Join us for the 90th Annual Tax Symposium!

Get ahead of the curve at the Annual Tax Symposium — your go-to event for the latest on state and local tax trends impacting today’s businesses. Designed for tax, legal, and public affairs professionals, this dynamic program dives into the most pressing and complex issues shaping the tax landscape.


Date: December 4-5, 2025

Location: The Meadows Events & Conference Center at Prairie Meadows

Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

Directions: Click here for a Google map of directions

Continuing Education: Continuing education hours are available for continuing professional education (CPE) and continuing legal education (CLE). There is also one hour of ethics credit available.

Registration Fees:

  • Two-Day: $425
  • One-Day: $325
  • Thursday LSW Award Lunch Only: $55


Online Registration Closes November 25!

REGISTER

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

  • 7:30 am: Registration and Breakfast

    A  hot breakfast buffet will be provided.

  • 8:00 am: General Session: Annual Meeting of the Members

    Election participation during this meeting is limited to ITA members only.

  • 8:15 am: General Session: President Welcome & Keynote Speaker

    ITA President, Nate Ristow will welcome attendees before introducing the keynote speaker.


    Keynote Presentation | Rick Tollakson


    Think Bigger, Lead Better: The Eight to Great Principles of Transformational Leadership


    Join Rick Tollakson, visionary leader and CEO of Hubbell Realty Company, as he shares the powerful leadership principles that helped transform a modest development firm into a real estate industry powerhouse. In this energizing session, Rick unveils his “Eight to Great” framework—an actionable roadmap for cultivating a thriving company culture, driving operational excellence, and inspiring entrepreneurial thinking at every level.


    Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Rick offers candid insights and real-world strategies for leaders who want to think bigger, lead better, and build organizations that make a lasting impact.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Attract and empower passionate associates
    • Turn customers into raving fans
    • Engineer processes for clarity and efficiency
    • Make fun a strategic priority
    • Focus on accuracy first, speed second
    • Enrich the quality of life in the communities you serve
    • Foster teamwork that fuels innovation
    • Champion an entrepreneurial mindset across your organization

    Speaker Details

  • 9:30 am: General Session - Iowa Economic Development and Tax Credits

    Iowa Economic Development and Tax Credits | Director Debi Durham


    Director Durham will discuss the state's economic development strategy, including focus areas for growth, policy initiatives, programs and industry information. She will entertain questions from the audience following her presentation.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 10:45 am: Breakout Sessions: Resolving Ethical Issues or State Tax Best Practices - Industry only

    Choose between these two sessions:


    Licensed Professionals Serving on Nonprofit Boards: Identifying and Resolving Ethical Issues | Bill Boyd


    The presentation will address the fiduciary duties of directors, ethical considerations, additional issues arising for directors, protections available for directors, and general considerations for directors. 


    1.0 Ethics


    State Tax Best Practices - Industry Only | Rob Tunistra, Russ Gotto, Rich Pullen & Candy Terrill


    This session is for industry organizations only.


    An interactive discussion regarding all areas of state tax. The intent of this session is to have an open discussion on issues that industries deal with on a daily basis, including the following: State tax impact of federal corporate tax reform; Law changes impacting financial reporting of taxes; Recent Iowa legislative issues; Recent audit experiences; Use of technology in federal and state tax practice; Other topics of interest brought up by attendees during session.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 11:45 am: Lunch

    A hot plated meal will be served along with a delicious dessert.



  • 12:15 pm: Linda S Weindruch Award Presentation

    The 2025 award recipient is Bruce W. Baker.


    For nearly four decades, Bruce Baker has served as a distinguished attorney at Nyemaster Goode, bringing unwavering dedication and expertise to the legal profession. His commitment to public service is equally remarkable—Bruce has been a long-standing member and board member of the Iowa Taxpayers Association, where his insights and leadership have shaped meaningful policy discussions.


    From 2018 through early 2025, Bruce chaired the Linda S. Weindruch Award Committee, a role he embraced with passion and purpose. His tenure was marked by thoughtful stewardship and a deep respect for the legacy of Linda Weindruch, with whom he advocated side by side for many years.


    Bruce Baker exemplifies the highest standards of advocacy, leadership, fairness, and moral integrity. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Iowa’s civic landscape, and his legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.


