NEW YORK — June 10, 2026 — Kostelanetz LLP invites leading tax practitioners to attend the 18th Annual NYU Tax Controversy Forum—one of the most influential and anticipated events in the tax community—on June 25 and 26 at the Westin New York at Times Square to hear from the nation’s leading tax enforcement officials, private‑sector practitioners, academics, and policy experts.
Founded and sponsored by Kostelanetz, the Forum is hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies and brings together senior representatives from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Tax Court, and top law and accounting firms to examine the most pressing issues in tax audits, appeals, litigation, and compliance.
Registration information, hotel accommodations, and program details are available through the NYU School of Professional Studies here. The Forum agenda can be found here.
“The NYU Tax Controversy Forum is a premier national platform for meaningful dialogue between government and private‑sector leaders,” said Caroline D. Ciraolo, Partner at Kostelanetz and Forum Co‑Chair. “At a time of rapid change in tax enforcement and administration, this event provides an outstanding opportunity for practitioners to hear directly from the officials shaping policy, procedure, and priorities across the federal tax system.”
“Each year, the Forum brings together the brightest minds in tax controversy to share insights, sharpen skills, and strengthen the integrity of our tax administration,” said Pamela Grewal, Managing Director at Andersen Tax and Forum Co‑Chair. “Our 2026 program reflects the most urgent issues facing taxpayers and advisors today, and we are proud to partner with NYU SPS to deliver programming that is both timely and deeply practical.”
This year’s program features two full days of panels and keynote conversations addressing the rapidly evolving enforcement landscape, including IRS modernization efforts, DOJ restructuring, high‑wealth audits, digital asset compliance, cross‑border enforcement, partnership audit procedures, and major developments in civil and criminal tax litigation.
A special highlight of the 2026 Forum is the return of in‑person IRS problem‑solving sessions, where practitioners may meet directly with IRS representatives to address active taxpayer issues. Representatives of the IRS will be available to help tax practitioners resolve current tax problems with Taxpayer Advocate personnel providing one‑on‑one guidance.
High‑Level Government Conversations
The Forum opens with a keynote discussion featuring IRS CEO Frank Bisignano, followed by sessions with IRS operating division commissioners, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Tax Court, the Acting IRS Chief Counsel, and senior DOJ leadership. These conversations provide rare insight into agency priorities, resource challenges, and the future of tax administration.
Cutting‑Edge Enforcement Topics
Panels throughout the two‑day program address the most consequential issues facing tax professionals today, including:
- Employee Retention Credit audits and litigation
- Economic substance doctrine enforcement
- High‑wealth audit initiatives
- FBAR litigation trends
- IRS Appeals and ADR developments
- Cryptocurrency tax controversies
- State and local tax enforcement
- Privilege and confidentiality in the age of AI
- Cross‑border U.S.–Canada controversies
- Refund litigation strategies
- Estate and gift tax disputes
Exclusive Access to IRS and DOJ Leadership
Friday’s sessions include in‑depth conversations with the new DOJ Tax Litigation Branch, IRS Criminal Investigation leadership, the DOJ National Fraud Enforcement Division, Treasury’s Deputy Tax Legislative Counsel, and National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins.
A Premier Educational Event
The NYU Tax Controversy Forum is widely regarded as the leading annual conference for tax controversy and enforcement professionals. The Forum covers a wide range of topics across the tax compliance and enforcement spectrum and is an opportunity to stay current on new developments, exchange ideas, and share practice tips. Participants are eligible for CPE, CLE, and CE credits, and both in‑person and virtual attendance options are available.
About Kostelanetz LLP
For 80 years, Kostelanetz LLP has built a global reputation as a law firm of choice for clients facing high-stakes controversies, negotiations with government agencies, and complex domestic and international tax planning decisions. Our attorneys have extensive experience in tax controversy, tax fraud defense, white-collar criminal defense, securities enforcement defense, trust and estate planning, transactional tax planning, and government investigations. We are regularly called upon to handle the most challenging and sensitive matters and internal investigations. Important parts of the firm’s practice also include commercial litigation and government procurement and contracting.
