Business License and Tax Specialist

Position Description

The Office of City Finance (OCF) is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. While working closely with the City’s Budget Office, OCF oversees the City’s financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities and supports the goals set by the Mayor and the City Council by providing financial information and expertise. OCF champions race and social justice and works progressively to realize the City’s vision of racial equity by participating in the Race and Social Justice Initiative – RSJI, which requires fostering a relational culture and an openness to learn and apply new ideas and skills through an equity lens.

License and Tax Administration (LTA) is a key division of the OCF. This unit administers and collects various tax types, including Business & Occupation, Payroll Expense, Sweetened Beverage, Utility, Gambling Tax, Commercial Parking, Admissions, Firearm/Ammunition, Transportation Network, and Social Housing. All new taxes proposed and passed by the city are developed and implemented through this division. The systems that house tax filings and reconciliation functionality are crucial to the success of the tax department.

This position is responsible for ensuring that all tax systems operate satisfactorily for all customers, both internal and external. Additionally, this unit issues all business license tax certificates.

LTA is looking to hire three Business License and Tax Specialists. In this position, you will help a diverse customer base in person, over the phone, and via email. Your focus will be on offering customized guidance and information regarding business licensing. Significant changes in taxation are anticipated in the near future. New taxes and modifications to existing tax structures will impact the financial landscape.

Notably, proposed adjustments to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax for the 2026 tax year may affect business operations. Additionally, the recently implemented Social Housing Tax aims to promote affordable housing initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to social equity.

As a Business License and Tax Specialist, you will be the primary point of contact for our customers, addressing inquiries and providing tailored guidance. Your responsibilities will include clarifying new regulations and assisting with accurate tax filings. Success in this role requires a dedication to exceptional customer service and the ability to communicate complex tax information clearly and accessibly to nearly 100,000 local businesses.

LTA division of OCF is committed to helping our customers navigate the ever‑changing tax environment.

• Provide customer service regarding business license and tax information through in‑person, phone, and written correspondence.
• Interpret, explain, and apply license and tax requirements outlined in Seattle Municipal Code and/or other state legislation, while reviewing filings for compliance.
• Perform high‑volume data entry for license applications, tax reporting forms, payments, and correspondence for business license accounts.
• Manage and enter data for monthly tax reporting forms and payments related to utility services, retail gambling revenues, admission tax, and commercial parking tax.
• Initiate customer contact and make collection efforts for managing delinquent accounts.
• Develop reports to track work performance and test new software enhancements or systems.
• Handle intake, data maintenance, and inquiries for 100,000 active business license accounts, and set up or close approximately 12,000 new accounts annually.

Requires three (3) years’ experience in customer service and/or billing process, including at least one (1) year equivalent to a Customer Service Representative.

(Or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.)

• Build respectful, supportive relationships with diverse clients
• Be a positive and collaborative team member
• Contribute to an inclusive workplace that values…