State of Washington · 3 days ago
Tax Policy Specialist 3, Taxpayer Information & Education
Walla Walla, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expThe State of Washington's Department of Revenue is seeking a Tax Policy Specialist 3 to join their Taxpayer Information and Education team. This role involves developing tax guidance and educational resources to help taxpayers understand tax laws, conducting legal and policy analysis, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance.
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Responsibilities
Developing public guidance such as rules (WACs), interpretive statements, Special Notices, and web content to explain complex tax concepts in plain language
Issuing binding letter rulings and responding to advice requests from taxpayers, practitioners, and internal stakeholders
Researching and analyzing statutes, legislative history, court decisions, and administrative rulings to provide sound legal and policy advice
Participating in legislative implementation projects and evaluating policy alternatives for emerging tax issues
Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including tribal governments, industry groups, and other divisions, on complex interpretive and policy matters
Providing education and outreach through presentations, webinars, and training sessions to promote voluntary compliance
Leading or contributing to interdivisional workgroups and cross-agency initiatives on tax policy development
Qualification
Required
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 public guidance content 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
Draft rulings to businesses, tax practitioners, consumers, governmental agencies, and industry groups consistent with agency policy, including to address any recent policy changes
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
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
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
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
Collaborate to work effectively with executive management, internal teams, tribal partners, and external agencies
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
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
Be proficient in legal and tax research tools, databases, and digital platforms
Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with agency retention policies
Understand the Administrative Procedure Act and rulemaking processes
Apply agency policies and procedures consistently
Preferred
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law, or a Bachelor's 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
Benefits
Generous paid leave
Defined benefit retirement plans
Health, dental and vision coverage
Deferred compensation plans
Student loan forgiveness
Medical flexible spending account
Basic life and long-term disability insurance
Dependent care assistance
Washington State Employee Assistance Program
Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Paid holidays
Sick leave
Vacation (annual leave)
Military leave
Bereavement leave
Leave sharing
Parental leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave without pay
Company
State of Washington
Washington state public employees help to create a working Washington built on education and innovation, where all Washingtonians thrive.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Matt Manweller
State Representative
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