Excise Tax Examiner 3 - Estate Tax

Salary: $5,241.00 - $7,043.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-104
Department: Dept. of Revenue
Division: Audit
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description

The Department of Revenue's Audit Division is excited to announce an opportunity for an Excise Tax Examiner 3 positions in the Estate Tax unit .

The Estate Tax team is a small unit of tax professionals who are supportive of one another. We are passionate about continuous improvement, we value the open exchange of ideas and information, and we continually seek ways to enhance usability and improve customer service. All receipts collected through Washington's Estate Tax program are deposited in the Education Legacy Trust Account to support the state's common schools and expand student access to higher education.
The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as June 9, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.


Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for .


Visit these links to watch our to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.


We invite you to review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties


This senior level position is specifically responsible for performing and resolving complex financial examinations of Washington estate tax returns (including addendums and applicable supporting documentation), providing training, education and instruction to personal representatives, attorneys, and estate planning professionals, creating or updating program procedures, and performing initial collections activities. You may also be assigned other duties that support the unit.


Some of what you do includes:

• Review federal estate tax returns, income tax returns, financial statements, real estate appraisals, business appraisals, securities valuations, bank statements, life insurance statements, federal gift tax returns, certified appraisals for tangible personal property, actuarial calculations, expense statements, mortgage statements, federal income tax returns, foreign asset statements, and other state's estate tax returns to ensure accurate reporting.
• Interpret trusts, wills, articles of incorporation, court determinations, disclaimers, probate documentation, contracts, real estate deeds, and Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) agreements to understand how an estate should be administered and taxable.
• Conduct research to ensure all assets were properly reported on the return.
• Utilize knowledge about asset valuations to ensure assets are valued correctly on the estate tax return.
• Conduct research on complex issues requiring in-depth knowledge of Chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code, Washington estate tax laws, rules and policies, and court decisions.
• Monitor critical tax reporting systems to ensure account integrity and data accuracy.
• Prepare letters and correspondence to taxpayers or representatives.
• Develop and/or provide training and industry specific education to the Division and external customers to ensure correct and consistent reporting.
• Represent the division or section in agency or divisional committees, special projects, system enhancement initiatives or trainings.
• Perform collection activities.

Qualifications
The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education. To join our team, you must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:
Demonstrated ability to perform complex financial examinations and asset valuation analysis, gained through progressive experience reviewing financial statements, tax returns, appraisals, and other estate-related documentation.
Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply the Internal Revenue Code and Washington tax laws, supported by experience resolving complex taxability questions and analyzing court determinations or legal documents.
Progressive experience preparing clear, concise, and technically accurate written communications such as audit findings, adjustment explanations, formal responses, and taxpayer correspondence, using appropriate grammar, structure, and formatting.
Demonstrated skill in analyzing trusts, wills, probate documents, agreements, corporate structures, contracts, and similar records to determine correct reporting and tax implications.
Demonstrated ability to provide high-level technical consultation to internal and external stakeholders, including explaining complex tax issues in lay terms and participating in conferences with taxpayer representatives or attorneys.
Proven ability to independently make sound decisions using judgment and analytical reasoning, especially in situations that involve case-by-case determinations, incomplete data, or competing interpretations of law or policy.
Demonstrated ability to identify system, process, or internal control weaknesses and communicate findings to management, supported by experience using Lean or similar process-improvement principles.
Progressive experience organizing and managing multiple assignments simultaneously in an environment with changing work priorities, strict deadlines, and extended periods of computer-based work.
Proven ability to develop and deliver training or educational materials for internal staff or external stakeholders, based on experience providing industry-specific education or supporting program outreach efforts
Demonstrated experience maintaining professionalism and effective interpersonal communication when navigating sensitive, complex, or potentially adversarial situations with taxpayers, representatives, or other customers.
The ability to take action to learn and grow: This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.
Uses an equity & inclusive approach: Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

To be considered:

• Complete the online application in detail, as it will serve as your resume.
• Please attach a letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for this position.

NOTE - For current Department of Revenue employees and union members of the WPEA, current promotion rules will apply if selected.

Throughout our selection process, we will also be evaluating candidates for knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and capacity for effective leadership that aligns with the culture of DOR.

Note - Incomplete applications or applications received without the required documents may be disqualified.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.
Questions?

Hello, my name is Lance, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Department of Revenue employee, I understand the importance of finding a rewarding career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves in connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have.


Please contact any part of the Staffing team at or give me a call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Information
The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).


Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.


If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


How did you hear about the Department of Revenue as a possible employer?

• Family/Friends
• State Employee
• School Representative/Professor
• Career Counselor
• Job/Career Fair
• Social Media Contact
• Other

02


Please identify any "other" responses to Questions 1 & 2.
03


Although this opportunity may have telework options, you must reside in Washington State. Do you live in or plan to relocate to Washington State?

• Yes
• No

04


Will you now or in the future require the Department of Revenue to commence ("sponsor") an immigration case in order to employ you (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration case)? This is sometimes called "sponsorship" for an employment-based visa status.

• Yes
• No

Required Question