About the Award

On this page:

Overview Award Categories and Timeline Eligibility and Qualifications
How the Award Works Preparing to Nominate Next Steps

Overview

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction recognizes significant contributions that have advanced tax policy, administration, or public understanding. Each year the award honors individuals, teams, and organizations whose work has produced measurable impact and strengthened professional standards for the tax community.

Award Categories and Annual Timeline

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction is presented across three categories, each operating on its own annual nomination schedule.

U.S. Federal Taxation
Nomination period: November–January
Recognizes impactful contributions to federal tax policy, administration, and public understanding.

U.S. State and Local Taxation
Nomination period: Opening June 2026
Recognizes significant work affecting state and local tax systems and governance.

International / Cross-Border Taxation
Nomination period: Coming Soon
Recognizes contributions that influence international tax policy and cross-border administration.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Nominations should highlight significant and impactful contributions to the tax community. The program recognizes work that demonstrates measurable outcomes and represents a meaningful advancement in the field.

Eligibility standards apply consistently across all award categories.

Who may be nominated
Individuals, teams of up to five members, or organizations may be nominated. Nominations may be submitted by third parties or as self-nominations, provided the nominee meets the program’s eligibility standards.

Eligibility Criteria
The award recognizes a specific contribution, initiative, or body of work that demonstrates measurable impact. It is not intended as a lifetime achievement distinction. Eligible work should extend beyond routine professional responsibilities and reflect meaningful advancement in tax policy, administration, governance, or public understanding.

Additional information
Nominees must be living at the time of nomination. Tax Analysts employees, Board of Directors, affiliates, and their families are ineligible.

How the Award Works

Nominations are reviewed through a structured evaluation process designed to ensure fairness, integrity, and consistency. Submissions are assessed based on the significance of the contribution, the nominee’s role, and the measurable impact of the effort.

As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Tax Analysts brings institutional independence and credibility to the award. The selection process is intended to be objective, rigorous, and free from political, ideological, or institutional bias.

Recipients are formally recognized at a public award presentation. Each recipient receives a commemorative award and is invited to deliver keynote remarks as part of the ceremony. Travel and lodging associated with the presentation are provided by Tax Analysts.

Preparing to Nominate

Nominations are submitted through the online awards platform. Access to the awards platform requires a separate account; a Tax Notes login will not provide entry.

Prospective nominators are encouraged to review eligibility standards and gather relevant materials prior to starting the application to help ensure a smooth submission process. Most applicants should plan to dedicate approximately 45 minutes to complete the form.

The application includes narrative responses outlining the contribution and its impact. It is not intended to serve as a lifetime achievement distinction. Applicants may invite collaborators to assist in preparing the submission; however, coordination among multiple contributors may increase the overall preparation time.

Next Steps

To submit a nomination, access the awards platform . For additional information, consult the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the awards team directly.