2026 Audits & Appeals Seminar

The tax controversy landscape is shifting—and fast. While audit volume has dropped to historic lows, the risk environment for in-house tax professionals has never been more complex. Today’s enforcement is increasingly data-driven, targeted, and focused on high-impact issues, from credits and partnerships to international structures and emerging transactions.

At the same time, reduced IRS staffing, evolving legislation, and new technologies are fundamentally changing how audits are initiated, conducted, and resolved. Tax departments must be prepared not only for fewer—but more strategic—examinations, but also for longer timelines, procedural challenges, and heightened scrutiny when disputes arise.

TEI’s 2026 Audits & Appeals Seminar brings together leading practitioners, government perspectives, and in-house tax professionals to break down what’s happening now—and what’s coming next. You’ll gain practical, actionable insights to manage risk, respond effectively, and successfully navigate audits and appeals in today’s evolving environment.

Attendees may register for the full three-day program for a comprehensive overview of current developments across tax administration, controversy, and policy—ideal for practitioners and in-house professionals managing both federal and SALT issues. Alternatively, participants may choose to attend only the SALT Track (first 1.5 days) or the Federal Track (final 1.5 days), allowing for a more focused experience tailored to state or federal tax practice priorities.

Secure your seat today to attend these sessions and ensure you get the latest directly from these Government speakers:

•Appeals Roundtable Discussion featuring David Borden |  Head, IRS Independent Office of Appeals

•LB&I Roundtable Discussion featuring Mabeline Baldwin | LB&I Commissioner (Acting) and Brenda Sarini | Director, Northeastern Compliance Practice Area (Acting)

•International Roundtable Discussion featuring Nicole Welch | Director, Treaty & Transfer Pricing Operations (LB&I)

In-house tax professionals:

Managing audits, disputes, or controversy matters

Managing audits, disputes, or controversy matters

Responsible for risk management, governance, and compliance strategy

Overseeing complex transactions or high-risk tax positions

Interfacing with tax authorities or managing external advisors

Looking to stay ahead of enforcement trends and minimize risk for their organization

By participating in this seminar, attendees will be able to:

Identify common triggers for state and federal tax audits and apply strategies to mitigate controversy risk before disputes arise.

Evaluate practical approaches for managing audits, appeals, litigation, and dispute resolution across multiple jurisdictions.

Recognize emerging IRS and state enforcement priorities, audit trends, and procedural developments impacting controversy strategy.

Apply best practices for navigating administrative appeals, settlements, voluntary disclosures, and alternative dispute resolution processes.

Assess jurisdictional nuances and ethical considerations that can influence audit outcomes and controversy management.

Strengthen strategies for handling high-impact controversy issues, including international tax matters, research credits, and judicial doctrine challenges.

Improve preparedness for presenting issues effectively before taxing authorities and supporting favorable resolutions.

Exchange practical insights with peers and gain actionable approaches to manage audit and appeals matters with greater confidence.

The caliber of the speakers from both the private sector and government (IRS) was excellent. And the presentation/meeting setting was small enough to allow for a more dynamic exchange of perspectives and concerns as well. 

Excellent conference! It provided a wealth of knowledge and insight on the audit and appeals process. 

This seminar was perfect for me. The discussions from other companies on how they handle their audit procedures was very helpful. And to hear from government officials on how we can work through the audit and appeals process better was enlightening. 

Join in-house peers for actionable federal and SALT strategies, direct insights from government and leading practitioners, and practical approaches to today’s evolving IRS examination and appeals landscape—only at TEI’s Audits & Appeals Seminar.

Tax Executives Institute | meetings@tei.org | 202-638-5601