Why Investing in IPT Programs Is a Smart Move For Your SALT Team

You know firsthand that state and local tax (SALT) regulations evolve constantly. That’s why, for tax departments and professionals like you, it’s essential to stay ahead of these changes. Falling behind can lead to costly errors, missed opportunities, and compliance issues directly affecting your company’s bottom line.

IPT programs provide the structured, expert-led education you and your team need to stay compliant, effective, and strategically positioned. Let’s explore why IPT programs are a good fit for your team members.

The Challenge of Keeping Up with Change

The pace of change in SALT laws and regulations can feel relentless. Tax professionals face an overwhelming amount of new information each year, from complex legislative updates to shifting compliance requirements. IPT has a proven track record as a trusted partner that can keep your team informed and ready, offering training and insights that are immediately applicable.

The Unique Benefits of IPT Schools and Programs

IPT offers two distinct types of in-person learning experiences: schools and programs.

Each serves a specific purpose, and both are crucial to making a strategic investment in your team's professional growth.

IPT Schools: Building a Strong Foundation and Advanced Skills

IPT schools deliver comprehensive, hands-on training covering both fundamental principles and advanced concepts in SALT. These sessions dive deeply into essential tax topics, equipping attendees with the practical skills to address real-world challenges. Through interactive exercises, small group discussions, and mock presentations, your team members can return to work with actionable knowledge and the confidence to implement it effectively.

IPT Programs: Staying Ahead with Emerging Trends and Networking

IPT programs—like symposiums and conferences—focus on the latest developments, emerging trends, and strategic insights in SALT. These events offer a unique opportunity for your tax professionals to stay current with rapidly changing regulations, learn about cutting-edge strategies, and gain exposure to new technologies.

Programs also emphasize the importance of networking so your team can connect with industry leaders and peers, building a robust support system of professional contacts.

The Benefits of IPT Schools

IPT schools transform tax professionals into highly skilled, confident practitioners capable of navigating complex SALT challenges.

Expert-Led Curriculum

The curriculum at IPT schools isn’t off-the-shelf. Instead, it’s crafted and delivered by seasoned tax professionals facing state and local tax challenges daily. Your employees aren’t just learning theory—they’re absorbing practical knowledge from experts who understand the real-world implications of SALT issues.

Training includes mock presentations, small group exercises, and case studies mirroring problems your team may actually encounter, ensuring they leave with the ability to apply what they’ve learned immediately.

Hands-On Learning

IPT schools emphasize active participation and hands-on learning.

Attendees engage in interactive sessions that go beyond traditional lectures, offering practical exercises to prepare them to tackle complex tax issues head-on.

These experiences cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which translate directly into improved workplace performance. The result is a team that can effectively handle daily responsibilities and contribute to the overall efficiency of your tax department.

Return on Investment

Investing in IPT schools delivers a tangible return on your team’s time and budget.

Your team members can return equipped with the expertise to analyze and resolve tax challenges more effectively, minimizing risks and uncovering opportunities that directly benefit your business.

Practical skills gained through IPT’s rigorous training reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes and improve the overall strategic impact of your tax department.

The Advantages of Attending IPT Programs

IPT programs, including symposiums and conferences, are designed to keep your tax department at the forefront of the industry. These events equip your team with the connections and knowledge they need to excel in a constantly shifting tax landscape. Best of all, they are scheduled with the important dates on the SALT calendar in mind so your team members can attend because the timing works for them.

Here are just a few of the reasons why your team members can benefit from IPT’s annual programming.

Cutting-Edge Knowledge

IPT programs ensure your employees stay well-informed on the latest trends, regulations, and strategic developments in state and local taxation. Sessions are packed with insights into emerging technologies, complex SALT issues, and legislative updates. By staying current, your team is equipped to anticipate and navigate changes, maintaining a competitive edge in the field.

