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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

TAX INFORMATION SPECIALIST 1

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TAX INFORMATION SPECIALIST 1
Class Code: 172E
Category: Financial Services


Definition

In the Taxpayer Services and Compliance Division of the Department of Revenue, at a journey level, independently provides in person and/or telephone assistance to taxpayers, tax practitioners and the public in determining the taxability of complex business transactions and reporting instructions for past, current and future tax liabilities. Provides authoritative information to taxpayers and employees on tax policy changes, new legislation and industry specific targeted education.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Positions at this level perform the following a majority of the time.

Independently performs the complete range of taxpayer service information activities for more difficult inquiries, advising supervisory staff when appropriate. Conducts research on complex issues requiring a detailed understanding of account administration, on-line information systems, and an in-depth knowledge of excise tax laws, rules, policies and publications. Positions are required to have a level of understanding and familiarity with current business practices and methods of operation.

Typical Work

Conducts research on complex tax issues;

Responds to general inquiries and provides information to department staff and taxpayers via correspondence, in internet, and telephone;

Assists in the preparation of manuals for selective industries illustrating the application of tax law to specific situations, giving examples of tax liability;

Assists in preparation of both in-house training manuals and development of training classes for department staff;

Assists in the drafting of new and revised WAC's and excise tax bulletins;

Performs other duties as required.

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: State of Washington Revenue Act if 1935, as amended, and related Washington Administrative Code regulations; rules, policies and opinions, writings and publications pertaining to the program; tax structure and public finance; methods of determining need for public information and education, state government, departmental organization, programs and functions.

Ability to: analyze complex and factually unique tax questions; write reports and articles clearly and concisely; speak effectively in public; explain basis for tax application to business and industry trade groups and associations or individual taxpayers; travel regularly within the state.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, accounting, public finance or closely allied field

AND

one year of professional experience in tax administration, tax auditing or tax collection.

OR

Three years as a Tax Service Representative. 

Additional qualifying experience may substitute, year for year, for education.

Class Specification History

New class adopted December 12, 1997, effective July 1, 1998.
Revise class. Revises definition; adopted February 12, 1999.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 15122), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.