Trust Framework
Review Process
Every Institute publication passes through a multi-stage internal review. The process is designed to catch factual errors, methodology drift, and editorial inconsistency before publication.
Stage 1 — Research review
A reviewer not involved in the original research evaluates hypothesis, data sourcing, and methodology against the Research Standards. Findings inconsistent with the underlying data are flagged for revision before editorial review.
Stage 2 — Fact check
Every quantitative claim is checked against its cited source. Statistics older than 5 years are re-validated. Region- or state-specific claims are cross-checked against the relevant data source.
Stage 3 — Editorial review
Editorial review covers voice, clarity, scope, and conformance to Editorial Standards. Claims that depend on tax, state law, or carrier-specific behavior are reviewed for accurate scoping.
Stage 4 — Final approval
Final approval is given by the Institute editorial team. No carrier, advertiser, or affiliate partner has editorial approval authority.
Post-publication monitoring
Published guides are monitored for accuracy as source data updates. Material changes trigger a revision with a visible changelog. Reader-reported errors are processed under the Correction Policy.
Review log
Each guide carries an internal review log with date of last review and reviewer signature. The aggregated review activity is summarized in the annual Transparency Center publication.