Helping Shape Tax Court Practice: Contributing to ABA Tax Section Comments

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of working alongside an incredible group of tax practitioners on the ABA Section of Taxation’s comments regarding the United States Tax Court’s proposed amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure.

This experience reminded me that shaping tax law isn’t limited to arguing cases or drafting briefs. Practitioners also have the opportunity—and, I would argue, the responsibility—to help improve the rules that govern our profession.

The comments address practical issues affecting Tax Court practice, including admission to practice, non-attorney admissions, practitioner reporting obligations, reciprocal discipline, and procedures designed to better protect taxpayers and practitioners alike.

As a newer tax attorney, I was honored to contribute to this effort and to learn from some exceptionally thoughtful practitioners throughout the process. Collaboration like this is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be part of the tax bar.

If you’re a current or aspiring tax practitioner, I encourage you to get involved with organizations like the ABA Section of Taxation. There are countless opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the development of tax law while learning from leaders in the field.

Contributing to ABA Tax Section Comments on the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice

I’m incredibly honored to have substantially contributed to the American Bar Association Section of Taxation’s comments on the proposed changes to the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice as a member of the Civil & Criminal Tax Penalties Committee.

This was my first time truly engaging in the government submissions process, and it gave me a front-row seat to how thoughtful, technical, and collaborative this work really is. The comments themselves tackle critical issues—from clarifying compliance requirements and improving the penalty framework to making the process more accessible and predictable for taxpayers.

We all know the Internal Revenue Code is a mountain of law, and the regulations that follow can be just as daunting. But when you bring together a group of individuals with deep knowledge across different areas, something powerful happens.

This experience showed me how much having a strong professional community enriches not only the work, but your understanding. It stretches your thinking, sharpens your analysis, and exposes you to perspectives you wouldn’t reach on your own.

I thought I was a bit of a tax nerd—but working alongside this group quickly humbled me in the best way. The level of experience, diligence, precision, and genuine commitment to getting it right was on another level.

A special thank you to Sara Neill , Parag Patel, and Ish Dalal, EA for your leadership, guidance, and willingness to pour into this process. Your example made a lasting impression.

No one person can do it alone. But when each of us contributes our part, we create something far more impactful—and we all benefit from the collective.

Grateful for the opportunity, and looking forward to continuing to grow in this space.