Departments and Columns

Continuing Education Calendar

2025 2025 Federal Tax Course – Level 1 (Simulive Edition) October 16–November 20 Virtual 80th Annual Conference October 26–29 San Francisco, CA Tax Technology Webinar Series November 17–20 Virtual 2026 US International Tax Course (Simulive Edition) January 21–March 11 Virtual 76th Midyear Conference March 15–18 Washington, DC SALT Essentials Course… Read more »

Natalie Friedman

In recounting her education, Natalie Friedman points out that she started at Wake Forest University as a history major. “I love learning about history, reading about it, watching the History Channel. But once in classes, I realized that I didn’t like writing about it, especially very long papers,” she laughs.… Read more »

Automation in Action: Key Takeaways From the TEI Automation Competition

In February, tax professionals from across the country gathered in Seattle for the TEI Tax Technology Seminar—an event that trained a bold spotlight on automation in tax. Among the most dynamic sessions was the automation competition, where ten participating teams showcased real-world tax automation solutions built on modern platforms. The… Read more »

Cleveland Chapter
Holds Annual Scholarship Golf Outing

On September 15, the TEI Cleveland Chapter held its ninth annual Scholarship Golf Outing, an event that continues to grow each year. This year’s outing brought together twenty-eight teams representing sixteen firms and generated a net profit of $10,000 to support scholarships at four Cleveland-area universities, as well as students… Read more »

Beyond Automation: Why Having a Human in the Loop Is Critical for Sales Tax Compliance
The Expert: Richard Van Komen

The allure of sales tax automation is undeniable. Many companies, particularly large enterprises, embrace automation with the belief that it will solve all their sales tax challenges, accurately classifying taxable and nontaxable transactions without the need for human intervention. The buzz phrase “automating everything” often leads to a perception that… Read more »

Effecting a Powerful Force for Good

Although no two TEI sponsors are built the same, nonprofits Step Up For Students (SUFS) and the Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF) both work to improve educational access—an important value TEI has always supported. For this issue’s Back Page, we’re sharing a bit more about these organizations and how members can… Read more »

The Economic Impact of Tariffs

The Tax Foundation has been tracking the economic impact of the Trump administration-imposed tariffs in the United States and around the world. Because the tariff landscape seems to change almost weekly—if not more often—the Tax Foundation offers a full timeline of tariff activity involving the United States, dating back to… Read more »

Tricia Grady
Chicago Chapter

As Tricia Grady talks about her experience with TEI’s Chicago Chapter, she hearkens back to her earliest experiences. “I participated in local chapter events and liked the camaraderie,” she says. “Then, one of our former presidents instituted new member luncheons. That’s when I got roped in, in all of the… Read more »

Leading With Gratitude & Looking Toward the Future

I am both humbled and excited to assume the role of TEI international president for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Founded in 1944, TEI is the preeminent organization for in-house tax professionals. With its mission of education, advocacy, and networking, TEI has played a vital role in my professional career. To… Read more »

Acknowledgments

TEI gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors. Their financial support enables TEI to maintain a rich program of value-added education, networking, and advocacy activities for the in-house tax community. Exclusive Affinity Partner Thomson Reuters Platinum Andersen BDO Birch Risk Advisors Bloomberg Tax CAC Specialty Crowe LLP Crux CSC Corptax… Read more »