Tax Policy Specialist 3, Technical Advice & Policy

• No billable hours! We work predictable schedules over a true 40-hour work week. We also offer generous paid leave so you can enjoy your life outside of work.
• Reasonable workloads. Some of the work can be fast-paced at times but we work to prioritize work to reduce deadline demands.
• Remote work. We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home all but 1-2 days per month. We also provide opportunities for staff to come in more often to interact in-person. Our dedicated IT staff provide all the necessary equipment.
• Supportive culture. Whether you are new to tax or have a tax LLM youll receive training and guidance from managers who want to help you succeed and grow. Our Tax Policy Managers generously share information and knowledge in a collaborative and non-competitive work environment. There are opportunities to meet and work with employees from other policy and operating divisions cross-training rotations and regular salary increases. We also offer in-house CLEs and pay your bar dues.

• Researching state local or federal tax law.
• Conducting technical legal and policy analysis on complex tax or other program issues and draft memorandum or other guidance that responds to questions analyzes possible options or addresses long-term policy issues.
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist the departments legislative and/or executive offices.
• Drafting rules (Washington Administrative Code) excise tax advisories (ETAs) interpretive statements or other policy guidance.
• Participating in department implementation projects with statewide or even national significance.
• Conduct or facilitate internal training and participate in stakeholder engagement opportunities including speaking panels and hearings on public guidance.
• Leading meetings with external and internal audiences on important tax issues.
• Supporting the Departments Working Family Tax program that provides refunds to low and moderate income Washingtonians.
• Supporting the Department Unclaimed Property Tax program that seeks to reunite owners with their lost property.

To successfully perform the duties and tasks assigned in this position the incumbent must possess competencies enabling them to perform all of the following:

Legal and Policy Analysis

• Interpret apply and communicate complex tax laws and Department policies on novel and precedent-setting issues.
• Evaluate historical interpretations and develop legally sound policy alternatives.
• Draft and review rules (WACs) interpretive statements and legal guidance that is clear consistent and aligned with statutory and administrative frameworks.
• Provide sound legal and policy advice to executive management and other divisions on complex and precedent-setting tax issues.

Written and Verbal Communication

• Draft clear concise and technically accurate guidance documents including rules interpretive statements and web content.
• Write binding letter rulings public guidance and internal policy documents using plain language.
• Effectively present complex legal and tax concepts to diverse audiences including public audiences agency staff and executive leadership.
• Lead and contribute to training programs that promote consistent tax administration.

Research and Analytical Thinking

• Perform legal research to analyze statutes legislative history court decisions and administrative rulings.
• Assess fiscal and policy impacts of proposed legislation and agency decisions.
• Synthesize complex legal and policy information into actionable recommendations.

Project and Workload Management

• Manage multiple complex assignments with competing deadlines.
• Plan and organize to ensure timely and accurate completion of deliverables.
• Lead or support cross-divisional initiatives and interagency collaborations.

Public Engagement and Facilitation

• Lead and participate in meetings with internal teams taxpayers business groups and governmental groups on complex tax issues.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in multistep policy development projects with significant fiscal political or administrative implications.
• Deliver presentations to internal and external audiences on key tax topics to promote voluntary compliance and consistent application of tax laws. Represent the agency in public meetings and hearings and facilitate input from interested parties in rulemaking processes.
• Conduct meetings and hearings to receive public comments on draft guidance documents in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills

• Collaborate to work effectively with executive management internal teams tribal partners and external agencies.

Ethics Accountability and Professionalism

• Exhibit professional demeanor that fosters trust respect and productive working relationships.
• Act with high standards of integrity accountability and ethical conduct in all professional interactions.
• Commit to quality timeliness and transparency in work products and decision-making.
• Adhere to public records and litigation protocols ensuring compliance with agency standards.

Stress Tolerance and Adaptability

• Work calmly and effectively under pressure including during long hours or high-stakes projects.
• Adapt to ever-evolving tax landscapes legislative changes and organizational priorities.

Technical Proficiency

• Be proficient in legal and tax research tools databases and digital platforms.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with agency retention policies.

Regulatory and Procedural Knowledge

• Understand the Administrative Procedure Act and rulemaking processes.
• Apply agency policies and procedures consistently.

• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law or a Bachelors degree in public finance business accounting public administration or a closely allied field.
• For current or past employees of the Department of Revenue: One year of experience as a Tax Policy Specialist 2.
• For any applicant: Three years of professional experience 1) in tax administration tax auditing tax collection or public policy analysis 2) as a hearings examiner in a governmental agency 3) as an assistant attorney general or 4) as a practicing attorney. An LL.M. in taxation will substitute for one year of experience.

The Human Resources 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 applicants 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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.