Certainty Counts: Tax Policy in a Competitive Global Economy

Tax Certainty and Tax Stability Tax Policy in a Competitive Global Economy 2026 Tax Conference

Following the achievements for tax certainty in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the Tax Foundation, University of North Carolina Tax Center, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management are hosting a joint conference to discuss the value of one of Tax Foundation’s principles for sound tax policy: stability.

This half-day conference will begin with a keynote address from a policymaker who was influential in shaping the OBBBA and include perspectives from former policy staff on how the budget process can impact lawmakers' ability to legislate permanent changes to tax law.

We’ll also hear from business leaders and academics on the real-world impacts of tax uncertainty. The event will conclude by discussing the challenges of uncertainty in the trade policy environment.

Note: This is an in-person event only, and space is limited. Please register at the link below to reserve your spot.

Register Now See Agenda

Featured Speakers

  • Becky Lester, Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • Beth Bell, PwC
  • Brooks Allen, Skadden
  • Daniel Bunn, Tax Foundation
  • Erica York, Tax Foundation
  • John Gallemore, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Libby Coffin, Honeywell
  • Marc Goldwein, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
  • Michelle Hanlon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management

Agenda

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration & Buffet Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

Welcome Remarks
  • Speaker: Daniel Bunn, Tax Foundation

9:10 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Keynote Address

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Panel Discussion: What Are the Barriers to Tax Stability?

Former Hill staffers and policy experts will discuss the hurdles for tax certainty, including budget reconciliation rules, the budget window, tax extenders, and more.

  • Moderator: Daniel Bunn, Tax Foundation
  • Speakers: Marc Goldwein, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget; Beth Bell, PwC

10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Coffee Break

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Panel Discussion: How Does Tax Uncertainty Undermine the Goals of Good Policies?

We’ll hear real-world examples of the challenges that uncertainty creates for business decisions, and which recent policy actions have improved stability.

  • Moderator: Michelle Hanlon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management
  • Speakers: Libby Coffin, Honeywell; Becky Lester, Stanford Graduate School of Business

11:50 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

12:00 p.m. - 1:00  p.m.

Discussion: Understanding the Costs of Uncertainty with Tariffs & Trade

Leading experts will discuss the current landscape for trade policy and how decision-makers are navigating the new environment of significantly higher tariffs and rapid trade policy pivots.

  • Moderator: John Gallemore, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School
  • Speakers: Erica York, Tax Foundation; Brooks Allen, Skadden

1:00  p.m.

Adjourn

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