U.S. Federal Taxation

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction for Contributions in U.S. Federal Taxation is a national honor presented annually to an individual, team, or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to federal taxation. This award recognizes those who have shaped tax policy, improved tax administration, or deepened public understanding of how taxation affects lives at the federal level.   

Whether through innovative legislation, groundbreaking litigation, pioneering research, or courageous public service, this award is a tribute to those who make federal tax systems more equitable, effective, and transparent.   

Why Federal Tax Matters   

Taxes shape every economy, every government, and every citizen’s life. Yet many of the most influential contributors, particularly in federal tax policy, research, and public service, go unrecognized. 

The Tax Analysts Award of Distinction for Contributions in U.S. Federal Taxation shines a light on these often-unsung leaders and affirms 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. 

Federal taxation underpins the nation’s fiscal health, funds vital programs, and influences economic behavior. 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 federal tax law, policy, or administration. Eligible nominees include:   

• Federal tax officials or public servants   

• Legal practitioners or litigators   

• Academics or researchers focused on federal tax issues   

• Journalists or public commentators   

• Advocacy groups or nonprofit organizations   

• Regulatory professionals or tax administrators   

 A nominee may be an individual, a group, or an institution. The award celebrates a specific contribution the winner has made to the field of federal taxation. Nominees will be evaluated on the strength of their contribution and the significance of its impact. 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 award ceremony on May 8 at the American Bar Association Section of Taxation 2026 May Tax Meeting in Washington. If the nominee wins, Tax Analysts will provide the winner with an all-expenses-paid trip to the event to receive their award.  

Click here to learn more about the program and the nomination process. 

What the Winner Receives   

The honoree will be awarded:   

• A trophy 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 feature article in Tax Notes highlighting the winner’s work, published across Tax Notes publications  

Help Us Spotlight Excellence   

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

Tax Analysts employees, affiliates, and their families are ineligible.