Tax Policy Specialist 3, Taxpayer Information & Education

Full Job Description

The Department of Revenue’s Interpretations & Technical Advice (ITA) division is seeking a Tax Policy Specialist 3 to join our Taxpayer Information and Education (TI&E) team.

TI&E is a dynamic, collaborative group dedicated to helping taxpayers understand Washington’s tax laws through clear guidance, education, and outreach.

As a Tax Policy Specialist 3 in TI&E, you will play a critical role in advancing voluntary compliance by developing accurate, easy-to-understand tax guidance and educational resources.

This position offers the opportunity to apply your legal and policy expertise to complex tax issues, influence statewide tax policy, and engage directly with taxpayers and industry groups.

Why our attorneys and other professionals love working at Revenue and ITA:

• 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 Tax Policy Specialist 3, you will serve as a senior policy analyst and subject matter expert, providing technical, legal, and policy advice to agency leadership, other divisions, and external stakeholders.

In this role, you will research and interpret statutes, legislative history, court decisions, and administrative rulings to develop clear, practical guidance for taxpayers and agency staff.

You will draft and revise rules (Washington Administrative Code), interpretive statements, and other public guidance to explain complex tax concepts in plain language.

Your work will support legislative implementation projects, evaluate policy alternatives, and contribute to statewide initiatives that promote fairness and consistency in tax administration.

You will also lead or participate in interdivisional and external stakeholder workgroups, collaborate with tribal governments and industry groups, and provide education and outreach through presentations, webinars, and training sessions.

This position offers opportunities to influence tax policy development, engage in stakeholder discussions, and contribute to projects with statewide significance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

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:

Tax 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 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

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.

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.