From the Chair: Looking Back & Looking Forward

Dear Tax Section Members,

Since my last message we have continued to live in tumultuous times, facing what seems like an avalanche of executive orders and changes to tax administration and personnel which will profoundly impact our profession for years to come. Nevertheless, the Tax Section remains steadfast in our commitment to our mission and to serving as a source of hope and guidance for our members and all tax professionals.

Tax Section Meetings

One source of hope comes from gathering as a community of tax professionals. The 800 attendees at our Midyear Tax Meeting in Los Angeles this past February found the opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, and discuss current developments and technical hot issues with tax experts who share a commitment to a workable tax system was well worth the time. And the dozens of members who assisted those impacted by the L.A. wildfires by packing meals at the regional food bank felt particularly uplifted by the shared opportunity to give back. 

Now plans are underway for the May Tax Meeting in Washington D.C. from May 8-10, where we hope to welcome as many as 2,000 tax lawyers and tax professionals from both the private and public sectors to the Marriott Marquis. The meeting will feature:

• Panels covering hot topics from changes to tax administration, to tariffs, to TCJA extensions, and beyond, to help practitioners prepare for what is to come.
• Both the Distinguished Service Award and the Janet Spragens Pro Bono award will be presented at the plenary luncheon on Saturday. The keynote address will feature Professor Michael Graetz in conversation with Skadden partner and international tax expert Loren Ponds.
• In order to center ourselves, we will once again feature several Live Well, Lawyer Well events. Start Friday with the always popular morning runs with Megan Brackney and Mike Demond or jazzercise with Jaye Calhoun. Learn self-compassion through meditation, how to battle imposter syndrome on Thursday, or practice knitting (for beginner through advanced) and make a craft on Friday.  
• Conversations in the halls have never been more important. For more structured networking opportunities, choose between the Women in Tax Forum’s speed networking event or the First Time/Solo Attendee reception from 5-6 pm on Thursday, and/or register for one of the many dinners organized by our committees. In addition, I will make myself available for a “Share with the Chair” session on Friday, May 9 at 2:15 p.m. in Georgetown University, Level M1, where you can bring constructive suggestions, concerns, and affirmations.

Giving Back

The Section has not only expanded its public service fellowship offerings and strengthened programs assisting pro se taxpayers, but through the Alaska Business Development Center, we launched a new pro bono project this winter, sponsoring six Section members who traveled to Alaska to prepare nearly 400 tax returns in remote areas. The volunteers had transformative experiences but were likely happy to return to less frigid weather in the lower 49. You’ll see pictures and learn more about this opportunity at the May meeting.

Feedback to the Government

The Tax Section has continued the important work of commenting on proposed Treasury and IRS guidance, most recently on Circular 230 and digital assets. We are also preparing a letter on proposed legislation – the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Services (TAS) Act – and a response to the request for feedback on the IRS 2025-2026 Priority Guidance Plan.

In their individual capacities, many members have offered public commentary on the most notable changes in the government, from the disbanding of the Tax Division of the Department of Justice to the sharing of confidential tax information and the reduction in services and personnel at the IRS. We applaud our members’ support for the effective administration of the tax system and their willingness to share their views.

Beyond the Tax Section: ABA Response

The ABA has continued to emphasize its commitment to Goal III: Eliminate Bias and Enhance Diversity – and its support of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the rights of lawyers to practice law without interference from the Executive Branch and of clients to seek counsel from lawyers of their choosing. On March 26, 2025, more than 50 state and other bar associations announced that they stood “together with and in support of the American Bar Association to defend the rule of law and reject efforts to undermine the courts and the legal profession.” To further support members affected by the recent terminations of government employment or who otherwise find themselves currently unemployed, the ABA now offers a $75 membership rate and a career resources page. The Tax Section is also offering a steeply reduced May Meeting registration fee for unemployed lawyers.

We will continue to monitor events closely and act when we believe our actions can make a positive contribution. Please don’t hesitate to contact me when you see an opportunity for Section action. In the meantime, I hope to see many of you next month in Washington, DC.

With deep thanks to everyone who has contributed to supporting our community and with hope for less turbulent times ahead,

Alice