The first requirement to become a tax relief attorney is to complete a post-secondary education program. All attorneys must have graduated from law school and successfully passed the bar examination. In addition to this requirement, formal training in taxes and accounting is required. This can be achieved through either a bachelor's degree in accounting, with a major in taxation, or additional certification in tax law.
A tax relief attorney works with both individuals and organizations seeking advice on how to minimize their tax burden or resolve tax litigation. His or her primary role is to review the information provided by the client, consider the options based on in-depth knowledge of taxation law, and implement a strategy to reduce the taxes payable.
The most important skill sets for anyone who wants to become a tax relief attorney include excellent research skills, comfort with numbers, and written communication skills. The role of a tax relief attorney is most appealing for people who enjoy complexity and accounting. People who are non-confrontational and feel negotiation is the best way to resolve issues will not enjoy this type of work.
Communication skills are critical when you become a tax relief attorney. The level of written communication required is much higher in this field. As such, many people work with editors, writing coaches, and other professionals to enhance their writing skill. There is a fine line between asserting the client's position and agitating the tax department.
Related work experience that can be very helpful in this role includes research assistant, complex tax policy analysis, and legal case reviews. As part of a law degree, there is a wide range of research papers, projects, and assignments that develop research and writing skills. This type of training can be further enhanced with speed reading courses or advanced research techniques.
When applying to become a tax relief attorney, start by looking up firms that specialize in this aspect of the law. Contact these firms or visit their websites to learn more about how they are organized, and the type of work they accept. Contact the business manager to learn if the firm is accepting new attorneys and talk about the skills that you bring and how you will be able to generate revenue for the firm.
Some attorneys start their own private practice in this area, obtaining clients through a combination of advertising and reputation. Initially, many firms specialize in either individual or corporate tax disputes. Complete some market research in your area to determine where the greatest demand is, and then pursue that market sector.
