How to Be Tax Attorney - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of the gig economy has caused an increase in the demand for tax attorneys. As more and more people become independent contractors, freelancers, or small business owners, the need for specialized tax advice has grown exponentially. Tax attorneys provide guidance on issues such as filing taxes with multiple sources of income, navigating tax law changes, and understanding the implications of tax credits and deductions.

they can offer advice on a range of topics like tax planning, asset protection, and estate planning. With the complexity of today's tax laws, having a tax attorney on your side is increasingly important to ensure that you are compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Tax attorneys must have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business law is useful.
Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Prospective law students must take the LSAT and achieve a satisfactory score in order to be admitted to law school.
Attend Law School. Tax attorneys must attend and graduate from law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. During law school, it is important to take courses related to tax law and to gain experience through internships or clerkships.
Pass the Bar Exam. All states require that tax attorneys pass the bar exam in order to practice law. Many states have their own bar exam, while some have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE).
Begin Practicing. After passing the bar exam, tax attorneys can begin practicing law. They may choose to join a law firm, open their own practice, or work for the government or nonprofit organizations.
Pursue Continuing Education. To stay up-to-date on changes in tax laws, tax attorneys must complete continuing education courses throughout their careers. These courses can be offered through professional organizations, such as the American Bar Association (ABA), or through accredited universities.

In order to remain updated and competent as a tax attorney, it is essential to stay informed of the most recent developments in tax laws, regulations, and policies. This can be done through attending seminars and conferences, reading journals, magazines, and newsletters related to tax law, and engaging in online courses or webinars. Furthermore, staying connected with colleagues and other professionals in the field can provide meaningful opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exchange of ideas, best practices, and expertise. By taking proactive steps to stay current on tax laws, regulations, and policies, tax attorneys are able to provide quality legal advice and services to their clients.

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Job Description

Tax Research Attorney: Responsible for researching, analyzing and interpreting complex tax laws, regulations, and court decisions related to the clients tax matters.
Tax Litigation Attorney: Provides legal representation for clients in tax matters before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
Tax Planning Attorney: Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to minimize the tax liabilities of clients.
Tax Compliance Attorney: Ensures that a clients taxes are filed in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Tax Resolution Attorney: Negotiates settlements with the IRS and state tax authorities on behalf of the client.
International Tax Attorney: Advises clients on international tax matters and helps them to comply with the relevant laws and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of U. S. tax law and regulations
Ability to interpret complex laws and regulations
Familiarity with IRS procedures and filing requirements
Ability to effectively represent clients in tax matters
Knowledge of accounting principles and financial statements
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to research relevant case law and legislative history
Aptitude for identifying potential tax savings or deductions
Understanding of business planning, structuring, and operations
Knowledge of foreign tax laws, treaties, and regulations

The most important skill for a tax attorney is the ability to understand and interpret complex legal documents. This skill requires a deep understanding of the tax code and the ability to think critically and analytically. Tax attorneys must be able to analyze the facts of a particular case and determine the best course of action.

They must also have strong communication skills so they can effectively explain their conclusions to clients, as well as the opposing party. Good research skills are also essential, as tax attorneys must be able to access, analyze, and interpret relevant laws, regulations, and tax court decisions. Lastly, tax attorneys must be up-to-date on changes in the law, so they can advise their clients on the most current tax regulations.

Without these skills, a tax attorney would not be able to effectively represent their clients in court or provide accurate advice.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience with tax law?
How do you stay up to date on changes in tax law?
What strategies do you use to resolve complex tax issues?
What challenge have you faced when advising clients on tax matters?
How do you handle cases involving IRS audits or disputes?
What experience do you have with international tax law?
How would you advise a client on a difficult tax situation?
What experience do you have working with financial institutions?
What strategies do you use to protect clients from tax penalties?
How do you handle confidential information when dealing with tax matters?

Common Tools in Industry

Tax Preparation Software. A software designed to help individuals and businesses file their taxes accurately and efficiently. (Eg: TurboTax)
Tax Planning Calculator. A tool to help calculate potential taxes on a given income. (Eg: TaxPlanner Pro)
Tax Law Research. Software that helps tax attorneys quickly find legal precedents, statutes, and other relevant information for a particular case. (Eg: LexisNexis Tax Law Research)
Tax Court Database. A database of all tax court cases, rulings, and decisions. (Eg: Tax Court Records)
Tax Auditing Software. Software that automates the process of auditing a business or individuals tax returns. (Eg: Audit Shield)
Tax Estimator. A tool that helps estimate taxes based on income and deductions. (Eg: H&R Block Tax Estimator)
Tax Planning Software. Software designed to help tax attorneys plan strategies to reduce taxes for their clients. (Eg: TaxPlanner Pro)
Taxpayer Representation Software. Software that helps tax attorneys represent their clients in front of the IRS or other tax authorities. (Eg: TaxpayerAssist)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Bar Association Tax Section
National Association of Tax Professionals
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
American Taxation Association
Tax Executives Institute
National Society of Tax Professionals
American Society of Tax Problem Solvers
Taxpayers Advocate Service
Tax Foundation
National Association of Enrolled Agents

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Common Important Terms

Tax Law. A branch of law that deals with taxation, including the assessment, collection, and enforcement of taxes.
Tax Evasion. The illegal practice of avoiding paying taxes, either by underreporting income or by taking advantage of loopholes and exemptions.
Tax Planning. The practice of structuring and managing finances in order to reduce or eliminate tax liability.
Tax Return. A document filed with a government agency, usually the IRS, that reports a taxpayer's income, deductions, credits, and other relevant tax information.
Tax Audit. An examination of a taxpayer's books and records by the IRS or other tax authority to assess the accuracy of the taxpayer's reported income and deductions.
Tax Shelter. A financial product, such as an investment or real estate purchase, that is used to reduce or defer tax liability.
Taxpayers Rights. The rights of taxpayers to have their taxes assessed fairly, to be informed of any changes or adjustments to their returns, and to receive quality service when dealing with the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tax Attorney?

A Tax Attorney is a lawyer who specializes in tax law, which includes advising clients on tax strategies, helping them with IRS audits, preparing and filing tax returns, and representing them in tax court.

How much experience does a Tax Attorney need?

A Tax Attorney should have at least three to five years of experience in taxation, either from working in the field or from studying tax law at a law school.

What qualifications do I need to become a Tax Attorney?

In order to become a Tax Attorney, you must first complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. After graduating, you must pass the bar exam in the state in which you wish to practice law.

Are there any professional organizations I can join as a Tax Attorney?

Yes, there are several professional organizations for Tax Attorneys. These include the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation, the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

What are the benefits of hiring a Tax Attorney?

The primary benefit of hiring a Tax Attorney is that they have expertise in tax law and can help you with tax-related issues. They can advise you on filing your taxes correctly and help you develop strategies to reduce your taxes and maximize your income. Additionally, they can help you understand how different tax laws apply to your particular situation and provide legal representation if needed.

Web Resources

tax attorney | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute www.law.cornell.edu
Tax Attorney Job Description, Courses & Certification Requirements www.accountingedu.org
How to Become a Tax Lawyer - Lawyeredu.org www.lawyeredu.org