Industry-Specific and Regional Focus

Understanding that tax issues can vary significantly by industry and region, IPT programs offer sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of your team members. No matter the sector your teams work in, they’ll receive targeted, relevant knowledge. This focused approach allows tax professionals to more effectively address industry-specific challenges and implement strategies that can directly impact your business operations.

Valuable Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of IPT programs is the opportunity to build a network of peers and industry leaders across multiple tax disciplines. These connections can be invaluable when your team faces complex challenges, offering a go-to resource for advice and collaboration.

Establishing relationships at these events not only fosters professional growth but also creates a support system for your teams that extends well beyond the conference room.

The Strategic Value of Investing in IPT Programs

Investing in IPT programs isn’t just about professional development—it’s a strategic decision for your business that can yield substantial returns. Here’s why investing in IPT membership for your team members makes good business sense.

Efficient Access to Resources

The sheer volume and specificity of information shared at IPT events are unparalleled. Unlike piecemeal, independent research, IPT programs consolidate critical SALT updates and advanced strategies into a single, cohesive learning experience. The efficiency saves your team members time and ensures they receive insights that are both current and comprehensive.

Additionally, the perspective that your team members can gain from industry leaders will help them apply their new skills on a practical level. Your teams will benefit from nuanced interpretations of regulations and real-world case studies, giving them the tools to make well-informed decisions at work.

Impact on the Bottom Line

Well-trained tax professionals are more adept at navigating intricate regulations, meaning fewer costly errors and more opportunities to optimize tax positions.

Consider the financial implications: an error in tax compliance or a missed opportunity for tax optimization can have serious repercussions.

IPT-trained employees are equipped to minimize risks and capitalize on tax-saving strategies. The return on investment isn’t theoretical—it translates to measurable financial gains and increased operational efficiency.

Long-Term Benefits

Beyond the immediate impact, IPT programs foster long-term growth and stability. Employees with this level of specialized training develop into confident, knowledgeable professionals who can easily handle evolving tax challenges. This continuous upskilling reduces the need for constant retraining and positions your department as a strategic asset rather than a reactive cost center.
Further, investing in your employees’ education reinforces your commitment to professional development, improving retention, and helping you attract top talent.

Staying ahead in the industry isn’t just about compliance; it’s about cultivating a tax team driving value year after year.

Help Your Team Stay Prepared and Current

A well-prepared, knowledgeable tax team is a necessity. IPT schools deliver both foundational and advanced training, giving your team members practical, real-world skills they can apply immediately. IPT programs  ensure your team stays ahead of industry changes with timely updates and strategic insights so your tax department is more agile and effective.

Investing in IPT memberships for your team is a smart, strategic way to maximize your education budget. The ROI is clear: a more capable, confident, and efficient tax team that can navigate SALT complexities with precision. Learn more about specific IPT programs and take the next step toward strengthening your tax department today.

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IPT Member News

IPT Announces 2026-2027 Officers and Board Members

IPT Board of Governors


The Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT) announced the election of its 2026-2027 officers and Board of Governors during the Institute’s Annual Meeting of Members, held June 23, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

IPT’s 2026-2027 officers are:
President: Jeffrey S. McGhehey, CMI, The Home Depot 
First Vice President: Jan A. Nash, CMI, Tyson Foods, Inc. 
Second Vice President: Joshua E. Estes, CMI, Esq., Estes & Banks, PC

The following members were elected to serve three-year terms on the IPT Board of Governors:
Sandra J. Jacobs, CMI, KPMG LLP 
J. Kieran Jennings, CMI, Esq., CRE, Siegel Jennings Co., L.P.A. 
Joshua Sigmon, CMI, MBA, Compass Group USA 

“We are pleased to welcome IPT’s newly elected officers and Board members,” said Chris G. Muntifering, CMI, IPT Executive Director. “As IPT enters its next chapter, their leadership and experience will help guide the Institute’s continued growth, expand opportunities for member engagement, and strengthen the educational programs and professional community that have defined IPT for the past five decades.”

