Master of Laws in Taxation at a Glance
Tax law demands technical precision and strategic insight that goes beyond foundational legal training. The online Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM in Taxation) from WashU Law is designed to build licensed attorneys’ knowledge of U.S. tax systems from the ground up. After getting acquainted with federal, state and local frameworks, the curriculum will prepare you to engage with complex tax issues across areas such as corporate taxation, employee benefits and estate planning.
Taught by experienced faculty and practitioners in tax law and policy, the program emphasizes both technical mastery and real-world application. You will strengthen your ability to interpret regulations, assess tax implications and develop informed, strategic approaches to evolving tax challenges.
August 17, 2026
September 14, 2026
What You’ll Learn
The online Master of Laws in Taxation is focused on developing advanced, practice-ready expertise for attorneys working with increasingly complex tax matters. Rather than introducing foundational legal concepts, the program emphasizes technical tax analysis, regulatory interpretation and strategic application across a range of tax contexts.
The online Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation curriculum covers topics including federal income taxation, state and local taxation and corporate taxation.
Graduates of the online Master of Laws in Taxation program will be ready to:
- Master foundational and advanced tax law concepts to analyze complex individual, corporate and transactional tax issues
- Navigate the technical, procedural and regulatory dimensions of modern tax law practice
- Develop strategic problem-solving skills to address sophisticated tax compliance and structuring challenges
- Apply legal reasoning to interpret and respond to evolving tax legislation and policy changes
Want more details on skill development, course topics and program outcomes? Visit the LLM in Taxation curriculum page
“Most attorneys without previous experience in tax law who want to work in that space will benefit from an LLM in Taxation. Graduates of this degree from WashU Law can become generalists in tax law, which opens doors to new roles they might not otherwise have access to.
— Stephen Haller, Adjunct Professor and Tax Controversy Expert
Program Details
The Master of Laws in Taxation degree is designed to balance flexibility with the consistency and rigor expected of advanced legal study, with readings and assignments that mirror the analytical demands of tax law practice. Because the program is designed for working attorneys, you can immediately apply what you learn to your professional practice, reinforcing your understanding in real time.
Students complete asynchronous coursework on their own schedule, then join live weekly sessions led by WashU Law’s distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners in tax law. With intentionally small class sizes, every participant gets to take part in meaningful dialogue.
As an online student, you are part of WashU Law’s global network from the outset, with opportunities to engage with alumni, faculty and peers through virtual programming and the broader university community.
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Laws in Taxation offered by WashU Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 314-597-3365.
Who Is This Program For?
WashU Law’s online Master of Laws in Taxation is designed for attorneys seeking to deepen their expertise in tax law and take on more complex, specialized work. The program attracts professionals from practice areas such as corporate law, estate planning and general practice who want to expand their capabilities in tax-related matters.
Beyond the Classroom
WashU Law’s online programs offer many opportunities to stay active in the greater university community beyond coursework and immersions:
- Apply legal concepts in professional setting through an externship
- Explore legal questions in greater depth through supervised research
- Engage with practitioners across legal and regulated industries
- Join WashU’s global alumni network
That network is backed by real resources. WashU Law Career Center advisers build meaningful connections through one-on-one counseling sessions, stay invested in graduates’ long-term success and follow through when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. attorneys who earn a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation can pursue specialized roles across private practice, corporate and government settings. Common career paths include:
- Tax attorney in private practice or at a law firm
- In-house counsel at a corporation or financial institution
- Government counsel within agencies such as the IRS, SEC or Treasury Department
- Estate and wealth planning attorney
- Tax policy analyst or adviser
LLM in Taxation degree holders report a median advertised salary of $149,200 annually.
An LLM in Taxation offers focused, in-depth study of U.S. tax law, including federal, state and local tax frameworks, as well as the regulatory and procedural considerations that shape tax practice.
A general LLM provides broader exposure to U.S. law. It generally allows for a personalized course of study across multiple legal areas, so it is often pursued by attorneys who want a wider overview of the U.S. legal system or the ability to explore different areas of law.
A Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM in Taxation) is intended for individuals who hold a U.S. degree in law, like a Juris Doctor, or international equivalent. The degree is designed to enhance a legal practice, not necessarily for a general career in tax or accounting.
A Master of Legal Studies in Taxation (MLS in Taxation) is suited for professionals without a legal background who want to build an understanding of tax-related concepts, but don’t plan to become attorneys.