Tax Analysts Award of Distinction
Tax Analysts is proud to introduce the Awards of Distinction, a new annual recognition program honoring individuals and organizations whose work has transformed the field of taxation.
Each year, the Awards of Distinction will spotlight innovation, impact, and integrity across three categories:
- U.S. State and Local Taxation
- U.S. Federal Taxation
- International/Cross-Border Taxation
This year’s inaugural award will focus on State and Local Taxation — celebrating those whose work has shaped policy, improved administration, or advanced public understanding of taxation at the state level. …
The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction for Contributions in State and Local Taxation is a national honor presented annually to individuals, teams, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to state and local taxation. This award recognizes those who have shaped tax policy, improved tax administration, or deepened public understanding of how taxation affects lives at the state level.
Whether through innovative legislation, groundbreaking litigation, pioneering research, or courageous public service, this award is a tribute to those who make state tax systems more equitable, effective, and transparent. …
Who Should Be Nominated?
We’re seeking nominees whose work has had a demonstrable and lasting impact on state or local tax law, policy, or administration. Eligible nominees include:
- State tax officials or public servants
- Legal practitioners or litigators
- Academics or researchers focused on state tax issues
- Journalists or public commentators
- Advocacy groups or nonprofit organizations
- Regulatory professionals or tax administrators
Nominees may be individuals, groups, or institutions. The award celebrates powerful and timely contributions to the field of state and local taxation, rather than lifetime achievement. Eligible contributions must have occurred within the past five years or demonstrated a lasting and meaningful impact during that period. The work must serve the public interest, not merely the financial interests of the nominee or their affiliates.
Selection Criteria
Nominations will be evaluated by an expert panel using the following criteria:
- Innovation – New approaches to legal, policy, or administrative challenges
- Impact – Measurable outcomes, such as reform, precedent, or policy shifts
- Significance – Breadth and importance of the issue addressed
- Integrity – Ethical execution and public-mindedness
- Alignment With Tax Analysts’ Mission – Transparency, education, and engagement
Nomination Process
- Nominations must be submitted via our online platform.
- Self-nominations are permitted.
- Nominees must be living.
- Supporting documents (e.g., filings, media coverage, published work) are encouraged.
- Nominations are confidential.
Nominators must certify that the nominee can attend the 32nd Annual Paul J. Hartman State and Local Tax Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 27-29, 2025, where the award will be presented. If the nominee wins, Tax Analysts will provide them with an all-expenses-paid trip to the event to receive their award.
What the Winner Receives
The honoree will be awarded:
- A plaque memorializing the honor
- An all-expenses-paid trip to the major tax conference where the award will be presented
- A keynote speaking opportunity at the award ceremony
- A featured profile in Tax Notes highlighting the winner’s work, published across Tax Notes publications
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