What is the ABA SALT Committee?

The State and Local Tax Committee is part of the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation. It brings together SALT professionals to discuss developments, litigation, legislation, and policy.

When is the ABA SALT Committee’s May Meeting held?

The meeting is held annually in early May—typically the second weekend—in Washington, D.C.

Who should attend the SALT Committee meeting?

SALT attorneys, CPAs, government tax officials, law professors, and law students with an interest in state and local tax should attend.

Is the meeting open to non-ABA members?

Yes, non-members can attend, but ABA members receive discounted registration.

What CLE credits are available?

Multiple CLE sessions are offered each day, covering sales tax, corporate income tax, litigation strategies, and national trends.

Are there networking events?

Yes—there are multiple informal and formal networking events, including the Women in SALT Coffee Connection and a boxed lunch mixer.

What topics were covered at the 2025 meeting?

Topics included retroactive taxation, religious exemptions, equitable litigation strategies, and digital tax issues under the “true object” test.

Where is the meeting held?

The event takes place at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., a short walk from the U.S. Capitol.

What makes this event different from other tax conferences?

It’s uniquely focused on state and local tax law and combines high-quality education with a strong sense of professional community.

How can I get involved with the ABA SALT Committee?

Join the ABA Tax Section, then attend meetings, write for the newsletter, or serve on a subcommittee like Amicus Briefs or Legislative Comments.

Inside the ABA SALT Committee Meeting: What Tax Professionals Need to Know About the Annual May Conference in D.C.

Each May, the State and Local Tax (SALT) Committee of the ABA Section of Taxation gathers in Washington, D.C. for its flagship conference—offering CLE panels, networking opportunities, and policy discussions that shape the direction of state tax practice nationwide. The 2025 meeting, held at the Marriott Marquis just steps from Capitol Hill, brought together hundreds of tax attorneys and professionals from across the country.

Why Attend the ABA SALT Committee May Meeting?

This meeting is one of the most respected state and local tax conferences in the nation. Attendees connect with national thought leaders, participate in high-level CLE sessions, and get updates on emerging SALT trends—from litigation tactics to digital tax policy. If you practice state and local tax, this meeting is a cornerstone of professional development and community building.

2025 Meeting Highlights: From Religious Exemptions to Retroactivity

The 2025 program included five outstanding CLE sessions and two signature networking events:

Religious Tax Exemptions: A deep dive into Catholic Charities v. Wisconsin and how Supreme Court rulings could ripple into sales, use, and property tax law.
Argue the Unexpected: Litigation strategies involving equity doctrines like manifest injustice and square corners—highlighting tools for defending clients in uncharted territory.
Retroactive Taxation: Examined United States v. Carlton and Dot Foods to frame the constitutional and practical limits of retroactivity in state tax legislation.
Old Rules, New Economy: Focused on the “true object” test and how states are adapting to cloud computing and digital delivery models. The panel included updates from the Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) project on digital taxation.
Practitioner’s Roundtable: A no-CLE executive session that encourages frank discussion on state tax enforcement trends, administrative policy shifts, and compliance risks.

Networking Opportunities You Can’t Miss

In addition to CLE sessions, the 2025 meeting featured a Women in SALT Coffee Connection and a networking lunch for all SALT practitioners. These events help build the close-knit community the SALT Committee is known for—connecting attorneys from private practice, government, and academia.

Entertainment, Culture, and D.C. Vibes

In true SALT Committee style, the evening recommendations aligned with panel themes. Attendees could catch The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs opera at the Kennedy Center after a panel on tech taxation or head to the ’70s Disco Prom at the National Gallery of Art following a session on retroactive tax laws. The blending of intellectual engagement and cultural immersion is part of what makes the May meeting unforgettable.

Looking Ahead: Save the Dates

The SALT Committee’s in-person fall meeting will take place in Minneapolis from October 23–25, 2025, and the next May Tax Meeting is already set for May 7–9, 2026, back in Washington, D.C. If you missed 2025, mark your calendar now—this is the meeting to plan around.

Final Thoughts

The ABA SALT Committee isn’t just about CLE—it’s about connecting, leading, and evolving with the most forward-thinking professionals in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned state tax litigator or just starting out in SALT, this conference offers an experience that’s intellectually rigorous and personally rewarding.