American College-Tax Counsel

For anyone in Washington D.C. seeking to understand the pinnacles of tax legal expertise, the American College of Tax Counsel (ACTC) represents a distinguished body of professionals dedicated to the highest standards in tax law. Unlike a conventional law firm that provides direct client representation on a case-by-case basis, the ACTC is a prestigious professional association comprised of America's leading tax attorneys. Membership, often referred to as "Fellows," is an honor reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the practice of tax law.

Established in 1981, the ACTC serves a vital role in the national tax landscape, particularly from its strategic location in the nation’s capital. Its core mission is multi-faceted: to foster excellence and elevate professional standards in the practice of tax law, to stimulate skills development and knowledge through continuing legal education, and crucially, to provide a mechanism for input by tax professionals into the development of tax laws and policy. This means that while they don't directly handle your individual tax case, their collective expertise significantly shapes the environment in which tax law operates, impacting every D.C. resident and business.

The Fellows of the ACTC are recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments and professional achievements, and for their unwavering dedication to improving the practice of tax law across the United States. This includes attorneys from private practice, corporate legal or tax departments, governmental legal positions, trade associations, and graduate-level teaching positions. Their work collectively aims to promote sound tax policy and engage in thoughtful discussion with the government on matters affecting the tax system, making them a crucial, albeit indirect, resource for anyone navigating the complexities of U.S. tax law.

The American College of Tax Counsel is strategically located in the heart of Washington D.C., placing it in close proximity to the federal government agencies and legislative bodies that shape tax policy. Their address is:

529 14th St NW #750, Washington, DC 20045, USA

This prime downtown D.C. location, situated in the Northwest quadrant, ensures exceptional accessibility for members and collaborators. The building is typically a professional office environment, reflecting the high caliber of the organization.

For those utilizing public transportation, the office is remarkably convenient. It's often within a very short walk of several Metro stations, including Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), which is one of the busiest and most central hubs in the D.C. Metro system. This makes it easily reachable from various parts of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. While parking in downtown D.C. can be a challenge, numerous parking garages are available in the vicinity for those who prefer to drive, though planning for potential costs and limited availability is always advisable. The location’s proximity to government institutions underscores the ACTC’s role in influencing national tax policy.

As a professional association rather than a traditional law firm, the American College of Tax Counsel doesn't offer direct legal services to the public. Instead, its "services" are focused on advancing the field of tax law and supporting its highly accomplished members, which in turn benefits the broader tax system and, indirectly, taxpayers. Their core offerings include:

• Promoting Sound Tax Policy: The ACTC actively works to promote sound tax policy through thoughtful discussion and engagement with the government, including Congress and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They provide recommendations for improving the nation's tax laws and their interpretation and administration.
• Input into the Judicial System: The College provides input into the judicial system by filing "friend of the court" (amicus curiae) briefs in selected tax cases, offering expert perspectives to assist courts in their deliberations.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): They stimulate skills development and knowledge among tax professionals by participating in and organizing continuing legal education programs and seminars, ensuring members stay at the forefront of tax law developments.
• Fostering Excellence and Professional Standards: A primary mission is to foster excellence and elevate professional standards in the practice of tax law among its Fellows, recognizing and nurturing the best in the profession.
• Supporting Scholarly Research and Publication: Through its affiliated organizations, such as the American Tax Policy Institute and the Tannenwald Foundation, the College supports public conferences on tax policy issues and encourages the publication of scholarly articles in the field of taxation.
• Sponsoring Key Lectures: They sponsor significant annual events like the Erwin N. Griswold Lecture on Tax Policy, which brings together leading minds to discuss critical tax issues.
• Networking for Elite Tax Professionals: The College provides a unique venue for an extraordinary group of America's very best tax attorneys to work together, share insights, and collaborate on advancing the profession.

The American College of Tax Counsel boasts several distinguishing features and highlights that underscore its significant role in the tax legal community and its impact on the broader tax system.