    Ann Stocker, the 2022 Linda Weindruch Award winner, will open the presentation to kick off the celebration.

  • 1:15 pm: Breakout Sessions: Federal Tax Legislative Update or Harnessing Generative AI for Tax and Finance Functions

    Choose between these two sessions:


    Federal Tax Legislative Update and Overview of One Big Beautiful Bill Act Tax Accounting Methods | Jennifer Gray & Shahina Kaderbhai


    This session will review the potential impact of federal elections upon the political and policy forces influencing possible legislative tax agenda items for the remainder of 2025 and beyond as well as explore the impact of accounting methods from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.


    Objectives:

    • Discuss details of federal tax priority items for Congress and the Administration 
    • Highlight current consideration of the Trump Administration’s tax agenda
    • Examine the influences of policy, politics and personalities on federal tax and fiscal policy
    • Gain a high-level understanding of some of the key Accounting Method Changes coming out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  

    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Harnessing Generative AI for Tax and Finance Functions | Charles Danguy


    The presentation explores the transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in modern tax and finance functions, focusing on how personas and AI agents can enhance operations. It introduces participants to the Digital Gateway platform and its AI capabilities, explains the fundamentals of GenAI and highlights practical applications such as planning, regulatory update summarization, data categorization, and document analysis, emphasizing best practices for grounding data and leveraging personas for improved outcomes. The presentation concludes by discussing the strategic value of GenAI, the evolution of foundation models, and the importance of adopting a platform approach to drive automation and innovation in tax processes.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions: State Legislative Update & Conformity to OB3 or Navigating Trade Developments and Tarrifs

    Choose between these two sessions.


    State Legislative Update & Conformity to OB3 | Derek Love


    The state and local tax landscape is in constant flux, and this session will bring you up to date on the most impactful legislative developments. We will analyze how states are conforming to the income tax provisions of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OB3). The discussion will also assess the significant budgetary effects on states resulting from this major federal legislation.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Navigating Trade Developments and Tariffs: Strategies for Mitigation and Compliance | Jessica Libby


    Global trade dynamics continue to evolve, with new tariffs, trade agreements, and regulatory changes impacting businesses across all industries. This session will provide an in-depth overview of recent trade developments, the implications of tariffs on supply chains and tax planning, and practical strategies for mitigating associated risks. Attendees will gain insights into compliance requirements, opportunities for cost savings, and best practices for adapting to the shifting trade landscape.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 3:45 pm: General Session: Economic Outlook

    Choose between these two sessions.


    Economic Outlook | Kenneth Kim


    Ken will provide a timely and insightful update on the current macroeconomic landscape. This session will explore key economic indicators, emerging trends, and potential implications for business and policy. Whether you're navigating strategic planning or simply staying informed, Ken’s analysis will provide valuable context to help you make sense of today’s economic environment.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details



  • 4:45 pm: Future of Iowa Foundation Reception

    You're invited to the Future of Iowa Foundation Reception — an evening of purpose, connection, and impact! 


    Enjoy appetizers and drinks while supporting the Foundation’s vital research and educational initiatives through a lively fundraiser. 


    It’s also a fantastic chance to network with peers, engage with legislators, and spark conversations with potential new partners. 


    Don't miss out on this fun and lively event, which included a raffle of a variety of gift baskets and other cool items!


    A sincere thank you to Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel for their generous support of the Future of Iowa Foundation’s reception during the ITA 90th Tax Symposium! 


    We wish to express our continued gratitude to Prairie Meadows for their dedication to promoting social welfare and for making a positive impact in Iowa by supporting grassroots initiatives.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

  • 7:30 am: Breakfast

    A hot breakfast buffet will be provided.

  • 8:00 am: General Session: Legislative Panel

    Moderator: Nate Ristow, President, Iowa Taxpayers Association


    Panelists: Senator Dan Dawson (R), Senator Bill Dotzler (D), Representative David Young (R), and Representative Dave Jacoby (D)


    1.5 CLE / 1.5 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 9:45 am: Breakout Sessions: Income and Corporate Tax Updates & OBBBA Implications for Iowa or Transferable Federal Tax Credits: Technical Insights and Market Perspectives

    Choose between these two sessions.


