Tax LLM

As one of the oldest and largest programs of its kind in the nation, Denver Law's Graduate Tax Program is a leader in training tax specialists in the legal professions. Current lawyers and JD students in our LLM program train side by side with accountants from our master's program to gain cross-disciplinary experience on aspects of tax. Our curriculum is nothing but tax, with courses taught using the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and other related material.

Highlights:

Complete the entire program online or on-site.
Full-time students can earn a degree in just one year; part-time options are also available for working professionals.
Excellent nationwide job placement through on-campus recruiting programs and extensive networking.
Generous scholarships and other financial aid available.

I attended the graduate tax program after four years of practicing regulatory law because I wanted to shift my practice area. In addition to taking classes, I had the opportunity to work on actual tax cases by participating in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, which allowed me to think about tax law from both a theoretical and practical perspective. I now feel confident about my ability to understand and analyze tax issues.
Prasanthi S. Paritala, JD, LLM'18, Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Paris, U.S. Tax Court

Learn More

Earn Your Degree Online
Our entire program is offered online for students who are unable to travel to campus. As an online student, you will have access to the same courses, materials, and assignments. You will also receive the same level of attention from faculty as on-site students.

Course delivery includes:
- Rich-media recordings of each live classroom presentation, which can be accessed live or later on-demand.
- A robust online learning platform where students can access course media and materials, submit work and quizzes, and interact with professors and other students.
- Ability to participate in online discussions with students in Denver and around the globe.
Program Highlights
- A highly sophisticated and relevant course of study in taxation grounded in the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and materials developed especially for our program to enhance your understanding of the complex subject matter.
- Outstanding faculty, including professionals from top local and national firms and the IRS.
- Complete the entire program online or on-site.
- Full-time students can earn a degree in just one year; part-time options are also available for working professionals.
- Excellent nationwide job placement opportunities through job postings, on-campus recruiting programs, alumni connections, and extensive networking.
- Generous scholarships and other financial aid available
- An enviable location in Denver, Colorado, one of the nation's most dynamic cities and just minutes from the recreational opportunities of the Rocky Mountains.
Curriculum Standards

The educational standards of the Program are rigorous, but our students and graduates consistently comment on how they are the most prepared and knowledgeable of their colleagues. The environment, however, is one of cooperation rather than competition, and the teaching attitude is both helpful and challenging. The Program is dedicated to the pursuit of superior professional competence, and students with similar aspirations find their studies in the Graduate Tax Program entirely rewarding.

An added bonus for our students is that we create high-quality video recordings of all of our classes. All students have access to the recordings for the classes they are enrolled in. This is particularly helpful if you miss a class or just want to review the lecture again. If you have an employment offer outside of the Denver area, it is easy to switch to online student status to complete your degree.
Application Information
Application Process
- Complete online application, including a non-refundable $65 application fee
- Official transcripts of all college credits, sent to Graduate Tax Program directly from the college or university where the credit was earned. Previous University of Denver students are not exempt from this requirement.
  - Our address for transcripts: Graduate Admissions, University of Denver Sturm College of Law 2255 East Evans Avenue, Suite 115, Denver, CO 80208-0631.
- For LL.M. applicants: Proof of a J.D. degree from a college of law approved by the American Bar Association or its equivalent (such as an LL.B.). No GMAT or LSAT is required for the LL.M. program.
- Personal Statement Essay
  - Please provide a 1-2 page narrative describing your background and professional goals and why you are interested in pursuing the Graduate Tax Program.
- Current Resume
- Letters of Recommendation (minimum two, maximum three)
- Students whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree from a U.S. institution must either submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 587 (95 computer-based), an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 7.0.
Scholarships & Financial Aid

The Graduate Tax Program prides itself on being able to offer various merit scholarships to qualified applicants. All students are considered for these merit scholarships upon an initial application review by the admissions committee. We recommend submitting all application materials as soon as possible to be considered for the best scholarship opportunities. Students will be notified of any awards with their acceptance letters.

Additional scholarship possibilities are also available through the DU Financial Aid Office.
Careers & Employment

Postgraduate employment is a vital concern of both students and faculty. Because the Graduate Tax Program is the only program of its kind in the Rocky Mountain Region, and has an excellent national reputation, it is well situated to offer its students a variety of job opportunities in this region, as well as across the U.S.
Dual-Degree Option

Are you a Denver Law student? If so, you can earn a dual degree (JD and LLM in Taxation) and save time and money by enrolling in both programs concurrently. Please contact Ariel Edwards for more information at aedwards@law.du.edu.
Hands-on Learning: Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) is one of largest and well-established tax clinics in the country. The clinic is highly regarded in the community and is the preferred referral source for the U.S. Tax Court in Denver.

The LITC represents low-income taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in audit, appeals, collections and Tax Court litigation. Students participating in the clinic gain valuable experience handling client matters, researching individual income tax issues and working directly with the Internal Revenue Service and Colorado Department of Revenue. Our clinic represents nearly 250 clients annually.

The United States Tax Court comes to Denver approximately four times each year. While the Tax Court is in town, students have an opportunity to attend a calendar call and trials, interact with IRS Office of Chief Counsel attorneys and Tax Court judges, and advise pro se taxpayers about the Tax Court process and their rights.

Additionally, the LITC hosts and participates in a variety of outreach presentations and events with taxpayers and community organizations throughout the year.

If you are enrolled in the Graduate Tax Program (as an MT or LLM student) or the Sturm College of Law you can participate in the LITC for credit or as a volunteer. Please contact Professors Erin Stearns (Director) or Samantha Galvin (Assistant Director) for additional information.
Resources for Online Students

Canvas helpdesk: 24/7 Canvas Support Hotline (Students) 1-855-712-9770

Isaac Lodico, Professor of the Practice of Taxation, ilodico@law.du.edu
Course Descriptions

Click below to find more information about the courses offered.

Course Descriptions
Course Schedules

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Course Schedules

The Graduate Tax Program has been a leader in the education of tax professionals for over 40 years. The demand for our graduates continues to increase, and our curriculum combines both the law and accounting aspects of tax practice, giving our graduates the ability to provide thoughtful, practical advice to their clients.