Who Should Be Nominated?  

We’re seeking nominees whose work has had a demonstrable and lasting impact on state or local tax law, policy, or administration. Eligible nominees include:  

• State tax officials or public servants  

• Legal practitioners or litigators  

• Academics or researchers focused on state tax issues  

• Journalists or public commentators  

• Advocacy groups or nonprofit organizations  

• Regulatory professionals or tax administrators  

Nominees may be individuals, groups, or institutions. The award celebrates 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. 

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 32nd Annual Paul J. Hartman State and Local Tax Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 27-29, 2025, where the award will be presented. If the nominee wins, Tax Analysts will provide them with an all-expenses-paid trip to the event to receive their award.