill, (ix) determination of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred in acquisitions, (x) amortization period of material rights and deferred commissions (xi) Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) input assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation awards, (xii) measurement of future purchase commitment, contingent consideration liabilities and deferred purchase consideration liabilities associated with acquisitions, and (xiii) the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Software Development Costs

Internal-Use Software

The Company follows Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350-40, Goodwill and Other, Internal-Use Software, to account for development costs incurred for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. ASC 350-40 requires such costs to be capitalized once certain criteria are met. Internal-use software is included in internal-use software developed in property and equipment in the condensed consolidated balance sheets once available for its intended use and is depreciated over periods between 3 to 5 years. Depreciation expense for internal-use software utilized for cloud-based customer solutions and for software for internal systems and tools is included in cost of revenues, software subscriptions and depreciation and amortization expense, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

Software Developed for Sale

The costs incurred for the development of computer software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are capitalized in accordance with ASC 985-20, Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed, when technological feasibility has been established. Amortization of capitalized software development costs begins when the product is available for general release. Amortization is provided on a product-by-product basis using the straight-line method over periods between three to five years and is included in cost of revenues, software subscriptions in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Capitalized software costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on anticipated future revenues and changes in software technologies at least annually at December 31, and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred.

Business Combinations

Upon acquisition of a company, the Company determines if the transaction is a business combination, which is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, once control is obtained of a business, the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, consideration transferred and amounts attributed to noncontrolling interests, are recorded at fair value. The Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to assign fair value to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, consideration transferred, and amounts attributed to noncontrolling interests at the acquisition date. One of the most significant estimates relates to the determination of the fair value of these amounts. The determination of the fair values is based on estimates and judgments made by management. The Company’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions it believes to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Measurement period adjustments to these values as of the acquisition date are reflected at the time identified, up through the conclusion of the measurement period, which is the time at which all information for determination of the values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, consideration transferred and noncontrolling interests is received, and is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date (the “Measurement Period”). Thus the Company may record adjustments to the fair value of these tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, consideration transferred and noncontrolling interests, with the corresponding offset to goodwill during this Measurement Period. Additionally, uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances are initially recorded in connection with a business combination as of the acquisition date. The Company continues to collect information and reevaluate these estimates and assumptions periodically and record any adjustments to preliminary estimates to goodwill, provided the Company is within the Measurement Period, with any adjustments to amortization of new or previously recorded identifiable intangibles being recorded to the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise. In addition, if outside of the Measurement Period, any subsequent adjustments to the acquisition date fair values are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually at October 1^st, and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred.

Deferred Financing Costs

The Company capitalizes costs related to obtaining, renewing or extending loan agreements and amortizes these costs on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the life of the loan. Deferred financing costs related to term loans outstanding are reflected as a reduction of current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt net of current portion in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs related to undrawn debt are reflected in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has stock awards issued under the 2020 Incentive Award Plan (the “2020 Plan”) and the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). The awards are subject to, and the Company applies, the guidance set forth in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, for the award of equity-based instruments. The provisions of ASC 718 require a company to measure the fair value of stock-based compensation as of the grant date of the award. Stock-based compensation expense reflects the cost of employee services received in exchange for the awards. The Company has elected to recognize award forfeitures as they occur.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from contracts with customers

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products or services. The Company enters into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct, and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowance for subscription and non-renewal cancellations and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.

Nature of goods and services

Licenses for on-premise software subscriptions provide the customer with a right to use the software as it exists when made available to the customer. Customers purchase a subscription to these licenses, which includes the related software and tax content updates and product support (collectively, the “updates and support”). The updates and support, which are part of the subscription agreement, are essential to the continued utility of the software; therefore, the Company has determined the software and the related updates and support to be a single performance obligation. Accordingly, when on-premise software is licensed, the revenue associated with this combined performance obligation is recognized ratably over the license term as these performance obligations are satisfied over the duration of the license term. Revenue recognition begins on the later of the beginning of the subscription period or the date the software is made available to the customer to download. Prior to January 1, 2022, certain on-premise software subscription prices in the initial subscription year were higher than standard renewal prices. The new sale premium representing the excess initial year price over the renewal price, is a material right that provides customers with the right to this reduced renewal price. The Company recognizes revenue associated with this material right over the estimated period of benefit to the customer, which is generally three years. Effective January 1, 2022, the Company changed the pricing structure for on-premise software so the initial year price and renewal prices were consistent, thus removing the material right for transactions after this date. The material right for applicable transactions prior to this pricing change will continue to be recognized over the estimated period of benefit to the customer.

Cloud-based subscriptions allow customers to use Company-hosted software over the contract period without taking possession of the software. The cloud-based offerings also include related updates and support. Cloud-based contracts consistently provide a benefit to the customer during the subscription period; thus, the associated revenue is recognized ratably over the related subscription period. Revenue recognition begins on the later of the beginning of the subscription period or the date the customer is provided access to the cloud-based solutions.

