Tax Analysts Award of Distinction  

for Contributions in State and Local Taxation 

Celebrating Transformational Impact in State and Local Taxation 

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.  

Why State Tax Matters  

Taxes touch every economy, every government, and every citizen. Yet many of the most influential contributors – particularly in tax policy, research, and public service – go unrecognized.  

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction for Contributions in State and Local Taxation shines a light on these often-unsung leaders, affirming the essential role of tax in shaping fair, effective, and responsive societies. The award elevates the profession by promoting innovation, integrity, excellence, and informed policymaking.  

State and local taxation plays a vital role in funding and shaping public services, fostering economic opportunity, and ensuring government accountability. This award affirms the importance of that work and inspires continued progress that strengthens governance and serves the public good. 

Why Tax Analysts?  

For over five decades, Tax Analysts has stood as a beacon of independence, credibility, and expertise in tax journalism and analysis. As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, we are uniquely positioned to administer these awards with full integrity—free from political, ideological, or institutional influence.  

This award program draws on our editorial excellence, global network of experts, and long-standing commitment to transparency and fairness to ensure that recognition is based solely on merit.  

Administered With Integrity  

As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Tax Analysts brings unmatched credibility to this award. We ensure a selection process that is objective, rigorous, and free from political, ideological, or institutional bias.  

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 

Help Us Spotlight State-Level Excellence  

If you know someone -- an official, scholar, advocate, or institution -- whose work has changed the landscape of state tax in the past five years, we want to hear about them. State tax matters, and the people shaping it deserve recognition that lasts.  

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction 

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction recognizes individuals and organizations whose work has had a significant, innovative, and lasting impact on tax law, policy, administration, or public understanding. Presented annually across three categories—U.S. Federal Taxation, U.S. State and Local Taxation, and International/Cross-Border Taxation—the awards will highlight visionaries, reformers, and thought leaders whose achievements have shaped modern tax systems and advanced public discourse. 

Nominate a change-maker. Celebrate their legacy. Inspire the future.