A history of NATP’s state chapters

NATP was founded in 1979 with the intent of providing tax professionals with federal tax education and resources to serve their hard-working taxpayer clients with integrity and excellence. NATP is guided by a Board of Directors elected by the association’s members.

In 1985, the discussion of creating chapters began at the board and committee level. It was clear that the intent of forming chapters was to have an allied organization closer to the membership. Chapters were to provide what NATP in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin could not – education on state tax issues.

The purpose of state chapters was also to make it easier for members to join a network of industry professionals for their own benefit. Chapter volunteers provide education, informational newsletters, a professional social outlet and camaraderie, among other services. Chapters were to be partners with NATP to deliver needed services to NATP members.

NATP’s first three chapters, Arizona, New York and Pennsylvania, were chartered in 1987.

In 2016, NATP designed a new strategic plan that included an initiative to outline the reason for chapters and how they contribute to the association goals. They agreed on the following purpose of chapters:

“The purpose of a local engagement program, such as a chapter, is to support members by meeting needs that are unfulfilled or is determined may be better carried out by a ‘local’ group. A local group may be defined narrowly or broadly to include a specific geographic area, locality, or communities of practice based on member needs. Activities carried out through these programs would provide membership value and contribute to one or more of NATP’s four strategic plan goals: Industry recognition, industry strength, industry voice, and long-term viability, though all programs may not contribute equally to all four goals based on membership needs in a given area or community of practice, and available resources.”

Today, there are 40 active state chapters around the country led by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Information on forming a state chapter is available on our website.

2020 chapter highlights

NATP chapter leaders had to pivot in 2020 to serve members amid an extended tax season and limited in person meeting options. Our chapter volunteers learned how to offer virtual education and helped each other stay informed about the many tax changes in their states. There are many success stories, these are just a few examples of how chapter leaders gave their time and effort to support members in a difficult year:

Alabama enhanced communications by spreading messages across several delivery methods. The chapter board did a phenomenal job reaching 24% of its members with three in-person events and jumped right into 2021 with plans for a live event in May.

Arizona saw membership growth overall and had a successful year of education, reaching over 27% of their membership with the two webinars it held. The volunteers have put together a full slate of events planned for 2021.

The California chapter did an excellent job at the beginning of each webinar informing attendees of upcoming events, how to fix their audio, ask questions and introducing each speaker.

Florida and Georgia have both surpassed big milestones as NATP chapters, celebrating more than 25 years as chapters. Florida helped NATP pilot a chapter email system that will result in a new, robust system for chapter communications.

New Hampshire and New Jersey offered education that reached more than a quarter of their respective members. Chapter leaders are known for engaging their members not only in its communications but also in its Facebook group.

New York leaders had probably one of the greatest success stories with its state webinar education. In late January, the New York chapter held a webinar that reached the maximum capacity, offered it again and almost maxed the capacity again! 43% of New York members participated in 16 events.

Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were able to offer digital education to their members as well.

Our chapter leader volunteers are key to the quality of service that NATP provides to a grateful membership and the clients they serve. Thank you to everyone who stepped up, displayed flexibility and ingenuity during 2020 when so much was uncertain.