A tax attorney, also known as a tax lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in tax law. Tax attorneys help their clients navigate legal issues related to taxes and provide legal assistance to corporations or individuals on tax-related matters. They are knowledgeable about tax laws, regulations, and policies at several levels, including federal, state, and municipal. Tax attorneys can perform a wide array of services for their clients, including the preparation and filing of taxes, representing clients in disputes with tax authorities, and advising clients about the tax implications of estate transfers, property acquisitions, business transactions, and the different structures of businesses.

Some common responsibilities of tax attorneys include:

• Handling tax disputes: Tax attorneys help their clients handle disputes related to tax obligations and may negotiate on behalf of their clients with the IRS.
• Representing clients in court: A tax attorney may defend or advise clients in courtroom settings as needed.
• Advising clients on legal matters: Clients commonly seek guidance on tax-related matters such as retirement, mortgages, and income.

Tax attorneys can work as generalists or specialize in specific areas of tax law, such as corporate tax and estate planning. They can be employed in a variety of practice settings, including law firms, accounting firms, boutique tax firms, corporations, federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tax courts. Tax attorneys typically hold a Juris Doctor degree and belong to the state bar association, and some have additional degrees such as a Master of Law in Taxation (LL.M.) .