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Award FAQs

Timeline & Key Dates: 

Q: What is the nomination timeline for the U.S. Federal Award of Distinction?  

A: The 2025-2026 nomination timeline for the Tax Analysts U.S Federal Award of Distinction is as follows:  

  • Nominations Open: November 3, 2025  

  • Nominations Close: January 30, 2026  

  • Winner Announced and Celebrated: May 8, 2026, at the American Bar Association Section of Taxation 2026 May Tax Meeting in Washington. 

Nomination & Submission Eligibility: 

Q: Who is eligible for nomination? 

A: Individuals, teams (up to five members), or organizations may be nominated for the Federal Award. The program honors timely and impactful work that has made a clear contribution to federal tax law, policy, administration, or public understanding. 

Nominations should describe a specific achievement or initiative that goes beyond routine professional work, something that has influenced the field, resulted in measurable outcomes, or fostered public engagement or transparency. 

This is not a lifetime achievement award. The focus is on meaningful, mission-aligned contributions that serve the public interest, not the private financial interests of the nominee or their affiliates. 

Q: Can a nominee be deceased?

A: No. Nominees must be living at the time of nomination.

Q: Can I nominate myself?

A: Yes. Self-nominations are permitted.

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 2026 U.S. Federal Taxation award will be presented on May 8at the ABA Section of Taxation Meeting in Washington, DC.  Tax Analysts will cover travel and lodging expenses.  

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. 

How to Submit a Nomination: 

Q: Where do I submit a nomination? 

A: All nominations must be submitted through our online platform. You’ll need to create a login specific to the awards site. 
Your Tax Notes login will not work on this platform. 

Q: What’s the difference between an individual nomination and a group or organization nomination? 
A: The award recognizes a specific, high-impact contribution to the field of federal taxation.  That contribution may have been achieved by a single individual or by a group working collaboratively. 

  • If the work reflects the leadership or insight of a single person, submit an individual nomination. 

  • If the contribution was the result of a close collaboration where no single contributor stands apart, a group nomination (up to five people) is appropriate. 
    In either case, the nomination should center on the contribution itself: what was accomplished, why it matters, and how it aligns with the goals of the award.

Q: What is the “Manage Collaborators” option in the nomination form? 
A: This allows you to invite others to view or help complete your nomination form. Only the primary nominator can submit the final application.  

Q: How long will it take to complete the form? 
A: We recommend setting aside 45–60 minutes, especially if you’re coordinating input from collaborators or preparing supporting materials.  The form includes narrative prompts (150-600 words) and the option to upload documentation.

Q: What counts as supporting documentation? 
A: You may include: 

  • 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

 Selection Criteria: 

Q: How are nominations evaluated? 
A: Submissions are reviewed in three discrete rounds using criteria that reflect the mission and values of the program. Evaluators consider: 

  • What the nominee accomplished, and how their work stood out from standard professional contributions 

  • The documented impact and significance of the work, such as policy changes, precedent, adoption by others, or public engagement 

  • The nominee’s role in the effort 

  • How the contribution supports transparency, public understanding, or informed tax policy 

For more detail about the category, visit the Federal Award page 

Tips for a Strong Nomination: 

Q: What makes a compelling nomination? 
A: Strong nominations: 

  • Focus on one major initiative or accomplishment, not a list of career highlights. 

  • Clearly describe the contribution and why it’s innovative or distinct 

  • Show measurable impact, such as regulatory reform, precedent-setting litigation, or public uptake Emphasize relevance to today’s federal tax landscape 

  • Demonstrate alignment with Tax Analysts’ mission: transparency, education, and public service. 

  • Include supporting materials that give reviewers added context. 

  • Clarify collaboration (for group nominations) or leadership (for individual nominations) 

Already Submitted? 

Q: I submitted my nomination- can I still make changes? 
A: Yes, if it’s before the deadline. Contact us at awards@taxanalysts.org and we can reopen your submission.