How to Become a Tax Lawyer in Houston, Texas

Two things are inevitable: Death and taxes. You can’t run away from these two things. While death is once and takes a long time, taxes are often.

Whether as an individual or a business owner, paying taxes is important. The government needs it to build infrastructure in the city.

According to the US Census Bureau, an average of 4.4 million businesses are started yearly in the United States. This number only means that the demand for tax lawyers will increase, since these new businesses will definitely pay taxes.

Hence, you can take advantage of this demand to become a tax lawyer. But what does a tax lawyer do? How can I become a tax lawyer in Houston, Texas?

You will find the perfect answers to these questions as you read on.

Table of Contents

What Does a Tax Lawyer do?

A tax lawyer is the professional you call when you’re dealing with tax-related issues, especially if you run a business or have some complex financial situation going on.

They’re like the pros that will guide you on everything related to your taxes. They will help you figure out how to legally pay as little tax as possible, which is pretty awesome, right?

They know all the tax codes and can help you come up with strategies to save money. Plus, if you ever get audited by the IRS, they’re the ones who’ll have your back and represent you in that whole process.

How Many Hours Does a Tax Attorney Work?

The number of hours a tax attorney works in Houston, or any location, can vary depending on their workload, clients, and personal preferences.

Typically, tax attorneys work full-time, which is around 40 hours a week, but they may work longer hours during busy seasons like tax filing deadlines or when handling complex cases.

Some tax attorneys may also work part-time or have flexible schedules. It ultimately depends on the specific attorney and their practice.

CPA vs. Tax Lawyer: Is a CPA also a tax lawyer?

No, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is different from a tax lawyer. A CPA is like a tax expert who helps with numbers and taxes. On the other hand, a tax lawyer is a legal expert who helps with tax-related legal issues. They are different professions. However, both can assist you with tax matters in their own ways.

How Much Does A Tax Lawyer Make?

The salary of a tax lawyer can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific employer. On average, tax lawyers in the United States can earn between $80,000 to $200,000 or more per year. Highly experienced tax lawyers working at prestigious law firms or in specialized fields can command even higher salaries.

How Long Will it Take me to Become a Tax lawyer in Houston, Texas?

Becoming a tax lawyer in Houston, Texas typically requires completing a bachelor’s degree (4 years), followed by law school (3 years), and passing the bar exam. In total, it usually takes around 7 years of education and training to become a tax lawyer in the United States.

How to Become a Tax Lawyer in Houston

To become a Houston tax lawyer, you must complete several educational and career steps. Here’s a breakdown:

Education: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field like accounting, finance, or pre-law. This provides a strong foundation.
Pass the LSAT exam: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and perform well to gain admission to a law school.
Attend Law School: Attend an accredited law school in Houston, such as the University of Houston Law Center or South Texas College of Law Houston. Focus on tax-related courses.
Juris Doctor (JD): Complete your JD degree, which typically takes three years.
Bar Exam: Pass the Texas Bar Exam to become a licensed attorney.
Gain Experience: Work in internships or entry-level positions in tax law at law firms, government agencies, or accounting firms.
Consider an LLM: Pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation for specialization.
Network with other professionals: Attend legal events and join professional organizations to build connections.
Apply for tax Jobs online: Seek tax lawyer positions in law firms, corporations, or government agencies.

Where Can I Study Tax Law in USA?

My team and I investigated on the best universities to study tax law in the United States. This list is in no particular order, as all the schools are unique. Here are the best universities to study tax law in the US:

1. New York University (NYU) School of Law

NYU Law offers a renowned Graduate Tax Program, which includes a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation and an Executive LL.M. in Taxation. The program is known for its comprehensive curriculum and access to tax law practitioners in New York City.

2. Georgetown University Law Center

Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown Law has a strong tax law program with a wide range of tax-related courses. They offer an LL.M. in Taxation, a part-time program for working professionals, and various tax clinics.

3. Harvard Law School

The prestigious Harvard University is regarded as the best university in the world. Harvard offers an LL.M. program with a focus on tax law, providing students with access to world-class faculty and extensive resources for studying tax policy and practice.

4. University of Florida Levin College of Law

UF Law’s Graduate Tax Program is well-regarded for its flexibility, allowing students to choose from various courses that cater to their specific interests in tax law. You can visit the school or their website to get more information about admission.

5. University of Miami School of Law

Located in a hub for international business, the University of Miami offers an LL.M. in Taxation program with a strong emphasis on international tax law and planning.

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

UCLA Law’s tax program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and international tax law. The school also offers tax law clinics and externship opportunities.

7. University of Texas School of Law

UT Law has a tax program that covers a broad spectrum of tax-related topics, including corporate taxation, estate planning, and international tax. Students can pursue an LL.M. or a Master in Laws (M.L.S.) in Taxation.

8. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Northwestern offers an LL.M. in Taxation program known for its integration of tax policy and practice. It provides students with access to a vast alumni network in Chicago’s legal and business communities.

9. Boston University School of Law

The Boston University School of Law is one of the best in Texas. Furthermore, the BU Law’s Graduate Tax Program offers a flexible LL.M. curriculum and opportunities for practical experience through its tax clinics. You can visit the official website to find out about their admission requirements.

10. University of Washington School of Law

Located in Seattle, UW Law’s tax law program focuses on federal income tax law, corporate taxation, and estate planning. It offers an LL.M. in Taxation. The university is perfect for individuals who want to build a career in tax law.

Conclusion: How to Become a Tax Lawyer in Houston

Now that you have all the information you need to become a tax attorney in Houston, what are you waiting for? A tax attorney career is lucrative and they enjoy the respect of the society because of the role they play in representing clients before IRS during tax audit.

It takes a minimum of seven years to become a tax lawyer in the United States. You can visit any of the universities we listed above to know their admission requirements and fees.