Tax Controversy Conference
Tax Controversy Conference
42nd Annual Conference
For the past 40 years, UCLA Extension's Annual Tax Controversy Conference has been the preeminent conference exclusively dedicated to tax controversy and tax litigation. The conference provides an open forum for distinguished presenters and panelists to discuss, and often debate, sensitive tax practice issues with an engaged audience.
This conference is ideal for tax attorneys, accountants, CPAs, enrolled agents, financial advisors, and other tax professionals. Accounting, tax, and law students are also encouraged to attend.
What you can expect:
- Attend high-quality keynote presentations and panel discussions to learn the latest trends and practices surrounding tax controversy issues
- Speakers include top IRS representatives and private practitioners
- Convenient, day-long format held at the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel that includes continental breakfast, Annual Bruce I. Hochman Award Luncheon, and evening reception
- Networking opportunities with leading tax professionals
Date
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time
8:30am-6:00pm (evening reception to follow)
Location
The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Attendees
This conference is ideal for tax attorneys, accountants, CPA's, enrolled agents, financial advisors, and other tax professionals. Accounting, tax, and law students are also encouraged to attend.
Reminder: No on-site registrations will be permitted. No guests allowed. All attendees must register and pay prior to attending the conference.
Price:
General: $750
Government Rate: $200
Students and Instructors: $200
________
Continuing Education Credits
CE credits for MCLE, CPE and EA will be provided.
Registration Deadline
October 18, 2026
2026 Keynote Speakers
Morning Keynote Speaker
Chief Judge Emin Toro, US Tax Court
Afternoon Keynote Speaker
Jarod Koopman, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation
7:45 A.M.
Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast
❧
8:30-8:40 A.M.
Opening Remarks
❧
8:40-9:05 A.M.
Morning Keynote
Chief Judge Emin Toro, US Tax Court
❧
9:05-10:05 A.M.
Who Wants to be a Billionaire-Handling California Residency Audits and Contested Matters Before the OTA and the Courts
❧
10:05-10:15 A.M.
Coffee Break
❧
10:15-11:15 A.M.
Hot Issues Confronting Taxpayers and the IRS Examination Division
❧
11:15 A.M.-12:10 P.M.
How to Effectively Use AI in Your Tax Controversy Practice and Not Get in Trouble Doing It
❧
12:25–1:35 P.M.
Lunch Session
- Opening Remarks
- Presentation of Bruce I. Hochman Award & Chillin' and Grillin' Award
- Update on Vets Count Scholarship Fund
❧
1:35-2:10 P.M.
Networking Break
❧
2:10–3:10 P.M.
The Wealthiest Generation- Important Issues in the Enforcement of Estate and Gift Taxation
❧
3:10-4:10 P.M.
How to Effectively. Handle a Payroll Tax Collection Matter, Including the Exposure of Responsible Persons for Liability under IRC Sections 6672 and 7202
❧
4:10-4:40 P.M.
Afternoon Keynote
Jarod Koopman, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation
❧
4:45-5:45 P.M.
Criminal Panel
❧
5:50 P.M.
Closing Remarks and Cocktail Party
Speakers and schedule subject to change
Become a Sponsor
To become a sponsor visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Lydia Randolph, Assistant Dean - External Affairs, for more information.
Annual Bruce I. Hochman Award
The distinguished personal and professional achievements of Bruce Hochman have been permanently honored through the Annual Bruce I. Hochman Award.
Bruce Hochman, a leading attorney for over 40 years specializing in civil and criminal tax law litigation, was also a generous philanthropist and dynamic leader of various civic organizations.
The Award was established to be presented each year at the Tax Controversy Institute to an individual who demonstrates outstanding proficiency in the field of tax law and best exemplifies the principles that personified Mr. Hochman. Selected each year by the Planning Committee for the UCLA Extension’s Annual Tax Controversy Institute, the Award is presented during the Annual Bruce I. Hochman Award Luncheon.
2025
Richard “Rick” Speier Jr. IRS Criminal Investigation
2024
Erin M. Collins, National Taxpayer Advocate, IRS
2023
Sherri S. Wilder, Retired Area Counsel, SBSE, IRS Chief Counsel
2022
Paula M. Junghans, Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
2021
The Honorable Juan F. Vasquez, United States Tax Court
2020
Larry Campagna, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry, P.C., Houston, TX
2019
Bryan C. Skarlatos, Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, New York, NY
2018
Avram Salkin, Hochman, Salkin, Toscher & Perez, PC, Beverly Hills, CA
2017
Miles D. Friedman, (former) Associate Area Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Laguna Niguel
2016
Frank Agostino, Agostino & Associates, Hackensack, NJ
2015
Karen L. Hawkins, Former Director, IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, Washington, D.C.
2014
Steve Sims, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate, Franchise Tax Board, Rancho Cordova, CA
2013
Elliott Kajan (deceased), Kajan Mather & Barish
2012
Ted Meyer, Examination Territory Manager Los Angeles, Area 7, Small Business/ Self- Employed Division Internal Revenue Service
2011
Jerry Feffer, formerly of Williams & Connolly, LLP, Washington, DC
2010
William Taggart, Law Offices of William E. Taggart Jr., Professional Corporation, Oakland, CA
2009
Martin A. Schainbaum, Law offices of Martin A. Schainbaum, San Francisco, CA
2008
Sidney Machtinger, Greenberg Glusker, Los Angeles, CA
2007
Mary Ann Cohen, Judge, United States Tax Court, Washington D.C.
2006
Cono Namorato, Caplin & Drysdale Chartered, Washington D.C., formerly Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
2005
Stephen J. Swift, Judge, United States Tax Court, Washington, D.C.
2004
Irene Scott Carroll, Special Litigation Assistant, IRS Counsel, Small Business/ Self Employed Division, Area8, Los Angeles, CA
2003
B. John Williams, Jr., Skadden, Washington, D.C.- former Judge, United States Tax Court and Former Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service
2002
Gene Silverman (deceased), formerly with DeCastro, West, Chodorow, Mendler, Glickfeld & Nass, founder of the UCLA Extension Annual Tax Controversy Institute in 1984.
Vets Count Scholarship Fund
The VETS COUNT Scholarship fund was launched at the 2017 Tax Controversy Institute, and will hopefully inspire a wide audience of patriots and professionals to assist in giving back to those who have given so much.
VETS COUNT is intended to provide financial assistance for active and former military personnel who desire to pursue a career in tax, accounting, wealth management, and other aspects of financial services. Funds raised also cover basic coursework for personal growth in budgeting, financial literacy, and investing.
Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors
PLATINUM
Hochman Salkin Toscher & Perez P.C.
GOLD
CBIZ
SILVER
Dallo Law Group, APC
Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP
Kostelanetz LLP
Taylor Nelson Amitrano LLP
BRONZE
Prager Metis CPAs LLP
Fineman West and Company LLP
RJS LAW
Law Offices of Zaher Fallahi
The Law Offices of Joseph A. Broyles
Brager Tax Law Group
Howard, Kittle and Company CPAs, LLP
Nardiello Turanchik Tompkins LLP
Holtz, Slavett, Drabkin & Warner, APLC
Accounting and Taxation at UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension’s highly-regarded accounting, taxation, internal audit, and enrolled agent programs are designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to stay ahead in today’s competitive job market. Enhance your career with continuing education courses, professional certificates, exam review programs, seminars, and more.