Tax Policy Specialist 3, Technical Advice & Policy

Full Job Description

• 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, you’ll 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.

The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as January 30, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

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, 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.

Requirements

As a TPS 3 you will get experience researching and answering complex tax questions from a variety of customers, including other divisions, external stakeholders, and our Executive team. Assignments 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.

You will research tax law and Department policy to draft memorandums that respond to the questions, analyze possible options, or address long-term policy issues. You will get experience drafting Washington Administrative Codes (WACs/Rules) and Excise Tax Advisories (ETAs). TPS 3s in ITA also conduct or facilitate internal training and participate in stakeholder engagement opportunities like speaking panels, meetings with taxpayers, and hearings on public guidance.

Your responsibilities will include:
• 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 department's 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 Department’s 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.

Qualifications

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.


Preference may be granted to candidates who possess:
• 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.



These positions function within a fast-paced, politically complex environment within which accuracy, timeliness, and communication are essential. Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates for behavioral attributes and technical skills to succeed in this environment.

To be considered

Complete your online application in detail and attach the following:
• A cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications of this position.
• A current resume, highlighting your work experience and education.
• At least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
• A professional writing sample.


*Note - Incomplete applications and applications received without requested attachments 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 Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.

Please contact any member of the Staffing team at jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725.

Additional Information

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 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.