Revenue from deliverable-based services is recognized as services are delivered. Revenue from fixed fee services is recognized as services are performed using the percentage of completion input method.

The Company has elected the “right to invoice” practical expedient for revenue related to services that are billed on an hourly basis, which enables revenue to be recognized as the services are performed.

The Company has determined that the methods applied to measuring its progress toward complete satisfaction of performance obligations recognized over time are a faithful depiction of the transfer of control of software subscriptions and services to customers.

Significant judgments

Contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. Identification of the amortization periods of material rights and contract costs requires significant judgement by management.

Payment terms

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract, although the Company’s terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30-days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of payment, the Company has determined that its contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing products and services, not to receive financing from customers or to provide customers with financing.

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues, software subscriptions includes the direct cost to maintain, host and distribute software products, the direct cost to provide customer support, the direct cost to maintain tax content and depreciation and amortization of costs of capitalized software, acquired intangibles, and internal-use software utilized for cloud-based subscriptions. Cost of revenues, services includes the direct costs of implementation, training, transaction tax returns outsourcing and other tax-related services.

Reimbursable costs

Reimbursable costs passed through and invoiced to customers of the Company are recorded as services revenues with the associated expenses recorded as cost of revenues, services in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

Income Taxes

Vertex accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences of events that have been previously recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and tax returns. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of the enacted tax law. The effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, on the basis of a two-step process whereby: (i) management determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position, and (ii) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, management recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The Company records interest related to underpayment of income taxes as interest expense and penalties as other operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

The impact as a result of the application of ASC 740 is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits or expense based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company’s effective income tax rate is based on estimated income for the year, the estimated composition of the income/losses in different jurisdictions, and discrete adjustments in the applicable quarterly periods. Potential discrete adjustments generally include tax charges or benefits related to stock-based compensation and changes in tax legislation, among other items.

Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures

Supplemental balance sheet disclosures are as follows for the respective periods:

	As of September 30,		As of December 31,
	2022		2021
	(unaudited)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:
Prepaid expenses	$	10,666	$	8,903
Prepaid insurance		1,954		3,348
Prepaid licenses and support		9,874		8,285
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	22,494	$	20,536
Accrued expenses:
Accrued general expenses	$	16,059	$	10,771
Accrued contract labor and professional fees		10,654		9,688
Accrued income and other taxes		2,195		2,507
Accrued expenses	$	28,908	$	22,966

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Supplemental cash flow disclosures are as follows for the respective periods:

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2022		2021
	(unaudited)
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	1,558	$	180
Income taxes, net of refunds	$	2,655	$	1,032
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	2,737	$	4,090
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchase commitment and contingent consideration liabilities	$	2,000	$	50,653
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	$	1,337	$	173

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

As an “emerging growth company,” the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act allows the Company to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. The Company has elected to delay adoption of certain new or revised accounting standards. As a result, the Company’s financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of issuers who are required to comply with the effective date for new or revised accounting standards that are applicable to public companies.

Deferred Revenue

In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (“ASU 2021-08”). ASU 2021-08 provides specific guidance on how to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities related to revenue contracts with customers acquired in a business combination. This will align the accounting for these acquired contracts to the accounting for revenue contracts originated by the acquirer and will provide more comparable information to investors and other financial statement users seeking to better understand the financial impact of these acquisitions. ASU 2021-08 will be effective for public entities with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and for all other entities with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2021-08 will be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the applicable effective date. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2023. This standard is not expected

to have a material impact on the Company’s current condensed consolidated financial statements, but adoption could have a material impact on the accounting for future acquisitions reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Risks and Uncertainties

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) to be a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have widespread, evolving and unpredictable impacts on global society, economies, financial markets and business practices. To protect the health and well-being of Company employees and customers, substantial modifications were made to employee travel policies, and our offices were closed, with employees directed to work from home. During the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, the Company reopened its offices to employees and has begun to participate in and/or hold conferences and other marketing events in person. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted, and may continue to impact, Company operations, including employees, customers and partners, and there remains substantial uncertainty regarding the nature and degree of its continued effects over time.

The Company did not experience any significant reductions in sales, revenues or collections through September 30, 2022 as a result of COVID-19. The Company believes it has ample liquidity and capital resources to continue to meet its operating needs and to service debt and other financial obligations.

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the business going forward will depend on numerous evolving factors that cannot reliably be predicted, including the ongoing duration and scope of the pandemic; governmental, business, and individuals’ actions in response to the pandemic; and the impact on economic activity, including the possibility of recession, inflation or financial market instability. These factors may adversely impact consumer, business and government spending on technology as well as customers’ ability to pay for Company products and services on an ongoing basis. This uncertainty also affects management’s accounting estimates and assumptions, which could result in greater variability in a variety of areas that depend on these estimates and assumptions, including estimated allowance for subscription cancellations, product life cycles and estimated lives of long-lived assets.