Job Description
Agency Overview:
The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused, and transparent.
Office of Appeals:
The Office of Appeals is responsible for resolving disputed tax matters in an informal and expeditious manner. The Office is seeking a Counsel l to perform the following duties:
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- Provide advice on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations, judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations. This includes laws, rules, and policies governing agency operations; providing legal advice to resolve problems, weigh legal options and determine appropriate actions; and reviewing documents to ensure that all Office of Appeals activities comply with applicable laws.
- Reviews pre and post assessment cases, amended or suspended tax returns by analyzing financial reports, records, and other documents of individuals, partnerships, and businesses (sole proprietorships, corporations, etc.) to determine validity of claimed adjustments per established rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Completes cases referred for hearing; analyzes all relevant factual information pertaining to cases including all material in the files and Department computer systems, research legal materials cited during the audit/assessment process to ensure legal foundation.
- Notifies taxpayer of the appeal hearing, explain the hearing process, inform them of their rights and schedule the hearing.
- Conducts appeal hearings to provide the taxpayers an opportunity to present evidence for consideration and to hear the Department's position on the tax issue under appeal.
- Completes detailed letters of determination, settlement recommendations and memoranda consulting with senior staff on setting forth the Office's recommendations, including correct findings of fact, reasoning, and conclusions of law.
- Mediates or negotiates with opposing parties, when appropriate, to reach resolution which is in the interest of parties.
- Develops settlement recommendations based on audit investigations, evidence presented at hearings, and the evaluation of the hazards of litigation.
- Prepares settlement agreements that are complete, accurate and in compliance with law; approves settlements within delegated authority and negotiates as authorized.
- May provide guidance to less experienced Counsels and appeals officers.
- Updates case tracking system by entering accurate and timely case information.
- Provides technical assistance to agency staff regarding tax liability of individuals, partnerships, and businesses and corporations.
- Performs any other assigned duty that management determines is necessary to insure efficient tax administration.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.