IRS Attorney Job Description [Updated for 2025]

irs attorney job description

In the complex world of tax law, the need for IRS attorneys has never been greater.

As tax regulations evolve and grow in complexity, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, interpret, and defend these laws becomes increasingly critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an IRS attorney?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of tax law,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable IRS attorney job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

IRS Attorney Duties and Responsibilities

IRS Attorneys are responsible for providing legal advice and counsel on tax-related matters, interpreting tax laws and regulations, and representing the Internal Revenue Service in legal proceedings.

The duties and responsibilities of an IRS Attorney include:

  • Interpreting and applying federal tax laws and regulations
  • Providing legal advice on complex tax issues to IRS personnel
  • Reviewing and analyzing tax returns, financial statements, and other documents
  • Representing the IRS in legal proceedings before the tax court and other judicial bodies
  • Negotiating settlements and compromises in tax disputes
  • Advising on the potential tax implications of proposed agency policies and actions
  • Conducting legal research on tax matters and preparing legal opinions and memoranda
  • Preparing and delivering training presentations on tax law topics to IRS personnel

 

IRS Attorney Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly-skilled IRS Attorney to provide legal advice and represent our organization in matters related to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The IRS Attorney will be responsible for interpreting tax laws, providing legal advice on tax matters, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and representing the organization in tax disputes and negotiations with the IRS.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of federal tax laws and IRS procedures, with excellent negotiation and communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

  • Providing legal advice on tax-related issues
  • Interpreting tax laws and regulations
  • Representing the organization in tax disputes and negotiations with the IRS
  • Preparing and reviewing legal documents
  • Conducting research on tax laws and recent tax rulings
  • Advising on tax planning and strategies
  • Ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations
  • Participating in internal audits and investigations
  • Keeping updated on changes in tax laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • License to practice law in the state
  • Experience as an IRS Attorney or similar role
  • Strong knowledge of federal tax laws and IRS procedures
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Attention to detail

 

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Continuing legal education opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: IRS Attorney
  • Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for court appearances and meetings with the IRS.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the General Counsel or Head of Legal Department.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an IRS Attorney Do?

An IRS Attorney is a specialized legal professional who deals with the complexities of tax laws in the United States.

Their primary responsibility is to help clients navigate the intricacies of tax law and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

They often represent individuals, businesses, and organizations that are dealing with IRS disputes, audits, tax return issues, or tax fraud allegations.

This involves the preparation and review of tax documents, negotiation with IRS officials, and, if necessary, representation in court proceedings.

IRS Attorneys also provide advice on tax planning to minimize tax liability.

This can include identifying beneficial tax credits, deductions, and planning strategies, as well as advising on the tax implications of business decisions or personal financial transactions.

In addition, they stay updated with the latest changes in tax laws and regulations and use this knowledge to provide timely and accurate advice to clients.

They may also provide educational services to clients, helping them understand their tax obligations and rights.

As part of their role, IRS Attorneys often work closely with other legal professionals, accountants, and tax preparers to ensure comprehensive services to their clients.

They must possess strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and a deep understanding of tax law.

 

IRS Attorney Qualifications and Skills

An effective IRS Attorney should possess a range of legal skills, interpersonal skills, and a profound understanding of tax laws and regulations, such as:

  • Strong knowledge of tax laws and procedures to provide effective guidance and legal advice to clients regarding their tax liabilities
  • Excellent negotiation skills to reach settlements with the IRS on behalf of clients
  • Ability to interpret complex tax laws and regulations and translate them into understandable language for clients
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate clients’ financial and tax situations and determine the best course of action
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills to clearly convey legal advice to clients, present cases in court, and communicate effectively with IRS officials
  • Attention to detail to ensure all forms, documents, and paperwork are correctly completed and filed
  • Adaptability to keep up with constantly changing tax laws and regulations
  • Professionalism and high ethical standards to maintain client confidentiality and trust
  • Admitted to a state bar and in good standing

 

IRS Attorney Experience Requirements

IRS Attorneys usually hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and have passed the state bar examination.

