Tax Policy Specialist 3, Technical Advice & Policy

The Department of Revenue's Interpretations & Technical Advice (ITA) division is looking for fresh talent to join our team as **Tax Policy Specialist.** ITA is a fun, dedicated team of professionals committed to providing excellent customer service to advance consistent, legally sound, and well-balanced tax policy.

As a vital member of our team, you will have the opportunity to shape and influence policy for state tax and other programs administered by the department, while enjoying a variety of challenging work assignments, thinking creatively, and working on cutting edge issues! ITA offers an incredible work-life balance and the opportunity for flexible working arrangements.

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 **July 28,** **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](https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service).

Visit these links to watch our [recruitment video](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fiframe.dacast.com%2Fvod%2Fb280e90764fc353782d89dd6cba9d80b%2F52243845-d53c-28f7-d903-9c90abb649c6&data=04%7C01%7CPatrickS%40DOR.WA.GOV%7C0a78c426edc548952a2408d9f6ec4b53%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C637812316996239814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=x%2BcE3gSyNzW80hVswRKaucAupYBqBvideqsh2hUVTDs%3D&reserved=0) to find out more about our agency and see [what our employees say](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdor.wa.gov%2Fabout%2Fcareers%2Fcareer-paths&data=04%7C01%7CPatrickS%40DOR.WA.GOV%7C0a78c426edc548952a2408d9f6ec4b53%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C637812316996239814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=fyEfNrydEe5xed8TLQ4SXkX5aoq5%2FbTfai3JQ%2BSNq%2FM%3D&reserved=0) 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.

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.

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.

**Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, communicate, and advise on complex tax laws and Department policies on novel and precedent-setting issues,** as evidenced by progressive experience in legal or policy analysis within a governmental or tax administration context.

**Proven skill in drafting, reviewing, and revising rules, interpretive statements, and legal guidance that are clear and easy to comprehend to a wide audience, and consistent and aligned with statutory and administrative frameworks**, supported by experience in preparing technical documents or guidance materials.

**Demonstrated experience in conducting in-depth legal, policy, and revenue impact research and analysis**, including synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations for executive management or legislative offices.

**Progressive experience in leading or participating in cross-divisional workgroups, stakeholder meetings, or policy development projects**, showing the ability to facilitate collaboration and provide subject matter expertise on complex tax issues.

**Proven ability to draft clear, concise, and technically accurate guidance documents, including rules, interpretive statements, and web content, and to present complex legal and tax concepts to diverse audiences,** as demonstrated by written and verbal communication skills.

**Demonstrated skill in managing multiple complex assignments with competing deadlines, including planning, organizing, and ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables,** as shown by experience in project or workload management.

**Proven ability to lead and contribute to training programs or modules for staff, promoting consistent tax administration and clear understanding of taxpayer responsibilities,** supported by experience in training or instructional roles.

**Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a stressful environment, adapt to evolving legislative and organizational priorities, and maintain professionalism and ethical conduct in all interactions,** as evidenced by prior roles requiring stress tolerance and adaptability.

**Proven proficiency in performing legal and tax research, and use of related tools, databases, and digital platforms,** as well as maintaining accurate records and documentation in compliance with agency retention policies.

**Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory and procedural requirements, including the Administrative Procedure Act and agency rulemaking processes,** as shown by experience applying agency policies and procedures consistently.

**The ability to take action to learn and grow**: Curious about themselves and others, take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

**The ability to take action to meet the needs of others:** Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

**Uses an equity & inclusive approach:** Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

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.

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.