The Administrative Review & Hearings Division is a division of legal and tax professionals who are passionate about continuous improvement and who actively cultivate a culture of respect, inclusion, and excellence.  If you have a passion for supporting others, find accomplishment in resolving challenging requests, and thrive in an environment where innovative approaches to problem solving are required and alternative solutions are encouraged, the Department of Revenue may have a career opportunity for you with this Tax Review Officer - TPS2 (Tax Policy Specialist 2) position!

Because this is an in-training opportunity, there are multiple ways to qualify. Please pay close attention to the qualifications below.

We work in a hybrid setting where employees are allowed to work from home more than they work in the office.

The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as February 7, 2023, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Administrative Review and Hearings Division (ARHD) hears and reviews taxpayer appeals of department actions. These actions include, the revocation or denial of a reseller permit, the revocation of a business license, the issuance of a tax assessment, the denial of a tax refund and unclaimed property actions. The review process includes analyzing the evidence and/or briefing submitted by the parties, holding hearings, researching relevant cases and authority, and issuing a decision consistent with Washington State law and department policy.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

We invite you to review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties

As an attorney trained in interpreting and applying tax law and policy, you will 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.

As a Tax Review Officer and Administrative Law Judge (Tax Policy Specialist 2) in the ARHD, you will manage an active caseload of tax disputes, which includes Brief Adjudicative Proceedings under the Administrative Procedures Act (RCW 34.05. 482–494), and WAC 458-20-100 (Rule 100) reviews. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting Brief Adjudicative Proceedings to review the department's initial orders and issuing the final agency decision as an independent fact finder.
• Conducting Rule 100 informal administrative reviews of petitions for correction of tax assessments, refund denials, and adverse interpretive rulings.
• Analyzing, reviewing and providing technical legal and policy recommendations regarding proposed guidance the department is considering.

Qualifications

To join us at the TPS 2 ($5,399.00-$7,262.00 monthly) level you will possess:

Education
Graduation from an accredited school of law AND admission to practice law in the State of Washington or before the highest court of a state or tribe.

AND

Experience
For current or past employees of DOR: One year as a Tax Policy Specialist 1

OR

For any applicant: Two years of experience as 1) hearings examiner in a governmental agency, 2) assistant attorney general, 3) practice as an attorney or law clerk.

Note:  An LLM or Master's degree in taxation or closely allied field will substitute for one year of experience.

Don't quite meet the Tax Policy Specialist 2 (TPS 2) qualifications, but think you might be a great fit on our team? No problem. We're willing to fill this position as an in-training from the Tax Policy Specialist 1 level. This means you would have an assigned training plan which includes on the job training. Upon successful completion, you will promote to next level depending on qualifications.

To qualify as a TPS 2, in-training ($4,541.00-$6105.00 monthly) you will possess:

Graduation from an accredited school of law

AND

Admission to practice law in the State of Washington

OR

Admission to practice law in the State of Washington or before the highest court of a state or tribe, within twelve months of hiring.

Successful candidates should possess demonstrated skills to:

• Use technology necessary to conduct the business, including word processing, email and legal software for research (i.e., Westlaw, Lexis).
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing, using standard rules of language regarding spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage, sentence structure and composition, and to accurately reference supporting documents and controlling authority.
• Effectively perform legal research, identify the issues in a case and identify areas for further analysis and investigation.
• Remain aware of timeframes and ensure deadlines are successfully met. (It is expected that assigned APA cases are cleared within 20 days; Rule 100 cases are cleared within 90 days).
• Effectively work with others and resolve differences in a timely manner.
• Translate concepts into messages lay persons can readily understand.

To be considered for this position:

• 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.
• Attach a legal writing sample.

* Note - Incomplete applications or applications received without these materials may be disqualified.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.