Legal literacy is a critical component for the health of any institution, and the field of higher education is no exception. Legal illiteracy can be a toxic drain on institutional resources, and in some cases, can even threaten to bring about the end of an institution completely through sudden and unexpected federal enforcement actions. And while faculty and administrators cannot necessarily fix every legal problem a college might face, there is one area where legal advisors can play a crucial role to help save money: taxes. While most students will probably not have a direct role with tax compliance processes, students will likely have the opportunity to learn about the subject in business or law classes. As future leaders of institutions, understanding the importance of tax compliance and appeal processes can help colleges save valuable resources. When grant funds and student tuitions are both at risk over a tax dispute, it’s important to understand where legal advisors can help: a local tax attorney typically handles the following: When faced with the possibility of a tax dispute, research is critical to prevent costly mistakes. Below are a few ways to locate a tax appeal attorney. Start with your local state bar association to narrow down legal counsel. Local search: Online search: Personal connections: Once legal counsel has been located, ask to sign up for an initial consultation. Note that tax appeals may take several months to resolve, but understanding the process may save significant money in educational expenses and lower the tax burden on an institution. Unfortunately, not everyone who goes into higher education will be in a teaching position. However, the ability to work as a researcher or business advisor can be useful for some students. Attorneys specializing in higher education law, including credit counseling and student financial aid abuse, often work inside larger firms, or as representatives of larger law firms who assist both students and the colleges. This can put them in a unique position to provide significant value to educational institutions. Even for those who do not become attorneys, the above opportunities can allow students to be present for some of the most important negotiations of the fiscal year. Being on the front lines of a successful negotiation can help mold future leaders who can continue to help institutions run smoothly. If a school seeks the counsel of a tax appeals attorney, there are numerous benefits. For example, attorneys can identify loopholes and create tax strategies to maximize tax credits. They can also redistribute existing funds to ID organizational inefficiencies and help minimize penalties. Further, an attorney can communicate on the university’s behalf with tax authorities. Disputes over taxes can be hard to dodge. But having legal advisors can mean the difference between regular budgeting and ongoing tax disputes that consume valuable resources and disrupt the learning environment. Unlike common college life distractions, legal issues can place significant stress on a student body. With the right financial planning and tax assistance working behind the scenes, faculty and students can rest easy. That makes winning a tax appeal a win-win for everyone involved. In short, knowledge is power, and legal knowledge is no different.