• Exclusive Membership of Top Tax Attorneys: Membership is highly selective and by nomination only, reserved for those leaders who have made an exceptional contribution to the tax profession. Fellows must undergo a rigorous screening process, ensuring that the College comprises truly the "best of the best" in tax law.
• Influential Voice in Tax Policy: Strategically located in Washington D.C., the ACTC actively engages with Congress, the IRS, and other governmental bodies. They provide informed recommendations and input that directly influence the development, interpretation, and administration of U.S. tax laws.
• Commitment to Scholarly Discourse: The College fosters intellectual growth and scholarly examination of tax policy. This is demonstrated through its support of public conferences, the publication of academic articles, and the annual Griswold Lecture, which features prominent figures in tax law.
• Dedication to Professional Standards: A core purpose of the ACTC is to elevate ethical and professional standards within the tax legal community, contributing to the integrity and public trust in the tax system.
• Contributions to Judicial Interpretation: By filing amicus curiae briefs, the ACTC provides invaluable expert perspectives to courts on significant tax cases, helping to shape judicial interpretations of complex tax statutes.
• Legacy of Excellence: Founded in 1981, the College has a long-standing history of being at the forefront of tax law, consistently attracting and recognizing leading practitioners who have dedicated their careers to the field.
• Diverse Representation: Fellows come from various sectors of the legal profession, including private practice, corporate law, government, and academia, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the College's discussions and initiatives.

Given that the American College of Tax Counsel is a professional association rather than a commercial service provider, it does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the typical business sense. Its value lies in its prestige, the collective expertise of its members, and its influence on tax policy and professional standards.

Membership in the ACTC is an honor and a recognition of significant professional achievement, not something that can be "purchased" or discounted. For its Fellows, the benefits are intrinsic: unparalleled networking opportunities with top tax professionals, a platform for influencing tax policy, access to advanced legal education, and the prestige associated with being part of such a distinguished body.

For the general public or those seeking direct legal assistance, it's important to understand that the ACTC does not provide individual legal consultations or services. Those looking for a tax attorney would typically seek out a law firm or individual practitioner whose qualifications might include membership in prestigious organizations like the ACTC, as a testament to their expertise. Any inquiries about the College's activities or membership criteria would be directed through their general contact channels.

For inquiries related to the American College of Tax Counsel, including information about its mission, activities, or membership, you can reach them through the following details:

• Address: 529 14th St NW #750, Washington, DC 20045, USA
• Phone: (202) 637-3243
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-637-3243

While the ACTC does not provide direct legal advice to the public, contacting them can be useful for academic researchers, policy makers, or other professional organizations interested in collaborating on tax policy initiatives or learning more about the College's role in advancing tax law standards.

For residents and businesses within the District of Columbia, the American College of Tax Counsel, while not a direct service provider, is profoundly suitable and indeed vital. Our city is the epicenter of federal policy and legislation, and tax law is a constantly evolving and profoundly impactful area for everyone, from individual taxpayers to multinational corporations. The ACTC's very presence here signifies its critical role in shaping the tax system that affects us all.

While you won't walk into their office seeking advice on your personal income tax return, the work done by the Fellows of the ACTC directly contributes to the clarity, fairness, and efficiency of the tax laws you and your businesses navigate. By providing expert input to Congress and the IRS, by submitting informed briefs to courts, and by fostering the highest professional standards among tax attorneys, the College ensures that the legal framework for taxation is robust, well-considered, and continually improved.

For D.C. professionals in related fields – accounting, finance, public policy, or even general legal practice – knowing about and understanding the influence of the ACTC is crucial. It represents the pinnacle of tax legal thought leadership and a key player in the ongoing dialogue about U.S. tax policy. Therefore, while not a client-facing "lawyer" in the traditional sense, the American College of Tax Counsel is an indispensable institution for anyone in the District of Columbia who values a well-developed, thoughtfully administered, and ethically practiced system of tax law.