Tax Review Officer (TPS 3) (Legal)

• No billable hours! We work predictable schedules over a true 40-hour work week. We also offer plenty of paid leave so you can enjoy your life outside of work.
• Reasonable caseloads. Our Tax Review Officers handle 30-40 cases at any one time, with turnaround times between three and twelve months. 
• Remote work. We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home all but 1-2 days per month. Our dedicated IT staff provides all the necessary equipment.
• Supportive culture. Whether you are new to tax or have a tax LLM, you’ll receive training and guidance from managers who want to help you succeed and grow. Senior Tax Review Officers generously share information and knowledge in a non-competitive work environment. There are opportunities to network with employees from other policy divisions, cross-training rotations, and regular salary increases. We also offer in-house CLE and pay your bar dues. 

As a Tax Review Officer (Tax Policy Specialist 3), you will manage an active caseload of tax disputes, hear and resolve taxpayers' petitions for review of the department's actions, and respond to taxpayers' petitions in writing. Cases cover a variety of complex and interesting tax laws that provide you with opportunities to research and educate taxpayers on how the law is applied. You will also engage in tax policy development to achieve consistency and fairness in tax administration.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting informal administrative reviews of petitions for correction of tax assessments, refund denials, and adverse interpretive rulings.
• Presiding over mainstream, executive, and small claims hearings and drafting determinations.
• Recommending, referring, or negotiating the settlement of some cases.
• Analyzing, reviewing, and providing technical legal and policy recommendations regarding proposed guidance the department is considering.
• Representing the department in informal excise tax appeals before the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals, a separate state agency.

The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education. To join our team, you must possess the following competencies:

Written Communication:

• Organize the flow of information in a document or decision so that facts or ideas build upon one another logically to lead the reader to a specific conclusion. 
• Write clear and concise legal documents that reflect current law and contain succinct nature of action statements, contain accurate issue statements, make findings of fact based on the evidence, and apply the facts to the law to reach correct legal conclusions.   

• Effectively translate complex, technical, or legal concepts into messages that lay persons can readily understand. 
• Explain or present information in a clear, concise, logical manner that achieves understanding of the intended message. 

• Work cooperatively to share legal and technical expertise. 
• Work cooperatively with other team members to achieve team goals and contribute to group solutions through constructive feedback, ideas, and suggestions.  
• Facilitate the open exchange of ideas and information among team members.

Accountability and Caseload Management.

Ethics and Professionalism.

Hearing Skills.

Research Skills.

Negotiation Skills.

Technical Proficiency.

Stress Management and Resilience.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning.

• Admission to practice law in Washington or before the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, or a federally recognized tribe.

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• For current or past employees of DOR: one year as a Tax Policy Specialist 2; or any applicant: three years of experience as:
  • A hearings examiner in a governmental agency.
  • An assistant attorney general.
  • A practicing attorney.

• Complete your online application in detail, as it will be used as your initial resume.
• Attach a cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position, and why you are interested in it.
• Attach a legal writing sample.

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).  
  
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses.  We encourage you to apply.
  
If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731.  Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.