What Does a Tax Attorney Do?
A tax attorney is a legal expert who specializes in the complex and constantly evolving field of tax law. They advise individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations on a wide range of tax-related matters, including compliance, planning, and dispute resolution. These professionals interpret federal, state, and local tax regulations, ensuring their clients remain compliant while minimizing tax liabilities wherever possible, within the bounds of the law.
In addition to advisory work, tax attorneys may represent clients in disputes with taxing authorities such as the IRS. They can assist during audits, litigation, and negotiations related to tax penalties or back taxes. Many tax attorneys also play a key role in structuring mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions to ensure tax efficiency.
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Tax Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Interpret and apply tax laws and regulations to client-specific scenarios
- Advise clients on tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities
- Prepare legal documents related to tax matters, such as appeals and petitions
- Represent clients in audits, hearings, and tax court proceedings
- Conduct legal research to stay current on changes in tax law
- Review financial documents for tax implications
- Collaborate with accountants, finance professionals, and legal teams
- Assist with estate planning, charitable giving, and tax-exempt organization compliance
- Provide guidance on international tax regulations for cross-border transactions
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws
- Legal research and document drafting expertise
- Ability to interpret complex financial data
- Experience with tax litigation or negotiations
- Proficiency in legal research platforms and tools
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Clear and persuasive communication, both written and verbal
- Ability to manage sensitive client information with discretion
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Educational requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar
- LL.M. in Taxation (preferred for complex tax roles)
- CPA license (preferred but not mandatory)
Tax Attorney Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with international tax law or transfer pricing
- Background in corporate law, mergers, or acquisitions
- Prior work with IRS audits, tax court, or government tax departments
- Knowledge of estate and gift tax planning
- Dual credentials as a CPA and attorney
National Average Salary
Tax attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Tax Attorney is:
$149,093
Sample Tax Attorney Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a tax attorney. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Corporate Tax Attorney
Position overview
A Corporate Tax Attorney provides legal counsel to businesses regarding federal and state tax regulations, corporate structuring, and strategic planning. This role plays a pivotal part in minimizing corporate tax liabilities and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Advise on the tax implications of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings
- Structure deals to optimize tax outcomes while maintaining compliance
- Interpret and apply federal and state tax laws affecting corporate operations
- Draft and review legal documents related to tax planning
- Represent the company during tax audits and liaise with external advisors
- Conduct due diligence on transactions to identify tax risks
- Stay updated on tax code changes and provide proactive strategic advice
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in corporate taxation and IRS regulations
- Legal drafting and negotiation skills
- Understanding of M&A transactions and entity structures
- Ability to assess tax implications of business strategies
Soft skills
- High-level strategic thinking
- Strong communication and business acumen
- Accuracy and attention to legal detail
- Ability to influence internal stakeholders
Educational requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- State bar admission required
- LL.M. in Taxation preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Experience advising C-level executives
- Background in Big Four or AM Law 100 firm
- Familiarity with SEC filings and public company compliance
Example 2: International Tax Attorney
Position overview
An International Tax Attorney specializes in cross-border taxation matters, helping multinational organizations navigate treaties, regulatory compliance, and transfer pricing issues. This role is crucial in optimizing global tax strategies while mitigating risk.
Responsibilities
- Advise clients on international tax planning and compliance strategies
- Interpret global tax treaties and foreign tax credit regulations
- Structure international transactions to minimize tax exposure
- Support transfer pricing documentation and audits
- Represent clients before tax authorities in international matters
- Research developments in foreign tax law and their implications
- Collaborate with internal tax, legal, and finance departments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of international tax law, treaties, and compliance
- Experience with transfer pricing, BEPS, and cross-border structuring
- Proficiency in international reporting tools and documentation
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Cultural sensitivity and global mindset
- Ability to work across borders and time zones
Educational requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) and preferably an LL.M. in Taxation
Certifications
State bar admission required
Preferred qualifications
- Multilingual skills
- Experience with multinational enterprises or international law firms
- Background in OECD and FATCA compliance
Example 3: Estate and Gift Tax Attorney
Position overview
An Estate and Gift Tax Attorney helps clients preserve wealth and minimize tax liabilities through tailored planning strategies. They draft legal instruments and provide ongoing advice in estate transfers, trusts, and tax-efficient giving.
Responsibilities
- Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax laws
- Draft wills, trusts, and charitable giving instruments
- Assist with estate administration and probate proceedings
- Create tax-efficient strategies for wealth transfers
- Stay updated on federal and state inheritance laws
- Represent clients in IRS audits and disputes regarding estate taxes
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of estate and gift tax laws
- Proficiency in trust and estate planning techniques
- Ability to draft advanced estate planning documents
Soft skills
- Empathy and discretion in handling sensitive personal matters
- Attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping
- Strong interpersonal and counseling skills
Educational requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- State bar admission required
- LL.M. in Taxation preferred
Estate and Gift Tax Attorney Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Estate Planner (CEP) credential
- Experience with high-net-worth individuals and family offices
Example 4: State and Local Tax (SALT) Attorney
Position overview
A State and Local Tax (SALT) Attorney provides legal guidance on multi-jurisdictional tax compliance and represents clients in disputes with state tax authorities. They play a key role in minimizing exposure to varying state regulations.
Responsibilities
- Advise on compliance with state income, franchise, sales, and property taxes
- Interpret and apply complex multi-state tax regulations
- Defend clients during audits or litigation with state tax agencies
- Draft and file appeals or refund claims
- Monitor state tax law changes and assess their business impact
- Counsel clients on nexus issues and apportionment strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in multi-state tax regulations and legal interpretations
- Knowledge of nexus standards, apportionment, and use tax rules
- Litigation or audit experience with state tax authorities
Soft skills
- Precise legal analysis
- Effective advocacy and negotiation skills
- Ability to communicate across departments and jurisdictions
Educational requirements
Juris Doctor (JD)
Certifications
State bar admission required
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with e-commerce or businesses operating in multiple states
- LL.M. in Taxation or SALT specialization