This guide is primarily focused on sources for researching basic federal tax law in the United States.
Below is the hierarchy of resources when doing federal tax research.
Source: Joni Larson & Dan Sheaffer, Federal Tax Research (2nd ed. 2011).
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction produces interactive lessons authored by legal scholars and professionals that cover substantive law, as well as legal research and writing. The lessons include a mix of background information and questions.
Before diving into a research project, it's essential to have a strategy for how you will conduct your research.
At the Law Library, we've developed a research worksheet that you can use to help organize the information you've been given and develop a plan for your research. Feel free to make copies and use it as you're given research assignments.