Tax Law

Tax lawyers advise businesses and individuals on issues related to taxation. While becoming a lawyer takes several years of study, the earnings and employment opportunities for these professionals is high. Read on to learn more about this growing field.

Inside Tax Law

Tax lawyers are attorneys who specialize in local and international tax law. They counsel clientele on tax concerns, such as mergers and acquisitions, property taxes and corporate tax, and may also represent clients in court. Becoming a tax lawyer generally entails seven years of full-time study. Students must complete a 4-year bachelor's degree program and then three years of law school, which results in a Juris Doctor degree. Students may also earn a Master of Laws by completing an additional year of law school.

There is no specific undergraduate degree program required for pre-law students; however, students interested in tax law may prepare for law school by completing coursework in accounting, finance or international business. In order to be accepted into law school, students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Some schools offer concentrations in tax law. These programs focus on the fundamentals of law, such as torts, contracts and civil procedure, as well as coursework in tax policies and regulations. Curricula tend to include courses in corporate, partnership, international and federal income taxation. After completing law school, graduates are eligible to take the state bar exam, which is required to become a licensed attorney.

Once licensed, tax lawyers may find employment in law firms, government sectors and legal departments of companies. They might aid individuals and businesses with various tax-related legal issues, such as estate planning, business tax filing or individual income tax issues. Lawyers tend to start out as law associates who work on a salaried basis. With experience, tax lawyers may go on to become partners in their firms or open their own private practices.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of lawyers in general was projected to increase 13% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Though jobs will grow, this field will still be highly competitive. Lawyers who hold advanced degrees and extensive work experience in a specialty, such as law, may experience the best employment opportunities. In May 2010, the BLS reported that the middle half of lawyers earned between $75,200 and $165,470 per year.

Learn More about Tax Law

Tax attorneys must have up-to-date knowledge of current tax laws to serve their clients. There are a multitude of educational and professional opportunities for both practicing and aspiring tax attorneys. Education-Portal.com has the resources you need to choose the education and career path that's right for you.

Degree Options

Aspiring tax lawyers may specialize in tax law while earning their Juris Doctor degrees or in a postgraduate law program. Below are some of the educational programs that may lead to a career in this field.

Career Options

Tax attorneys may work in a wide range of settings, such as in a corporation or privately-owned firm. Below are a few common career options for tax law students.

Distance Learning Options

Online education may be preferable for students interested in improving their knowledge and skills in tax law. The following articles discuss distance learning programs focused on tax law:

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