What does a Tax Attorney do?
Published 3 min read
A tax attorney is a lawyer who specializes in tax law. Tax attorneys help their clients with issues related to taxes, such as filing tax returns, paying taxes, and resolving tax debts.
Tax Attorney job duties include:
- Advise clients on business transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and real estate transactions
- Advise clients on tax implications of business decisions
- Assist clients with tax audits and appeals
- Represent clients before the IRS and state tax authorities
- Research federal, state, and local tax laws
- Prepare and file tax returns for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits
- Negotiate settlements with tax authorities on behalf of clients
- Plan strategies to minimize client’s tax liability
- Keep abreast of changes in tax laws
Tax Attorney Job Requirements
A Tax Attorney is an attorney who specializes in tax law. There are many different types of tax law, so a Tax Attorney may specialize in one or more specific areas. To become a Tax Attorney, one must first complete an undergraduate degree, then attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. After passing the bar exam, a Tax Attorney must complete continuing education courses in tax law to maintain their license. Many Tax Attorneys also choose to earn a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. To become a partner in a law firm, most Tax Attorneys have at least seven years of experience.
Tax Attorney Skills
- Tax law
- Taxation
- Tax planning
- Tax return preparation
- Tax research
- Tax audits
- Tax litigation
- Estate planning
- Probate
- Trusts
- Business law
- Real estate law
Related: Top Tax Attorney Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Tax Attorney
There are many ways to become a tax attorney. The most common way is to attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. After graduation, you will need to pass the bar exam in order to practice law. Once you have passed the bar, you can then apply for a position as a tax attorney with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or with a private law firm.
To become a tax attorney, you will need to have strong research and writing skills. You should also be able to understand complex financial concepts and tax laws. As a tax attorney, you will be responsible for representing clients during audits, appeals, and tax litigation.
If you are interested in becoming a tax attorney, it is important to start planning your career early. You should consider taking courses in taxation and accounting during your undergraduate studies. Additionally, participating in an internship or externship with the IRS or a private law firm can give you valuable experience that will help you in your career.
Related: Tax Attorney Resume Example
Related: Tax Attorney Interview Questions (With Example Answers)