Title: Tax Law Analyst
State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec II
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Taxation
Location: Main Street Center
Agency Website: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/work-with-us
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Tax Adjudication and Resolution Division (TAR) at Virginia Tax is seeking a Tax Law Analyst and possibly a Senior Tax Law Analyst to join the Income and Local Tax Appeals team. TAR provides the agency’s independent dispute resolution function, acting as a neutral arbiter on appealed matters. TAR fairly and rigorously investigates each appeal and renders a determination, in addition to drafting advisory opinions and rulings that delineate the Commissioner’s position on state and certain local tax matters. As a Tax Law Analyst, you will work collaboratively within a team to ensure each case reaches the correct and equitable outcome.
If you enjoy tax law, research, writing, and solving complex or unique fact patterns, this role may be perfect for you.
The primary responsibility of the Tax Law Analyst is to review and investigate appeals filed by taxpayers involving individual and corporate income tax, as well as several business taxes administered by Virginia localities. This role requires analyzing both sides of each case, engaging with appellants and internal staff, and conducting thorough research into laws, regulations, public documents, and policy. After completing a comprehensive review, the Tax Law Analyst prepares a written determination for the Tax Commissioner’s consideration.
Additional responsibilities include drafting rulings related to Virginia taxes, preparing advisory opinions for local business taxes, and evaluating offers in compromise based on doubtful legal or factual issues.
The Tax Law Analyst also serves as a resource on highly technical and complex tax matters for both internal and external stakeholders. This includes providing guidance to compliance staff, attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals, and coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General on court appeals involving disputed tax assessments.
Responsibilities include:
• Developing expertise in numerous taxes administered by Virginia Tax and local jurisdictions, including corporate and individual income tax, pass-through entity taxation, and the business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax
• Researching tax laws, regulations, administrative determinations, and case law to determine the applicable legal framework for each case
• Drafting clear, well-reasoned determination letters that apply existing law and policy to each taxpayer’s unique facts and circumstances
• Adjudicating complex tax issues and communicating results effectively for a variety of audiences
• Collaborating with supervisors and team members to resolve complicated issues and promote consistency in tax application and policy
• Communicating with taxpayers and authorized representatives to ensure that issues are fully understood and responses are technically accurate
• Identifying and communicating issues that may have broader implications for Virginia’s tax policy framework
• Managing workload effectively, including tracking cases and prioritizing assignments
We are seeking to hire for two positions and based on the knowledge and experience candidates may be considered for either the Tax Law Analyst or Senior Tax Law Analyst role.
The anticipated salary for Tax Law Analysts is commensurate with knowledge and experience up to $95,000.
The anticipated salary for Senior Tax Law Analysts is commensurate with knowledge and experience up to $105,000.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule with 2 days remote and 3 days in office per week after training is completed and authorized by supervisor.
This position is located in our Downtown office in Richmond, Virginia.
Virginia Tax is unable to provide sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Applicants must have permanent authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
As a member of our team, you can expect additional benefits such as:
• Job stability and quality of life! Enjoy your work/life balance with flexible schedule options and up to two days of telework per week.
• 12 Paid State holidays on top of vacation, sick, volunteer, and personal leave!
• Comprehensive and affordable health benefits.
• Got student loans? You may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System, VA 457 Deferred Comp, and more.
At Virginia Tax…
We are dedicated, resourceful individuals who strive to exceed taxpayers’ expectations. Not only do we serve the public, we are the public. We are a part of a community that cares about and celebrates each other, who promote opportunities for growth within a stable environment, and support a healthy work-life balance.
What we do matters. So do you.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues in order to reach legally supportable conclusions
Skill in communicating complex technical issues in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing
Demonstrated ability to draft appeal determinations, rulings, or other highly technical documents in a clear and concise manner – applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample to be evaluated
Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex issues relating to state and local taxation
Additional Considerations
Working knowledge of the administrative appeals process for state taxes
Experience analyzing and interpreting tax law and issues in a legal or administrative appeals environment
Advanced level knowledge of federal, state, and local taxation principles and practices
Advanced level knowledge and experience in the areas of law, taxes, public policy, business administration, accounting, which would include
An ideal candidate would possess a J.D. and/or LL.M. in Taxation, or CPA
Strong writing skills is highly preferred
Critical thinking skills and a willingness and curiosity to learn and be a contributing member of a team
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.
All Virginia Department of Taxation employees must be current with filing their Virginia state tax returns ensuring they were filed in compliance with established laws, rules and regulations.
Virginia Tax participates in E-verify. Selected candidate(s) will be required to consent to and successfully pass a background investigation which includes fingerprint-based criminal history, tax compliance, and DMV driving record (if applicable) checks. The selected candidate will be prohibited from performing tax or accounting services for compensation during or outside business hours.
Virginia Tax is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, genetics, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed, please contact Human Resources at (804) 786-3610.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
Contact Information
Name: Virginia Tax Talent Acquisition Team
Phone: 804-786-3608
Email: hroffice@tax.virginia.gov