How Much Do Tax Attorneys Make?

Keeping tabs on your taxes can be a tricky business. Even if you understand the nuances of tax codes and accounting procedures, it’s easy to overlook important details when you’re crunching numbers all year long. That’s why many people hire a tax attorney to help them file their taxes. But how much do tax attorneys make? Are they all fairly similar, or are there wide variations in pay based on experience, education, location and other factors? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the income and career outlook for tax attorneys so you can determine whether this is the right career path for you.

What is a tax attorney?

A tax attorney is a person who has received a special type of legal training that allows them to specialize in taxation law. Tax attorneys work as government employees, in-house for private companies and as independent contractors. Tax attorneys can help people with all manner of tax-related issues, such as preparing tax returns, resolving tax disputes, and dealing with IRS audits. If you’re facing a complex tax issue, you may be able to hire a tax attorney to help you resolve it.

Now that the IRS has shifted to a transparency model of tax filing, many people can do their own taxes, but there will always be a place for tax attorneys. These legal professionals are often the first call when a person or company receives a notice from the IRS or has problems with their filings.

How to become a tax attorney?

To become a tax attorney you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as accounting or law. A master’s degree will also be helpful in landing a job in this field. You will also need to become licensed by your state. Most states require a license for attorneys, and you can become licensed as a paralegal in most states after earning a bachelor’s degree. Lastly, you will need to get experience in this field by doing internships or getting a job in a law firm or accounting firm.

Factors that influence tax attorney salaries

The amount an individual tax attorney makes varies greatly. Remember that there are a few different factors that can influence the final salary a tax attorney receives. Education level, work experience, location and type of employment all contribute to the final salary number.

For example, a person who has a Master’s degree in law and 5 years of experience in a law firm may earn a higher salary than someone who has a Bachelor’s degree in law and 5 years of experience.

Similarly, location also affects salary, with tax attorneys who work in high-cost-of-living areas likely to earn more as well. For example, Boston, Massachusetts has a much higher cost of living than say, Akron, Ohio. And just like with law firms, this means that the salaries for tax attorneys will be higher in Boston than they are in Akron as well.

Additionally, the type of work you do as a tax attorney also affects your salary. If you’re working as an in-house corporate tax attorney, you’ll likely earn more than if you’re working as a public interest tax attorney.

How Much Do Tax Attorneys Make?

What is the average salary for tax attorneys?

According to accounting.com, the current average salary for tax attorneys is $121k per year. On the lower end, entry-level tax attorneys can expect to make around $80k annually. Early-career text attorneys can make $87k per year. Mid-career tat attorneys can make $125k per year. On the higher end, experienced, senior-level tax attorneys can make well over $146k per year.

According to Glassdoror, the annual salary for tax attorneys is between $80k and $170k.

According to Salary.com, the annual salary for tax attorneys is between $150k and $260k.

According to Payscale, the annual salary for tax attorneys is between $59k and $190k.

Where do tax attorneys get paid the most?

The highest-paying locations for tax attorneys are Washington, D.C., New York City and San Francisco. These cities have some of the highest costs of living, and the demand for high-quality tax advice is high, which pushes up rates.

What are the best states for a tax attorney to work?

Below are the 10 best states for tax attorneys:

New York:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $130k.
Connecticut:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $114k.
Massachusetts:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $134k.
California:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $121k.
District of Columbia:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $118k.
New Jersey:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $118k.
Oregon:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $104k.
Illinois:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $100k.
New Hampshire:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $111k.
Arizona:
Average annual salary for tax attorneys: $100k.

Conclusion

If you’re considering becoming a tax attorney, you should know what to expect as far as salary, hours, and other aspects of the job. By reading this article, you now have a better idea of what it’s like to work in this field, as well as how much you can expect to make.