The UNC Tax Center builds bridges between tax scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who share an interest in tax policy. Our mission is to facilitate the creation, dissemination, and discussion of evidence-based tax research, with the objective of informing tax policy.

Tax policy decisions impact every aspect of society. We believe that policy decisions are best made when informed by evidence. As a university-based tax center, we are well-positioned to offer objective, evidence-based analysis. As a tax center led by accounting professors, we leverage unique institutional knowledge in our research. In doing so, we fill a significant gap in the tax policy discussion relative to other centers and organizations.

The UNC Tax Center hosts events and sponsors initiatives to create and disseminate evidence-based tax research. Our events and initiatives provide forums for thoughtful discussion and debate about the evidence on tax issues of great importance. Our events welcome people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including accountants, economists, and attorneys, to gather, connect, and learn from one another.

To support this work, we rely on our Leadership Council, a group of committed alumni and business leaders who provide guidance and financial support critical to our continued growth and success.

Origins of the UNC Tax Center

Douglas Shackelford
Founder, UNC Tax Center

Allen Wilson
Co-Founder, UNC Tax Center

The UNC Tax Center was founded in 2001 to support a vision shared by two University of North Carolina alumni: one a Kenan-Flagler Business School professor and established academic researcher and the other a senior tax partner in one of the world’s largest public accounting firms. Professor Doug Shackelford and his former Arthur Andersen colleague, Allen Wilson, believed that tearing down silos and bringing together people from different disciplines and with different experiences and perspectives would strengthen the impact and relevance of academic research and promote sound, informed tax policy. The founders envisioned an organization that would build bridges between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers with a shared interest in tax. A place where accountants, economists, and attorneys from academia, industry, and government could gather, connect, and learn from each other.

The center is open to new ventures that involve important business issues in which taxes play a critical role. Private donations and corporate sponsors provide the center’s revenues. For inquiries about the UNC Tax Center, please email taxcenter@unc.edu.