Quantum chemistry is currently witnessing a surge of interest in x-ray spectroscopy, catalyzed by the emergence of new technologies including coherent ultrahigh harmonic generation that provide capabilities for ultrafast time resolution at x-ray wavelengths, even with tabletop laser systems. This technology has enabled x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies of solution-phase systems, as well as surface-sensitive ultrafast spectroscopy at extreme ultraviolet (XUV) wavelengths. Insofar as XAS is a widely-used tool to interrogate bonding and oxidation state, these advances offer the possibility to study element-specific charge dynamics with ultrafast time resolution, and electronic structure theory will undoubtedly play a major role in interpreting the results.