The 2026-2027 leadership transition follows IPT’s golden anniversary and 50th Annual Conference. Additional members of the 2026-2027 IPT Board of Governors include Montgomery E. Brantley, CMI; Rodney L. Cole, CMI; Kristina Friedman, CMI; Martin Guenther, CMI, MAI; Minah C. Hall, CCIP, Esq.; and Melissa J-L Myers, CMI. 

About IPT: The Institute for Professionals in Taxation, founded in 1976, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional association serving over 7,000 members representing approximately 1,200 corporations, firms, and taxpayers throughout the United States and Canada. IPT is dedicated to the uniform and equitable administration of state and local property taxes, sales and use taxes, state income taxes, and credits and incentives. Learn more at ipt.org

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Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

10 Jul 2026IPT Member News
IPT Board of Governors
The Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT) announced the election of its 2026-2027 officers and Board of Governors during the Institute’s Annual Meeting of Members, held June 23, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
IPT Member News

2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium

2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Orlando, Florida
September 27 – September 30, 2026

Sales Tax Simplified: The Leading Annual Event for Sales & Use Tax Professionals

Join sales tax professionals from across the country for the 2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium, the premier annual event for advanced sales and use tax education. 

Whether you are newer to sales and use tax or have years of experience, the 2026 Sales Tax Symposium offers the education and professional perspective needed to stay current in the field.

Register Now:
Early registration is available through August 10, 2026.

IPT Member Rate:
$995 before August 10, 2026
$1,095 after August 10, 2026

Non-Member Rate:
$1,495 before August 10, 2026
$1,595 after August 10, 2026

Why Attend
The 2026 symposium is designed to help attendees strengthen their understanding of today’s most important sales and use tax issues. Over the course of four days, sessions will cover recent developments, legal updates, hot topics, and practical considerations affecting tax departments, advisors, and practitioners nationwide. 

The Sales Tax Symposium is created and led by experienced sales and use tax professionals from across the industry, giving attendees instruction grounded in the day-to-day work of the profession.
Who Should Attend

The 2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium is designed for SALT professionals at every stage of their career, including corporate tax professionals, consultants, advisors, attorneys, and others working in sales and use tax.

This program is open to IPT members and non-members seeking advanced education, practical insight, and access to a national network of tax professionals.

Networking Opportunities
Attendees will have opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships with peers from across the country who work through many of the same sales and use tax questions and challenges.

Learn More

Related News

Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

09 Jul 2026IPT Member News
2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium
Join sales tax professionals from across the country for the 2026 IPT Sales Tax Symposium, the premier annual event for advanced sales and use tax education.
IPT Member News

IPT’s New CMIs

Congratulations to New CMIs

IPT’s Board of Governors has bestowed the CMI designation to the following members, after they successfully completed the necessary education, experience, and testing requirements.

IPT’s Board of Governors has bestowed the CMI designation to the following members, after they successfully completed the necessary education, experience, and testing requirements. 

Please join IPT in congratulating the following members for achieving the CMI designation!

CMI - Sales Tax
• Emily Bauer, CMI – KPMG LLP 
• Sarah Chi, CMI – PwC
• Kristen Hale, CMI – Hilton Worldwide 
• Christine Jao, CMI – DoorDash

CMI - Property Tax
• Molly Phelan, CRE, CMI – Siegel Jennings - Property Tax Law


Related News

Get Involved with IPT

The IPT community Is Ready for You

Join a diverse community of more than 6,600 members and achieve educational excellence, earn professional certification, and gain access to a world-class network. With IPT, you can advocate for equitable administration of state and local taxes, participate in volunteer opportunities to grow your leadership skills, and establish a stronger professional reputation by participating on our committees.

09 Jul 2026IPT Member News
New CMIs
IPT’s Board of Governors has bestowed the CMI designation to the following members.