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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 to federal tax policy, research, and administration go unrecognized.
The Federal Award of Distinction shines a light on these contributions and affirms the essential role of federal tax in shaping fair, effective, and responsive governance. The award promotes 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.
Who Can Be Nominated
A nominee may be an individual, a group (up to five people), or an institution. The award honors a specific contribution, not a body of work. Nominations should describe what was achieved, why it mattered, and how the work served the public interest.
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
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.
How Nominations Are Evaluated
Nominations are reviewed by a panel of experts 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
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
For nomination tips, key dates, and submission instructions, please visit the FAQ page.
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, Board of Directors, affiliates, and their families are ineligible.
Ready to Nominate?