Becoming a Tax Attorney

Anyone who wants to become a tax attorney needs to be fully aware of the responsibilities and duties of a tax attorney. The most important role of a tax attorney is to enable people and businesses to deal with their tax issues successfully, handle IRS issues as well as provide information and advice on tax laws. They also help in understanding the rules and regulations associated with the filing of tax returns as well as legal documentation.

Tax Rates

Becoming a successful tax attorney requires that awareness of the various state and federal codes and their operation with individuals and businesses. Also needed is an understanding of the nuances of various incomes, personal wealth, properties and all other related areas of taxation. A tax attorney must also have an expertise in state and federal laws as well as be familiar with all existing forms of taxes (like sales, gift, inheritance taxes, estate taxes, etc).

Tax Attorney Education

A tax attorney needs to have completed a four year bachelor’s degree program, three years of law school and passed the written State Bar examination. They also need to pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as required by all law schools affiliated to the American Bar Association. Federal courts and agencies have more specific requirements for a person to quality as their tax attorney which are not required for private practice and working at non-governmental law firms.

To become a tax attorney, students need to undergo training that will enable them to earn the title of Juris Doctor, the first professional degree given to law school graduates (often referred to as Attorney at Law). Tax attorneys need to be proficient in communication skills, both written as well as spoken. They should also have an aptitude for research, analysis along with logical thinking. Students who have majored in a particular subject may find it useful in pursuing a specific specialization in law; a prospective tax attorney needs to have a strong background in finance or accounting.

Some of the business traits needed for a skillful tax attorney include being up-to-date with taxation and tax law, analytical thinking and the ability to deal with the tax problems of facing clients. It is important to be able to choose the best option from an array of options for a tax issue. The most important trait of a tax attorney is the desire to continue learning as tax laws are updated regularly and it is important that clients are getting the newest information.

Licensing for a Tax Attorney

Getting licensed requires that the attorney has already have passed the bar examination, have a college degree and have graduated from a law school. This law school should be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). A law school accredited by ABA indicates that it adheres to the quality norms. A tax attorney needs to acquire a license from the American Bar Association or the State Bar, as per the rules set by the jurisdiction’s highest court to be able to practice law in any State court a or other jurisdiction. The written bar examination is a must with all states for tax attorneys to practice tax law. Some states also require a written ethics examination.