Many tax attorneys need to complete many years of schooling before they may even consider taking on a case. Most must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a university in a field such as business or accounting. The degree they are awarded will be used as a basis for the licensing exam for which they must pass. In addition to passing this exam, lawyers must also be licensed by the state to practice law. Those who are certified by their state and practice in that state will be allowed to practice within that state unless they become licensed by another jurisdiction.
After receiving their degree, lawyers who wish to specialize in tax law may decide to enter into tax levy defense or tax audit defense. These two types of defense require different education requirements. For example, attorneys who wish to take on tax levy defense must first complete a Master’s degree in taxation from an accredited institution. This program requires attorneys to take courses on public and private law, corporate law, taxation laws, and other related topics.
A Bachelor’s degree from a law school is also required in order to take courses that prepare tax attorneys for the rigors of being a tax attorney. Most Texas tax attorneys take four years of courses in public and private law. At the end of these four years, they must pass an examination and then take a final exam. Passing the examination qualifies tax attorneys to sit for the state bar exam, which then qualifies them to practice law in Texas.
Austin Texas lawyers who are interested in taking on an audit case or a tax case must have earned a Master’s degree from an accredited institution that offers degrees in tax and legal studies. Tax levy defense attorneys in Austin must also earn an additional two years of education at an accredited university.
As a condition of practicing, attorneys who want to continue to teach legal students in tax law must complete their master’s degrees. Tax attorneys who want to begin a private practice must complete the same two years of coursework and then take a three-year law school program. These programs are called J.D. degree programs. They will need to take courses in public and private law, corporate law, taxation laws, tax practice, and other related courses.
Tax Levy defense and audit defense attorneys are also expected to spend time working in the local courtrooms where cases in which may be related to their areas of specialization. Tax levy defense and audit attorneys must take part in many depositions, interviews, and negotiations with the IRS to help their clients with their tax levies.