This educational pathway provides them with theoretical knowledge and some practical experience in law practice.

Entry-level candidates typically have up to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, legal clerkship or part-time roles in law firms or government agencies.

These early years of experience provide the foundational understanding of tax laws and regulations.

IRS Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their negotiation and litigation skills, and have deeper understanding of the Internal Revenue Code and other complex tax statutes.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Tax Associate or Legal Counsel in law firms, or in positions within government agencies dealing with tax issues.

Those with over 5 years of experience are usually considered for senior roles within the IRS legal department.

They likely have substantial experience in tax litigation and have managed a number of tax cases.

These seasoned professionals may also have leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior attorneys.

 

IRS Attorney Education and Training Requirements

To become an IRS Attorney, one must have a bachelor’s degree followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

The bachelor’s degree can be in any field, but courses in business, economics, or accounting may provide a strong foundation.

After obtaining a J.D. degree, candidates must pass their state’s bar exam to become licensed attorneys.

This allows them to practice law in their respective jurisdictions.

In addition to these qualifications, IRS attorneys must possess specialized knowledge in tax law.

This can be gained through an advanced degree such as a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation.

Some IRS attorneys also pursue a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification to bolster their understanding of accounting principles and practices.

Continuing education is crucial for IRS attorneys to keep up with changes in tax law and policy.

Candidates should also have excellent research, analytical, and communication skills, as IRS attorneys often negotiate with other attorneys and advise clients on complex tax issues.

The IRS also requires its attorneys to undergo background checks due to the sensitive nature of their work.

Prior work experience in tax law or related fields can also be beneficial.

 

IRS Attorney Salary Expectations

An IRS Attorney can expect to earn an average salary of $112,975 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ based on factors such as the level of experience, educational background, geographical location, and the specific department within the IRS.

 

IRS Attorney Job Description FAQs

What skills does an IRS Attorney need?

IRS Attorneys need to have excellent legal research and writing skills.

They must be proficient in tax law and be able to interpret complex legal and financial information.

They should have strong communication and negotiation skills to handle disputes with taxpayers.

In addition, problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills are essential for this role.

 

Do IRS Attorneys need a specific degree?

IRS Attorneys must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

In addition, they need to have passed the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice.

Some IRS Attorneys may also have a Master of Laws (LLM) in taxation, though this is not a requirement.

 

What should you look for in an IRS Attorney’s resume?

In an IRS Attorney’s resume, you should look for a law degree and admission to a state bar.

Experience in tax law, particularly with the IRS, is important.

Any litigation or negotiation experience should also be highlighted.

It’s also beneficial if they have additional certifications or degrees related to taxation.

 

What qualities make a good IRS Attorney?

A good IRS Attorney should have a thorough understanding of tax law and IRS procedures.

They should be detail-oriented and capable of handling complex legal issues.

They need to be adept at negotiation, as they often have to negotiate settlements with taxpayers.

Excellent communication skills, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics are also important qualities for an IRS Attorney.

 

What are the daily duties of an IRS Attorney?

On a typical day, an IRS Attorney might review and interpret tax laws and regulations, provide legal advice to IRS agents, represent the IRS in litigation, and negotiate settlements with taxpayers.

They may also spend time researching legal issues, writing legal opinions, and preparing legal documents.

 

Is it difficult to hire an IRS Attorney?

Hiring an IRS Attorney can be challenging, given the requirement for specialized knowledge in tax law and experience with IRS procedures.

The job also requires a high level of integrity and ethical standards, making the screening process rigorous.

However, with the right recruitment strategy and competitive compensation packages, it’s possible to attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate details of what it truly means to be an IRS Attorney.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers and understanding tax laws.

It’s about safeguarding the nation’s revenue system, one case at a time.

With our definitive IRS Attorney job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to take the next step in your career.

But don’t stop just yet.

Go a step further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every legal advice, every case handled, contributes to the broader picture.

Let’s protect the nation’s revenue. Together.

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