Frequently Asked Questions

When and how is the problem released?

The problem will be released in early September. The exact date will be posted on the Law Student Tax Challenge (LSTC) homepage. Once the problem is released you will be able to download/view a PDF version.

Is there an entry form?

There is not an entry form for the Law Student Tax Challenge. Once you complete your written product submission, you and your partner with both will submit your information through the Division Submission Form so that we have your contact details and work product.

Is there a fee to enter?

No, there is no fee to enter the Law Student Tax Challenge (LSTC).

How do I enter the competition?

There is only one step to participating in the LSTC. Once you and your partner have completed your joint written product, elect one person to be team captain. This person will upload the work product on the Division Submission Form. The second partner will also need to fill out the submission form but does not need to also upload the work product. Once both partners have submitted the form, you have successfully entered the competition. A copy of your submission will automatically be emailed to you, confirming receipt.

Who can participate in the competition?

Both student team members must be matriculated at an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing with such ABA-accredited law school. Both team members must be from the same school. Solo and undergraduate submissions are not allowed at this time. Please review the rules posted on the main competition page for both J.D. and LL.M. eligibility, including rules for students in joint J.D./LL.M. programs.

Do I have to be a student member of the ABA to participate?

No, you do not have to be a current student member of the ABA or Tax Section to participate, but once you enter the competition we will sign you up for a free membership in both the ABA and Tax Section. Learn about our benefits of membership.

I have a question specific to the problem, can you answer it?

You may email any questions to [email protected] but we are unable to offer answers to substantive questions, in those cases you will need to consider the problem “as written”.

When will we be notified if we are selected?

Semi-finalists and finalists will be notified in mid-December. The exact date will be posted on the Law Student Tax Challenge homepage.

If I cannot attend the semi-final and final rounds in person at the Midyear Tax Meeting, what happens?

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations for qualifying circumstances are available. If you believe you qualify for an ADA exception, please let the competition administrator in advance. Otherwise, we do not allow individual oral round defense substitutions or replacements.

Participants are strongly urged to confirm they can attend the Midyear Meeting with employers prior to submitting their work product.