    Income and Corporate Tax Updates & OBBBA Implications for Iowa  | Kurt Konek, Ben Clough and Anthony Giradi


    The Department will review individual and corporate income tax changes from the 2025 session and discuss future scheduled tax changes, including the impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA).  They will also preview the Department's 2026 policy agenda.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Transferable Federal Tax Credits: Technical Insights and Market Perspectives| Mark Mickelson, Nick Scott, Dwayne Vande Krol  & Chelsea Berns


    The group will provide an insightful education session on transferable federal income tax credits, including: technical tax insights on the buying and selling of federal income tax credits, current guidance, the evolving landscape under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), implications for estimated tax payments, and key diligence considerations. In addition, Mickelson & Company will share market perspectives on pricing, structuring, and risks, highlight the types of credits they are seeing, and discuss key factors in tax credit purchase agreements.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 11:00 am: Breakout Sessions: Competitive Initiatives or IDR Department Update and Sales, Excise, and Property Tax Changes

    Choose between these two sessions.


    Competitive Initiatives | Deanna Triplett & Lisa Connell


    Join us for an in-depth review of Iowa’s newly enacted tax credit incentives, passed during the 2025 legislative session, that are reshaping the state’s economic development landscape. This session will break down the major reforms—highlighting the streamlined $110 million annual cap, the creation of targeted programs like the Business Incentives for Growth, Seed Investor, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Tax Credits, and the overhaul of the Research and Development Tax Credit. We’ll explore how these changes are designed to sharpen Iowa’s competitive edge, attract new investment, and foster innovation across key industries.


    Attendees will gain insight into:

    • The rationale behind the legislative overhaul and how it aligns with Iowa’s broader tax modernization efforts.
    • The new application and compliance requirements for businesses seeking incentives.
    • The sunset of legacy programs and the introduction of forward-looking credits aimed at high-growth sectors.
    • Practical impacts for both urban and rural communities, and what these changes mean for Iowa’s ability to compete nationally and globally.

    Whether you’re a business leader, community advocate, or policy professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate and leverage Iowa’s new suite of economic development tools.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    IDR Department Update and Sales, Excise, and Property Tax Changes | Director Mary Mosiman, Nick Behlke and Matt Bishop


    An overview of key Department accomplishments from 2025 and a forward look at priorities for 2026. Review sales and use tax changes from the 2025 session and discuss future scheduled tax changes.


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 12:00 pm: Box Lunch

    A box lunch will be provided for you to enjoy during the Legislative Panel.

  • 12:15 pm: General Session: Gubernatorial Candidate Forum: Iowa Taxes and Budget

    Join us for a timely and insightful discussion as Iowa’s gubernatorial candidates share their perspectives on the state’s fiscal future. This forum will focus on key issues surrounding Iowa’s tax structure, budget priorities, and long-term financial sustainability.


    Moderator: Nate Ristow, President, Iowa Taxpayers Association


    Attending: Brad Sherman


    1.0 CLE / 1.0 CPE


    Speaker Details

  • 1:30 pm: Adjounment

    The 90th Annual Tax Symposium will adjourn at 1:30 PM.


    Attendees will be sent a satisfaction survey at the conclusion of the event. 

HOTEL INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at Prairie Meadows Hotel at a discounted price. Make your reservation online or by calling 515.957.3000.


Daily rates start at $142 + tax for a King or Double Queen room. The booking deadline has been extended to Monday, November 3. After this deadline, reservations will be made on a space-available basis and room rates cannot be guaranteed. Check-in is 4:00 pm.


Group Code:  IATAX1225

Password: 863000104


BOOK HOTEL ROOM

LEGISLATIVE PANEL

Representative. David Young

District 28

Senator Dan Dawson

District 10

Senator Bill Dotzler

District 31

THANK YOU TO OUR AWESOME SPONSORS!

DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

  • BNSF Railway
  • Dotdash Meredith
  • EY
  • Hubbell Realty
  • Iowa Bankers Association
  • Iowa Credit Union League
  • KPMG
  • Union Pacific
  • Vermeer Corporation

THANK YOU TO PRAIRIE MEADOWS!

A sincere thank you to Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel for their generous support of the Future of Iowa Foundation’s reception during the ITA 90th Tax Symposium! 


We wish to express our continued gratitude to Prairie Meadows for their dedication to promoting social welfare and for making a positive impact in Iowa by supporting grassroots initiatives.