how become tax attorney

by Cleo Hansen 10 min read

  1. Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program. When thinking about how to become a tax lawyer, the first thing you'll need to consider is earning a bachelor's degree.
  2. Take the LSAT. The LSAT is designed to test a student's critical-thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading skills.
  3. Graduate from Law School. Law school usually requires three years of full-time study. ...
  4. Take the Bar Exam. According to the BLS, every state requires that lawyers practicing within its borders be licensed. ...
  5. Find Employment as an Income Tax Lawyer. Government agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and IRS, hire attorneys to help them with tax issues.
  6. Consider Earning an LLM in Tax Law. Many times, employers prefer candidates that have an LLM in Tax Law. ...

Full Answer

How long will it take to become a tax lawyer?

Mar 07, 2022 · HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A TAX ATTORNEY? The path to becoming a tax attorney typically consists of the following steps: Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting, business, or mathematics. This typically takes four years.

What are the requirements to become a tax attorney?

Dec 30, 2021 · How to become a tax attorney Follow these steps to become a tax attorney: 1. Earn a bachelor's degree Before applying to law school, you need to earn a bachelor's degree. While law schools may not have a requirement for what you choose to major in, it may be a wise idea to prepare you for a career in tax law by choosing a relevant area of study.

What does it cost to hire a tax attorney?

6 rows · Jan 31, 2022 · Let's go over the steps you'll have to follow to become an income tax lawyer, as a tax ...

How can I become a tax lawyer?

The following education requirements will be needed in order to start practicing as a tax lawyer: Bachelor’s Degree LSAT Law School Admission Juris Doctor Law Degree MRPE Bar Examination The first step on that path is to earn a bachelor’s degree. There is no specification in terms of which undergraduate degree should be earned.

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1. Earn a bachelor's degree

Before applying to law school, you need to earn a bachelor's degree. While law schools may not have a requirement for what you choose to major in, it may be a wise idea to prepare you for a career in tax law by choosing a relevant area of study. Consider studying political science, finance or accounting.

2. Prepare for law school

During your undergrad program, you can begin to prepare for law school. Show law schools that you are a well-rounded applicant by building your resume throughout college. You can do this by joining law-related student organizations or by interning at law firms. There may even be volunteer opportunities that can boost your law school application.

3. Take the LSAT

Getting a high score on your LSAT can improve your chances of getting into law school. This exam tests your analytical reasoning, reading and critical-thinking skills. This test is comprised of a series of challenging multiple-choice questions. Most people take their LSAT by the summer of their junior year or the fall of their senior year.

4. Attend law school

In order to become a tax attorney, you need to earn your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree through an accredited law school. Most full-time law school programs last three years. During your first year of law school, you'll learn all about basic law subjects.

5. Pass the bar exam

Before practicing as a tax attorney in your state, you must pass its bar exam. While each state's bar exam may vary, you can anticipate several days of exams that involve multiple-choice questions and essay questions.

6. Apply for jobs

Now that you can legally practice as a tax attorney, it's time to start finding your first job after law school. Look for roles at government agencies, law firms or private companies. When looking for a job, consider attending some networking events or job fairs to explore your options.

Should I Become a Tax Attorney?

Attorneys help individuals resolve legal disputes. Job-related tasks include:

How to Become a Tax Attorney

Let's go over the steps you'll have to follow to become an income tax lawyer, as a tax attorney career path includes a number of requirements related to education and work.

Required Skills for Tax Lawyers

The following is a list of just some of the skills that lawyers require in order to be successful in their careers:

What is tax lawyer?

Tax lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in assisting clients in issues regarding state or federal taxes. They may work with both individuals or corporations and provide legal advice regarding how to declare their taxes properly, especially when dealing with complex regulations or large amounts of income.

How much will the number of tax lawyers grow in 2028?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for attorneys, including tax lawyers, will grow by 6% from 2018 to 2028. There are many other branches of law that individuals may wish to consider. For those who are interested in criminal law, they may want to pursue a career in litigation or as a defense attorney.

How to become a tax lawyer?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A tax lawyer typically has a background in business or accounting. To obtain this background, you can complete an undergraduate degree program in business or accounting. A bachelor's degree is required to apply to law school.

What are the factors to consider when selecting a law school?

Tuition, location, student body size and the overall quality of the school are factors to consider when selecting a law school, according to the Law School Admission Council. All states require lawyers to graduate from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association.

What are some opportunities to get an internship in law?

Student activities, such as the law review and the political science club, also provide opportunities to gain experience and network.

Do lawyers need to complete continuing education to practice tax law?

Additionally, all lawyers must complete continuing education in order to maintain their licensure.

What is tax attorney?

Tax attorneys are lawyers who specialize in the complex and technical field of tax law. They're best for handling complex, technical and legal issues associated with your tax situation. A tax attorney can step in after you have a problem, but consulting with one in advance can also help you avoid problems.

How much does a tax attorney make?

The average salary range for a Tax Attorney is from $112,508 to $152,784. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Why do you double check your tax return?

Always double check your tax return to avoid simple mistakes and common errors which would cause the IRS to take a second look at your account. Realize the risk of handling your IRS issues by yourself. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

What skills are required for a tax compliance officer?

Strategic knowledge of the follow skills will be required: Document Review, Legal Document Review, Litigation Case Management, Tax Compliance Reporting, Tax Preparation, Tax Research/Advising.

What is the best way to become a tax attorney?

People's Opinions on Tax Attorney skills. A good tax attorney must have outstanding negotiation skills. Education, ongoing training, experience and self-improvement and growth are ways to upgrade your professional and personal skills -- and become a good tax attorney. A good tax attorney may hold a master's legal degree in law.

Why is the term "attorney" more ominous?

Both are available to help you in your hour of need, but the term "attorney" has a more ominous ring to it because it implies that you're not just fighting numbers —you're fighting the law. 11/09/2019: Boston, MA.

What is location quotient?

Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

How much do tax attorneys make?

Tax Attorneys in America make an average salary of $92,290 per year or $44 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $164,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $51,000 per year.

What are the best states to work as a tax attorney?

The best states for people in this position are California, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts. Tax attorneys make the most in California with an average salary of $126,298. Whereas in New York and Washington, they would average $122,723 and $118,080, respectively. While tax attorneys would only make an average of $110,718 in Massachusetts , you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

Tips

These steps are mostly focused on students in the United States. For the process in other countries, check with local regulations. To become a tax attorney in the UK, for example, visit https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/practice-areas/tax.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Lyle Solomon, JD. Lyle Solomon is an Attorney and the Owner of the Law Office of Lyle D. Solomon. With nearly three decades of experience, he practices civil law and specializes in consumer debt relief services and bankruptcy.

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