The National Conference of State Tax Judges returns for its annual gathering from October 8 to October 10, 2026. Hosted in a yet-to-be-disclosed venue, the event is limited to invited participants, including state tax judges, court administrators, and seasoned practitioners. Over the course of three intensive days, attendees will explore the most pressing decisions issued by state tax courts, discuss strategies for handling intricate valuation disputes, and share practical case-management techniques.
Agenda: reviewing rulings, refining appraisal methods, and debating reform proposals
Program organizers have designed a schedule that balances substantive updates with interactive sessions. A prominent portion of the agenda focuses on recent appraisal developments, offering participants a chance to hear from leading valuation scholars about emerging methodologies and industry best practices. Parallel sessions will survey current property tax reform initiatives sweeping across the United States, allowing judges to gauge the potential impact of legislative changes on their jurisdictions. Additionally, the conference will address constitutional issues that frequently arise in tax litigation, such as due-process challenges and uniformity clauses.
Who is speaking: a roster of academic and practical authorities
The speaker lineup reads like a who’s who of tax-law expertise. Among the presenters are Matt Boch, a professor renowned for his work on tax policy; Richard Marchitelli, whose research on valuation theory is frequently cited in court opinions; and Richard Jones, a veteran tax judge with decades of courtroom experience. Other notable voices include Scott Susko, an authority on real-estate taxation; Jared Walczak, a specialist in fiscal federalism; and Ronald L. Buch, a former state tax commissioner. The roster also features economists such as Quinn Yeargain and Adam Sopko, who will provide data-driven perspectives on tax incidence and compliance.
Key topics: appraisal standards, case law trends, and United States Tax Court insights
Each day will feature short, focused sessions that dive into specific subjects. One session will deliver a comprehensive survey of the most recent state tax cases that have set new precedents, followed by a reflective discussion on how these decisions compare with historic rulings. Another segment will present feedback from practicing attorneys, highlighting practical challenges they encounter when presenting valuation evidence before tax courts. The conference will close with a presentation from the United States Tax Court, offering a national perspective on trends that may soon filter down to the state level.
Anticipated outcomes: shaping policy and fostering collaboration
Beyond the exchange of information, the gathering aims to generate concrete recommendations for improving the administration of state tax systems. Organizers expect participants to leave with a clearer understanding of how to apply emerging valuation techniques in litigation, as well as a roadmap for navigating upcoming property-tax reforms. By facilitating direct dialogue between judges, scholars, and practitioners, the conference hopes to build a collaborative network that can respond swiftly to evolving fiscal challenges.
