Tax Appeals Specialist

The Iowa Department of Revenue’s Enforcement Actions and Appeals Bureau within the Legal Services Division is currently seeking two Technical Tax Specialist 1s for its individual income, business income, and sales tax functions, which will also support enforcement actions functions. The Enforcement Actions and Appeals Bureau administers appeals for all tax filings, alcohol licensing appeals, and alcohol enforcement actions. The Legal Services Division interprets tax laws for the Department, manages appeals, ensures the Department follows the law, and helps draft and change revenue related laws.

It also reviews requests for public records and subpoenas.

This position is eligible as a hybrid or remote schedule.

In this position you will be responsible for:

• Analyzing complex tax issues presented in tax appeals with an objective view and an open mind towards the resolution of disputes
• Reviewing appeals to determine whether tax billings, refund denials, or other determinations are consistent with law, procedures, and policies
• Researching tax transaction history, applicable laws and regulations, and working with taxpayers, tax practitioners, Department staff, and the Attorney General’s Office to resolve appeals
• Drafting memoranda, information requests, and position letters
• Communicating determinations to taxpayers effectively
• Making settlement recommendations to supervisor and negotiating case resolution
• Assisting the Attorney General’s Office with contested case proceedings, including serving as a Department witness

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following:

• Knowledge and experience in the administration in one or more of the following:
  • Federal and Iowa individual income tax laws and regulations
  • Federal and Iowa business income tax laws and regulations
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• Experience working with the public
• Experience communicating technical information
• Experience drafting written determinations citing regulations, laws, or administrative rules
• Experience identifying errors in data
• Experience determining when to elevate problems
• Demonstrated decision making skills
• Experience with IDR software applications
• 2 or more years of tax auditing or advanced examination experience
• Experience researching tax transaction history and applicable laws

• Critical Thinking – Applying logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction
• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making

The Tax Appeals Specialist 1 (Technical Tax Specialist
1) classification is part of the Technical Tax Specialist series. Employees that meet or exceed expectations as a Technical Tax Specialist 1 become a Technical Tax Specialist
2. Currently, Technical Tax Specialist 2s with eighteen months of current, continuous experience meet the minimum qualification requirements to apply for a Technical Tax Specialist 3 vacancy.

The Iowa Department of Revenue is a well-respected employer. We are focused on providing excellent customer service, while offering a wonderful team atmosphere, work-life balance, free parking, and casual attire. We offer a flexible working environment and opportunities to work from home with the ability to work from anywhere in the State of Iowa as long as it is your primary residence.

We…