Hearing Officer

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

4d•$67,314 - $85,020

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) seeks an attorney to resolve taxpayer appeals through formal and informal processes. The Hearing Officer serves as an impartial decision maker, evaluates the legal merits of taxpayers’ arguments and DOR’s actions, conducts legal research, and resolves appeals by issuing final determinations or negotiating settlements. Final determinations are published in the Indiana Register and represent DOR’s final position on a tax matter unless reversed by legislation or a court. The role also includes reviewing DOR documents, advising and training other DOR sections on Appeals procedures, and serving as an adviser or participant on committees addressing DOR issues. The Hearing Officer works with taxpayers, their representatives, and DOR colleagues to support compliance with Indiana tax law. This position is exempt from overtime compensation; employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours of work and/or paid leave per pay period to receive their base biweekly salary.

Requirements

Must be licensed and active in good standing to practice law in Indiana.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Ability to work as a self-directed team player, solve problems, seek the right answer, and think outside the box.
Knowledge of, experience with, or ability to learn legal concepts, laws, trial rules, and Indiana tax law.
Experience conducting all aspects of legal research, including knowledge of research resources and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of, experience with, or ability to learn federal, state, and local law procedures and precedents relevant to DOR’s function and purpose.
Ability and willingness to learn about DOR programs, purpose, services, and structure.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Ability to learn new software applications.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Schedule and conduct administrative hearings when requested, allowing taxpayers to explain the basis for their appeals.
Schedule administrative hearings within 30 days after an appeal is initially assigned.
Conduct legal and other research, including internal DOR research, to fully address taxpayer appeals.
Resolve taxpayer appeals in a timely manner by issuing thoroughly researched, clearly written final determinations or otherwise resolving the appeals.
Consult as necessary with Legal Division team members and other DOR employees.
Maintain harmonious and professional relationships with taxpayers, their representatives, and DOR colleagues.
Resolve issues arising after final determinations, including rehearing requests, supplementary determinations, settlement issues, and litigation-related issues when a determination is challenged in court.
Prepare and present settlement proposals, prepare and edit settlement documents for execution, and ensure DOR complies with executed settlement agreements.
Provide internal legal advice to other parts of DOR as requested.
Participate in training and education for other DOR sections.
Review DOR written documents and serve as an adviser or participant on committees addressing issues before DOR.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completed wellness activities.
Health savings account with biweekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Paid New Parent Leave and paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Paid community service leave.
Combined paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
Paid holidays.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.