#United States #Westlake #Brigham Young University #Deloitte FanTAXtic #Case Study Competition

Brigham Young University's Impressive Victory at Deloitte's FanTAXtic Competition

In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, a team of students from Brigham Young University (BYU) claimed first place at Deloitte's 2025 FanTAXtic national case study competition held on January 24-25. This annual competition, now in its 23rd year, is designed to challenge college students' capabilities in the realm of taxation and business decision-making.

The Challenge

This year's case presented a complex scenario for the participating teams, requiring them to analyze the effects of a proposed change in corporate tax rates. Teams were tasked with deciding whether to structure a new business as a corporation or partnership. They needed to forecast taxable income based on various compensation and distribution strategies. Moreover, the challenge incorporated asset depreciation discussions, providing a comprehensive overview of the real-world implications of corporate tax structures.

Competition Highlights

The national finals took place at the prestigious Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas, where 16 teams, each a regional winner from across the United States, gathered to present their findings. BYU's team distinguished themselves with their thorough analysis and effective presentation skills, leading them to victory over competitors from notable institutions such as Baruch College and the University of Florida, who secured the second and third positions, respectively.

Carin Giuliante, chair and CEO of Deloitte Tax LLP, commended the students for their technical knowledge and teamwork during the competition. She highlighted the importance of these skills for the future of the accounting profession, reflecting the investment Deloitte places in nurturing emerging talent.

A Commitment to Education

John Barrick, an associate professor at BYU's Marriott School of Business, emphasized the competition's potential to bridge educational experiences with real-world applications. He noted that the FanTAXtic competition not only facilitates students' connections with their peers and industry professionals, but also offers hands-on experience in tax-related challenges. He expressed great pride in his team’s performance and appreciation for Deloitte's continuous support of such programs.

Katie Zinn, chief talent officer at Deloitte Tax LLP, echoed Barrick's sentiments by stating that events like the FanTAXtic competition play an essential role in shaping the next generation of tax professionals. Zinn praised the collaboration and creativity exhibited by all participants and expressed excitement for welcoming new talent into the accounting field.

Increased Participation

This year’s FanTAXtic competition saw a significant surge in participation, with 72 teams from over 55 colleges competing in regional qualifiers. This increase, represented by a 12% rise in participants from previous years, is indicative of the growing interest in tax careers among students. Thirteen universities joined the competition for the first time, further enriching the diversity of insights and backgrounds represented at the finals.

Deloitte’s ongoing commitment to innovative educational programs since the inception of the FanTAXtic competition in 2002 has engaged over 7,118 students in developing their skills for future careers in business and tax.

Conclusion

Brigham Young University’s success at the Deloitte FanTAXtic competition not only demonstrates the exceptional capabilities of its students but also signifies the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical, analytical skills in the field of taxation. As the accounting landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these play a vital role in preparing future leaders who will shape the industry's future.