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Tax Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager - Tax

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$113K - $148K/yr

Lead sales and use tax audits, including audit defense, data production, negotiations, appeals, and resolution with taxing authorities. * Manage exemption certificates, resale certificates, and ...

Manager - Tax

Portland, ME ยท On-site

$113K - $148K/yr

Lead sales and use tax audits, including audit defense, data production, negotiations, appeals, and resolution with taxing authorities. * Manage exemption certificates, resale certificates, and ...

Tax Director

Plantation, FL ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Guide clients through audit defense, risk mitigation, and long-term tax strategy. * Business Development & Growth * Expand client relationships through proactive advisory, industry engagement, and ...

New

Manager - Tax

Orange, CT ยท On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

Lead sales and use tax audits, including audit defense, data production, negotiations, appeals, and resolution with taxing authorities. * Manage exemption certificates, resale certificates, and ...

Tax Manager

Ghent, KY

$100K - $132K/yr

Manage all tax audits and examinations by government authorities (IRS, foreign tax agencies), coordinating information and defense strategies with external advisors and internal finance teams. b.

Indirect Tax Manager

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

The Indirect Tax Manager leads the day-to-day execution of HDH's multi-state indirect tax function ... Business Licenses & Audit Defense * Oversee business licenses, permits, and annual reports through ...

Corporate Tax Manager

Camden, NJ

$115K - $155K/yr

Prepares technical analyses, position memos, and documentation to support federal tax positions for current compliance, future reference, and audit defense. Manages negotiations and controversy in ...

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Tax Defense information

See salary details

$55K

$129.4K

$176K

How much do tax defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for tax defense in the United States is $129,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Tax Defense, and why are they important?

To thrive in Tax Defense, you need in-depth knowledge of tax law, strong analytical abilities, and a degree in accounting, law, or a related field, often with CPA or JD credentials. Familiarity with IRS procedures, tax preparation software, and legal research databases is essential. Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and client communication skills help professionals stand out in representing clients before tax authorities. These competencies ensure effective resolution of tax disputes and protect clients' financial interests in complex regulatory environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Tax Defense roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Tax Defense often encounter challenges such as navigating complex tax laws, tight deadlines for responding to IRS notices, and managing high-stakes negotiations with tax authorities. Staying updated on ever-changing regulations and maintaining clear communication with clients are crucial for success. Team collaboration with accountants, tax attorneys, and other specialists is common, and leveraging continuing education can help address knowledge gaps and improve outcomes for clients under audit or investigation.

What is tax defense?

Tax defense refers to the legal strategies and actions taken by individuals or businesses to protect themselves against claims or actions by tax authorities, such as the IRS. This may include responding to audits, negotiating settlements, appealing tax assessments, or defending against allegations of tax fraud or evasion. Tax defense professionals, such as tax attorneys or enrolled agents, help clients navigate complex tax laws and ensure their rights are protected during disputes with tax agencies.

What is the difference between Tax Defense vs Tax Preparer?

AspectTax Defense
CertificationsGenerally requires knowledge of tax laws, IRS procedures, and sometimes certifications like Enrolled Agent or CPA
Work EnvironmentTypically involves working with clients to resolve tax disputes, often in a legal or advisory setting
Employer & IndustryEmployers include tax resolution firms, legal firms, or accounting firms specializing in tax issues
Job FocusFocuses on defending clients against IRS audits, penalties, or collections

While both roles involve tax-related work, Tax Defense professionals primarily focus on representing clients in disputes with the IRS, whereas Tax Preparers handle preparing and filing tax returns. Tax Defense requires specialized knowledge of tax laws and IRS procedures, often involving legal or advisory skills, making it more complex than standard tax preparation.

More about Tax Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Tax Defense jobs? Cities with the most Tax Defense job openings:
What states have the most Tax Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Tax Defense jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tax Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,367 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Attorney I - Law Students - Public Defense Services

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$84K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - Public Defense ServicesJob Description
REVISED
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A REGISTER for future ATTORNEY I vacancies which serve all levels/assignments of Attorney in the offices of the Pima County Public Defense Services Department (Legal Advocate; Legal Defender; Mental Health Defender; Office of Children's Counsel; Public Defender; Public Fiduciary). Law students in their 3rd and 4th year, who will qualify by the time of hire, are welcome to apply. Qualification for hire includes Juris Doctorate and admission to the Arizona State Bar. The Pima County Public Defense Services Department DOES NOT hire applicants whose eligibility is limited to the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP). Applicants MUST be eligible for full licensure with the State Bar of Arizona at time of hire.
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Classification: 3001 - Attorney I
Salary Grade: A2
Pay Range
Pay Range: $84,947 - $161,387 Annually
Range Explanation:
  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

Coordinates and conducts professional legal work in Public Defense Services Department offices. Incumbents perform entry-level and/or intermediate-level legal work in the area assigned for either criminal or civil cases. Attorneys at this level prepare, defend, and resolve entry-level to advanced-level licensed professional legal work. Attorneys at this level receive close supervision from higher-level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties. More experienced attorneys in this classification work more independently under the general supervision of higher-level attorney personnel.
Pima County Public Defense Services represents indigent individuals upon appointment by the Court in felony cases, misdemeanor cases, juvenile delinquency matters, dependency and severance proceedings, Title 36 proceedings, guardianship cases, and appeals in Pima County. Attorneys provide direct client representation and handle diverse caseloads of various offenses, allegations, and degrees of seriousness. Attorneys work collaboratively and holistically with paralegals and/or secretaries, social workers, and investigators to understand the circumstances and priorities of each client and advocate for their desired outcomes through strategic and personalized litigation, negotiation, and mitigation.
This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.
For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/pds.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
  • Prosecutes or defends a variety of criminal or civil cases in Justice Court, Juvenile Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and Appellate Courts which may include misdemeanor, felony, dependency, delinquency, mental health, guardianship, conservatorship, probate administration, contract, tort, environmental, real estate, tax issues, child support, or appellate cases;
  • Represents County departments, boards and commissions in civil litigation and administrative matters;
  • Engages in negotiations for compromise and settlement of cases and complies with Victims' Rights;
  • Engages in pretrial, trial, post-trial and appellate practice as required by cases;
  • Prepares litigation, deposes witnesses, provides witness notification, and conducts bench and jury trials;
  • Researches legal questions;
  • Researches and drafts legal motions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents;
  • Reviews, evaluates, and participates in investigations;
  • Complies with all rules regulating professional responsibility;
  • Upholds the values and goals of the assigned Department and County.

Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):
  • Applicant is licensed to practice law in Arizona, is currently pending admission to the State Bar of Arizona, or plans to take the Arizona Bar Exam within the next 6 months.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Admission to the Arizona State Bar at time of appointment, which must be maintained in good standing. All positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. All positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently observes details at close range. Frequently speaks to clients, witnesses, and other case involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies and experts in-person and/or on the phone. Regularly works in a professional office setting. Occasionally drives to conduct field work. Occasionally must lift and carry items. Occasionally remains in a stationary position. Occasionally moves about inside an office. Speaking Activity - in person and on the phone; Vision - operate a motor vehicle
Working Conditions: Regular, daily attendance is an essential function for this position. Regularly receives and responds to telephone calls, text messages and emails. Drives to visit clients and witnesses at residence or at jail, and other locations to speak with other case involved parties.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.