Taxposium 2026 sizzled in Cleveland

Tax professionals from across the country gathered at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland July 13-15 for Taxposium 2026, the National Association of Tax Professionals’ annual conference.

Over three days, attendees explored changes in tax administration, artificial intelligence, practice management, taxpayer representation and other issues shaping the profession. They also had time to compare ideas with fellow practitioners, meet industry partners, and consider how new developments could affect their clients and firms.

The speaker roster and agenda brought together tax practitioners, educators, attorneys, technology specialists, firm leaders and IRS representatives.

Conversations about the IRS and a changing profession

Taxposium opened with National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins, who joined attendees for a conversation about the current IRS landscape and issues influencing the future of tax administration.

The opening-day keynote featured innovation expert and New York Times bestselling author Diana Kander. Her presentation, “How Curiosity Helps Tax Pros Thrive in a Changing World,” challenged firm owners to ask better questions, identify blind spots and stay competitive as the profession evolves.

IRS operations and enforcement remained part of the conversation throughout the event. Sessions addressed IRS trends and priorities, large business and international enforcement campaigns, dispute appeals, penalty relief and ways to work with taxpayers who have unresolved compliance issues. The conference concluded with Larry Gray, CPA, NATP IRS liaison, and John Sapp, CPA, discussing developments tax professionals should watch through the rest of 2026 and as they prepare for the 2027 filing season.

AI moves from possibility to practice

Artificial intelligence was one of the most visible themes on the 2026 agenda.

Sessions examined the future of AI-assisted tax research, leadership during technological change, AI’s role in Form 1040 delivery and practical workflows for small firms. A Day 3 panel brought together industry leaders to discuss how firms are already using AI, where adoption is accelerating and what those changes could mean for workflows, client service and professional judgment.

The focus was not simply on what AI can do. Presenters also addressed how tax professionals can evaluate new tools, maintain sound judgment and apply technology to real practice challenges.

Other sessions covered cybersecurity, data breaches, digital asset crimes, advisory services, staffing, pricing, practice growth, and decisions such as whether to build a firm or purchase an existing practice.

New tools and new connections

The Taxposium expo hall featured products and services related to tax research, artificial intelligence, automation, practice management, document collection, secure portals, billing, staffing, education and other areas of firm operations.

Connections continued outside the classroom and expo hall. The opening-night reception included music, food and time to meet exhibitors and other attendees, while conversations during breaks and meals gave tax professionals an opportunity to exchange ideas with people facing similar client and business challenges.

NATP recognizes its 2026 award recipients

NATP also used the opening general session to recognize members and chapters whose service has strengthened the association and the tax profession.

Kathryn Keane, EA, was named the 2026 NATP Member of the Year. A chapter leader, former National Board member, educator and mentor, Keane was recognized for her longstanding commitment to NATP, its members and the next generation of tax professionals.

“Only other tax professionals truly understand what it’s like to be in this profession,” Keane said while reflecting on the relationships she has built through NATP.

The Texas chapter received the 2026 Chapter of the Year award for its educational programming, networking opportunities, member communication and volunteer engagement. Arizona and New York received second-place honors, and Alabama earned third place.

Relive Taxposium 2026

Taxposium 2026 reflected a profession working through rapid change while remaining grounded in education, professional judgment and community.

Thank you to the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and staff members who made the Cleveland event possible.

Next stop: Boston

Taxposium will return June 21-23, 2027, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Registration opens this fall. Visit the official Taxposium website for future announcements.