Job Description

Posting number: 2026-173

Department: Dept. of Revenue

Division: Administrative Review and Hearings Division

Job classification: TAX POLICY SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Promotional

Categories: Legal, Attorney, Tax Administration

Summary

The

This opportunity is only open to Department of Revenue Employees.

The Administrative Review and Hearings Division resolves taxpayer disputes 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 disputes.

We are looking for strong writers who enjoy challenging legal puzzles to join us as a Tax Review Officer (Tax Policy Specialist 3). This position will hold hearings to gather facts, research relevant cases and authority, and issue decisions consistent with Washington State law and department policy.

Why do our attorneys love working at Revenue?

• 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.

Examples of duties

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.

Qualifications

The incumbent must possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and progressive experience that demonstrates readiness to successfully perform the duties and tasks of this position:

Legal Licensure:

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

Communication Skills:

Proven ability to write clear, concise, and legally sound documents using IRAC/CRAC/CREAC writing formats, and explain complex legal or technical concepts in accessible terms to varied audiences, developed through experience providing briefings, pleadings, or memoranda in professional settings.

Interpersonal Skills:

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and constructively with others, shown by experience assertively defending positions with civility and a spirit of collaboration.

Accountability and Caseload Management:

Proven ability to independently produce high-quality work through progressive experience managing tasks and deadlines effectively, balancing accuracy and timeliness under competing priorities, and maintaining long-term focus by proactively identifying next steps and adjusting actions as needs evolve.

Fact-finding Skills:

Demonstrated ability to maintain impartiality and ensure parties are fully heard, supported by progressive experience in effectively gathering and documenting relevant information, recognizing information gaps in cases, and appropriately questioning parties to evaluate soundness of arguments.

Research:

Proven ability to conduct comprehensive legal research through experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, and other guidance, to analyze complex issues, reach sound conclusions, and make informed decisions even with limited data while knowing when additional guidance is required.

Technical Proficiency:

Demonstrated proficiency using electronic legal research tools, document management systems, and digital communication platforms gained through experience retrieving and processing case materials and ensuring effective communication and procedural efficiency in hearings.

Stress Management and Resilience:

Proven ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in high-pressure environments, supported by experience managing competing priorities, adapting to shifting demands, and performing effectively under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.

Advocacy and Negotiation Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively represent a client’s interests before a court, tribunal, arbiter, or other decisionmaker, or in negotiations with opposing parties, gained through experience with litigation and settlements.

Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

Learn about our Core Equity Competencies to understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce.

Preference may be granted to any candidate with a combination of professional experience or education, such as:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• An LL.M or master's degree in taxation.
• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney, assistant attorney general, or hearings examiner in a governmental agency, or
• One year as a Tax Policy Specialist 2.

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, and why you are interested in it.
• 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.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Patrick, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty in finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves on connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5738.

Supplemental information

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).

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.