Tax Policy Specialist , Technical Advice & Policy

Overview

The Department of Revenue's Interpretations & Technical Advice (ITA) division seeks a Tax Policy Specialist. ITA is a team dedicated to providing excellent customer service to advance consistent, legally sound, and well-balanced tax policy. You will shape and influence policy for state tax and other programs administered by the department. ITA offers a strong work‑life balance and flexible working arrangements.

Why our attorneys and other professionals value working at Revenue and ITA:
No billable hours with a true 40-hour work week, reasonable workloads, opportunities for remote/hybrid work, support for training and professional development, and opportunities to engage with colleagues across divisions.

The hiring manager may start screening applications as early as January 30, 2026, and may hire at any time after. Submitting materials promptly is advantageous. Revenue is a dynamic organization committed to diverse perspectives and a respectful, inclusive culture. We offer a generous benefits package and may provide eligibility for student loan forgiveness. There are resources to view recruitment videos and employee testimonials.

As a TPS 3, you will gain experience researching and answering complex tax questions from customers including other divisions, external stakeholders, and the Executive team. You will address a variety of complex tax laws and long‑term policy issues, and engage in policy development to promote consistency and fairness in tax administration. Specific duties include:

• Research state, local, or federal tax law.
• Conduct technical, legal, and policy analysis on complex tax or program issues and draft memoranda or guidance that analyzes options or addresses long-term policy issues.
• Develop and evaluate policy alternatives to assist the department’s legislative and/or executive offices.
• Draft rules (Washington Administrative Code), excise tax advisories (ETAs), interpretive statements, or other policy guidance.
• Participate in department implementation projects with statewide or national significance.
• Conduct or facilitate internal training and participate in stakeholder engagement opportunities, including speaking panels and hearings on public guidance.
• Lead meetings with external and internal audiences on important tax issues.
• Support the Department’s Working Family Tax program and the Department Unclaimed Property Tax program.
• Assist with duties that ensure accuracy, timeliness, and quality in all work products.

To perform the duties, the incumbent must possess competencies in the following areas:

• 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 are clear and aligned with statutory and administrative frameworks.
• Provide sound legal and policy advice to executive management and other divisions on complex 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.
• Present complex legal and tax concepts to diverse audiences, including the public, 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,…