Tax Policy Specialist 2 - Non-legal

Title: Tax Policy Specialist 2 - Non-legal

Job Description:

Salary

$5,783.00 - $7,779.00 Monthly

Location 

Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-078

Department

Dept. of Revenue

Division

Interpretations & Technical Advice

Description

The Department of Revenue's Interpretations and Technical Advice (ITA) division is excited to announce a Non-legal Tax Policy Specialist 2 (TPS2) opportunity in its Taxpayer Information and Education (TI&E) unit. 

 

ITA is a fun, dedicated team of professionals committed to providing excellent customer service and to advancing consistent, legally sound, and well-balanced tax policy. We place a high value on creating an environment where people can thrive personally and professionally. If you are a self-starter who enjoys working on a variety of tax issues, directly serving the taxpaying public, collaborating with others, and developing tax policy, this is the position for you!

 

The hiring manager will begin reviewing applications April 28, 2026, and may make a hiring decision any time after. It is in your best interest to apply soon.

 

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.

 

Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

 

 

Duties

As a TPS2, you will play a critical role in advancing the agency's vision of achieving the highest level of voluntary compliance by issuing rulings on the application of Washington tax law, developing clear and easy to understand tax guidance, educating taxpayers, and developing interdivisional advice on complex tax topics. If you enjoy tax policy, this is an opportunity to apply your critical thinking skills to analyze tax law to ensure businesses receive timely, accurate, and consistent education and guidance. Some of your responsibilities will include:
 

• Issuing rulings to taxpayers, tax practitioners, consumers, governmental agencies, and industry groups about tax issues using plain language.
• Reviewing, analyzing, and researching state statutes, legislative history, court decisions, rules, and past Department policy and/or administrative decisions. 
• Evaluating historical interpretations where existing interpretation may no longer be applicable to today’s business models. 
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist division management in making decisions.
• Supporting the Department’s legislative activities including implementing legislation, reviewing legislative proposals, and identifying the costs and impacts of proposed legislation.
• Developing special notices, industry guides, tax topics, rules, interpretive statements, and other public guidance.  
• Educating businesses and/or industry groups on tax issues that impact the work they do through in-person workshops, webinars, and speaking engagements.
• Participating in interdivisional tax issue workgroups.

Telework: This position has the flexibility to work remotely most of the time. The duty station is in Tumwater, Washington and the successful candidate may need to occasionally travel to the office for key scheduled meetings or as operational needs dictate. Some candidates may qualify for travel reimbursement. Details of teleworking considerations will be addressed during the interview process.

 

 

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with any combination of education and experience that meets the knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors (KSAB’s) listed below. KSABs are typically acquired through, but not limited to, relevant degrees, training, coursework, and work experience related to the position. Ensure your application materials describe the knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors listed below. 
 

Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and apply complex statutes, rules, legislative history, and administrative decisions, including experience conducting in-depth legal or technical research; analyzing the interaction of multiple tax programs; and applying findings to develop guidance, recommendations, or decisions. 

Proven ability to prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate written materials for diverse audiences, such as letter rulings, interpretive statements, WAC rules, Special Notices, Tax Topics, training materials, or similar documents requiring plain language explanations of complex subject matter. 

Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and cross-divisional partners, including collaboration to develop policy solutions, participation in interdivisional workgroups, and contributing to stakeholder engagement efforts on sensitive or complex issues. 

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and priorities in a general direction work environment. Supported by experience organizing complex workload streams, balancing competing expectations, and producing thorough, accurate work within established timelines. 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to convey complex information clearly in one-on-one, group, and public settings, including experience explaining technical concepts, responding to inquiries, and engaging with taxpayers, staff, or stakeholder groups to promote understanding of policies or requirements. 

Demonstrated ability to work calmly, professionally, and accurately in high-pressure or sensitive situations, including situations involving public interactions, contentious issues, deadlines, or policy matters requiring composure, judgment, and attention to detail. 

Proven skill in using research tools, databases, and technical resources to conduct tax or policy analysis, such as enterprise systems, legal research tools, tax resources, or other applications used to evaluate tax issues, maintain records, or develop policy guidance. 

Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and staying current on evolving laws, decisions, and tax issues, including experience in monitoring court decisions, reviewing relevant legislative changes, or seeking opportunities to improve knowledge, skills, and effectiveness. 

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.

Preference may be granted to candidates who possess:

A bachelor’s degree
 
AND
 
Four years of professional experience in tax administration, tax auditing, tax collection or tax program/policy analysis, or similar experience.

A Master's degree or equivalent in business or public administration, accounting, public finance, law or a closely allied field will substitute for two years of experience.

Additional years of qualifying experience will substitute, year-for-year, for the four years of required education.
 
To be considered:

• Complete your online application in detail, as it will be used as your initial resume.
• Attach a cover letter explaining how you meet the qualifications.

*Note - Incomplete applications and applications received without the 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 birth date before attaching.



Questions?

Hello, I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty of finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves on connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team 

 

Supplemental Information

The Human Resource 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.