Award FAQs
General
Q: What is the nomination timeline for the State and Local Award of Distinction?
A: The 2025 nomination timeline for the Tax Analysts State and Local Award of Distinction is as follows:
Nominations Open: May 8, 2025
Nominations Close: June 30, 2025
Winner Announced: Early Fall 2025
Q: Does the winner need to attend the award ceremony in order to be eligible for nomination?
A: Yes. The recipient of the Tax Analysts Award of Distinction must attend the award ceremony in person. The U.S. State and Local Tax award will be formally presented at the Paul J. Hartman State and Local Tax Forum, and Tax Analysts will cover all associated travel expenses. In-person attendance is a key part of the award experience and includes delivering a keynote address and being recognized before an audience of leading state and local tax professionals.
Q: Is this a lifetime achievement award? What type of contributions qualify for nomination?
A: No, this award recognizes 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.
Q: Can I use my Tax Notes login to access the awards site?
A: No. The awards platform is separate from your Tax Notes account. To submit a nomination or collaborate on one, you'll need to create a new login specific to the awards site, here.
Q: Are there fees to participate in the Award of Distinction program?
A: No. There are no fees to nominate or to participate at any stage of the Tax Analysts Award of Distinction. This includes submitting a nomination, being considered by the judging panel, and accepting the award. The program is designed to be open and accessible to all members of the tax community, and winners will receive national recognition and an all-expenses-paid trip to the awards ceremony.
Nomination Form
Q: What’s the difference between an individual nomination and a group or organization nomination?
A: The award recognizes influential initiatives in the tax field, which may be led by a single individual or by a group working collaboratively.
Individual nominations highlight the leadership and contributions of one person who played a central role in the initiative’s development and success.
Group or organization nominations recognize up to five individuals who contributed collectively to the initiative’s impact. These nominations should reflect a shared effort in which no single contributor stands apart from the team.
Whether the initiative is led by one person or a small team, the focus should remain on its significance and its demonstrated impact on tax policy, law, administration, or public understanding.
Q: What is the “Manage Collaborators” option in the nomination form?
A: The “Manage Collaborators” feature allows you, as the nominator, to invite others to view or help complete your nomination form. Collaborators can access the nomination, contribute content, and review progress.
Q: If I am a “Collaborator,” can I submit the final application?
A: No, only the primary nominator can submit an application. Once you complete your portion of the application, inform the primary nominator directly so that they may complete and submit the final application.
Q: What should I expect when filling out the nomination form?
A: The nomination form includes several short narrative questions about your nominee’s work—such as their core contribution, measurable impact, and how their work aligns with Tax Analysts’ mission. You'll also be asked to provide:
Basic information about yourself (the nominator) and the nominee (individual, team, or organization)
(Optional) Supporting documentation that helps illustrate the nominee’s impact
Estimated time to complete:
We recommend setting aside 45–60 minutes to complete the form, especially if you’re coordinating input from collaborators or preparing optional uploads.
What counts as supporting documentation?
You may include items such as:
News or media coverage
Published research or academic articles
Legal or policy filings
Internal memos, white papers, or strategy documents
Screenshots or URLs that demonstrate digital engagement or recognition
Awards or commendations
Narrative responses include word count limits ranging from 150 to 600 words. All required fields must be completed before submission.
Q: What makes a strong nomination?
A: A strong nomination clearly explains what the nominee did, why it mattered, and how it made a lasting impact. The most compelling entries go beyond listing achievements, they connect the nominee’s work to broader changes in tax law, policy, administration, or public understanding.
Here are some tips to help your nomination stand out:
Be specific and concrete.
Use real examples- such as legal reforms, policy outcomes, or measurable public benefit- to demonstrate what the nominee accomplished. Avoid broad or general statements without evidence.
Focus on impact.
Explain how the nominee’s work influenced the field and why it is meaningful today. Highlight outcomes such as adoption, implementation, or recognition by peers or institutions.
Show alignment with Tax Analysts’ mission.
Nominations that reflect values like transparency, integrity, and nonpartisan contribution to public discourse are especially compelling.
Respect the word limits.
Each narrative section has a word count maximum. Stay within those limits and aim for clear, focused writing.
Include optional supporting materials.
Uploading documentation such as press coverage, research papers, legal filings, or public recognition can add valuable context and credibility to your submission.
Tip: For team or organization nominations, clarify the collaborative nature of the work and how contributors worked together. For individual nominations, emphasize the nominee’s leadership and initiative.
Q: I already submitted my nomination. Can I make changes or add something I forgot?
A: Yes—if you realize something is missing after submitting your application, just reach out before the nomination deadline. We’re happy to assist you in reopening your submission so you can make updates. Contact: awards@taxanalysts.org
For more on eligibility or evaluation, please visit our Awards page or contact us with questions.