Hello and welcome to this user-friendly guide on Tax Research! Whether you're a law student just starting out or a licensed legal practitioner, this guide is here to help you navigate the fascinating world of tax law.
Tax law might seem like a big, complex puzzle at first. It's always changing, with new laws being passed, court decisions being made, and official IRS rulings coming out. But don't worry - that's where this guide comes in.
We're going to break down tax research into easy-to-follow steps. We'll talk about where tax laws come from, including things like statutes, regulations, and case law. We'll also cover IRS rulings and scholarly commentary. Plus, we'll give you some handy tips on how to use research tools and databases, keep up with new developments, and share your findings in a clear and effective way.
The key thing to remember is that tax research isn't just about finding a quick answer. It's about understanding how to ask the right questions and follow the clues to find the information you need. This guide is here to help you develop those skills.
So, don't worry if tax law seems a bit daunting right now. With this guide by your side, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident tax researcher.
If you're new to the world of tax law, you might be wondering what exactly tax law is and why it's important. Let's break it down.
What is Tax Law?
Tax law is a system of laws that relate to the taxes imposed by the government. It covers the rules, policies, and regulations that oversee the tax process, which involves charges on estates, transactions, property, income, licenses and more by the government.
Why is Tax Law Important?
Taxes are how governments raise revenue to fund public services and infrastructure, like schools, hospitals, and roads. It also helps regulate businesses and industries, and it can be used to encourage or discourage certain behaviors in society (like giving tax breaks for energy-efficient home improvements).
The Complexity of Tax Law
Tax law can be complex. It's always changing, with new laws being passed, court decisions being made, and official IRS rulings coming out. Plus, tax law involves a lot of different sources of law, including statutes (laws passed by Congress), regulations (rules made by agencies, like the Internal Revenue Service), and case law (decisions made by courts).
Primary and Secondary Sources in Tax Law
When we talk about tax law, we often refer to primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are the laws themselves: the statutes, regulations, and case law. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are materials that explain, interpret, or analyze the law. These can include things like tax reporters, treatises, journals, and news.
In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into these sources and give you some practical tips on how to use them in your tax research. But for now, just remember this: tax law might seem like a big, complex puzzle, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can learn to navigate it like a pro. Let's get started!
