Tax Law Analyst

DHRM•Richmond, VA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Permanent authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

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
A J.D. and/or LL.M. in Taxation, or CPA
Strong writing skills
Critical thinking skills
A willingness and curiosity to learn and be a contributing member of a team

Responsibilities

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