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Tax law gives an overview of the direct and indirect ways in which governments collect and generate revenue, and at the different jurisdictions, ambiguities, gaps and technicalities that can benefit businesses and individuals who want to reduce tax obligations, preserve profits and offset debts. In more recent years, this subject area has also expanded to consider a wider range of subjects, such as the use and misuse of off-shore tax ‘havens’, fraud, corruption, money laundering and ties to international crime.
LLMs in tax law consider different aspects of the formulation and enforcement of relevant legislation and how it reflects economic and social changes on a national, cross-border and international scale). Tax law is always quick to change, often extremely intricate, difficult to interpret and apply, and demands a good grasp of detail. If you have these skills and interests, then read on to find out more!
Across the UK, there are fewer than ten master’s in tax law, but they are often not called by this title. In-depth research is needed to track down the course that is right for you. The courses are ‘taught’, (ie not research programmes) through lectures, tutorials and seminars. In common with all LLM qualifications, you will be asked to submit a final dissertation of about 12,000–15,000 words. Institutions specialising in tax law include Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and the tailored LLMs at the London School of Economics, King’s College London, University College, London and both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Confusingly, only the QMUL course is mentioned in most master’s in tax law]: for the other London institutions and Cambridge, look under their commercial law LLM programmes to see how you can more or less build your own LLM in tax law. Oxford has a well-established research centre for tax and a long history of teaching this subject, but it has only recently been included as a dedicated topic in the MJur degree.
A first degree in law is usually specified, but graduates with a background in finance or accounting should check whether their qualification is acceptable instead.
Because of the nature of the course, if your first language is not English, you will require a IELTS score (or equivalent) scores of at least 6.5, although several universities ask for 7.0.
All master’s in tax law run for one year (full time) and several can be studied part time for two or more years. At the moment, there is no distance learning in this field except Dundee University’s LLM course in Taxation and Finance in the Petroleum Industry, which is intended for those already working in this area.
LLMs in tax law courses give an overview of the UK, European and international tax systems (ie taxes on income, expenditure and capital), and the principles and policies behind these, including the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) model . They usually also cover issues around tax control, tax avoidance, corporate taxes (such as those on mergers) and financial regulation, including offshore jurisdictions and money laundering.
Given the comparatively small number of LLMs in tax law, check our other Web articles for master’s in business and commercial law [LINK TO Business and commercial law] and banking and financial law, including corporate governance and corporate law options. In particular, Oxford Brookes University, the London School of Economics, King’s College, University College London and QMUL may be worth a look. These often include tax-related elements and you may be able to specialise in this subject through optional modules and research for your dissertation. Edinburgh University’s flexible LLM includes international tax law and looks at treaty relief in some detail. The University of Buckingham’s Banking Law LLM includes elements on money laundering, terrorism and financial crime.
The LLM is acknowledged in many countries as an example of excellence in the legal field. With this qualification in tax law, you could look for work with a legal firm specialising in corporate or tax law or for a role in the business world as a financial, economic and tax adviser. Government agencies and financial regulators may also appreciate your expertise in this ‘niche’ area. However, an LLM is not one of the qualifications needed to practise law in the United Kingdom, although it may be considered as extra evidence of your skills when you are applying for work as a solicitor or barrister. To be eligible for these roles, you should be a qualified lawyer in your own country or have taken the Legal Practice Course/Bar Vocational Course in England and Wales (or the Scottish equivalents).
The OECD website is a useful resource.
Basic International Taxation, R Rohatgi
Economics of Taxation, S James and C Nobes
European Tax Law, B Terra and P Wattel
International Tax Primer, B Arnold and M McIntyre
Gillian Sharp
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