Tax Law Specialist - Direct Hire, 6 Month Register Job

Vacancy No. 25-12591895A-TED-0987-9T13 Department Internal Revenue Service
Salary $59,966.00 to $157,934.00 Grade 9 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/30/2024 Close Date 4/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Glendale, AZMesa, AZPhoenix, AZEl Monte, CA


Summary

Positions under this announcement are being filled using a Direct Hire Authority (DHA).

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OTHER IRS CAREERS? Visit us on the web at www.jobs.irs.gov

Duties

WHAT IS THE TAX EXEMPT AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES (TE/GE) DIVISION?

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

Vacancies will be filled in the following specialty areas: Tax Exempt and Government Entities, Exempt Organizations and Government Entities

  • Indian Tribal Governments Program (ITG)
  • Tax Exempt Bonds (TEB)

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level.

ITG-
Develops and administers ITG programs. Confers with internal and external stakeholders to explain compliance, legal and other significant issues involved, and the applicability of pertinent tax laws, regulations and related filing requirements. Explains corrective actions required or adjustments to promote future compliance.

Develops and administers internal and external educational programs including seminars and outreach programs to foster voluntary compliance with issues impacting Indian Tribal Governments.

Develops audit guidelines and provides other forms of written and oral technical assistance to field agents.

TEB-
Evaluates and resolves Voluntary Compliance cases. Confers with customers and representatives to explain financial, legal and other significant issues involved and the applicability of pertinent tax laws, regulations and related filing requirements.

Researches and analyzes data including examination results to identify industry trends, issues and problems. Identifies previously unknown potential areas of non-compliance requiring policy determinations, legal interpretations or law changes to promote voluntary compliance.

Develops audit guidelines and provides other forms of written and oral technical assistance to field agents.


This position has career progression. If you are selected at a grade level lower than the full working level, you may be non-competitively promoted as your career progresses. For example, you may be hired as a GS-05, but if the position has career progression to GS-11, then you may move from a GS-05 to a GS-11 in as little as three years.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
  • Undergo a review of prior performance/conduct and an income tax verification. Refer to "Get Your Tax Record" at http://www.irs.gov/(https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) to check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. If you are not in compliance, you will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS.
  • This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time. For more information regarding your rights refer to Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov).
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies.
  • The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Treasury and its bureaus from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Treasury by email at, FairChanceAct@treasury.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: Treasury.gov/fairchanceact.

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the time of referral:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GRADE 9: To be minimally qualified for the GS-9, you must meet the basic requirements. A master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major study in accounting or law, or LL.B. or J.D. degree. OR 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or law school leading to a graduate degree in a field of study such as accounting or law. One year of graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.

OR
At least 1 year of legal, tax accounting, or other experience equivalent to the GS-7 level that demonstrated knowledge of Federal tax laws, regulations, precedent decisions, or other areas related to the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Prepare, review, or apply rulings, advisory letters, memoranda, etc., related to Federal taxation. Analyze and adjudicate tax claims, appeals, settlement offers, or similar work related to Federal tax operations. Conduct legal research, analysis, and preparation of briefs or similar documents interpreting laws and regulations. Conduct work as an accountant, tax preparer, a financial manager, auditor, or investigator that requires application of Federal tax accounting principles and/or the Internal Revenue Code and related laws.

OR
At least 1 year of combined graduate education and experience. When combining education and experience use the following formula to calculate the total amount. Part time work experience should be prorated. Formula using Semester hours: # Sem Hrs completed divided by # of semester hours in a 2 year course of study as defined by your school + # of month's experience divided by 12 months. Example: 15 Semester hours of college (15/30- number of semester hours in a 2 year course of study) and 6 months experience (6/12) .50+.50 =1.00. If your answer is one or more, you have the required combination.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GRADE 11: To be minimally qualified for the GS-11, you must meet the basic requirements. An LL.M degree with specialization in taxation. OR At least 1 year of legal, tax accounting, or other experience equivalent to the GS-9 level that demonstrated knowledge of Federal tax laws, regulations, precedent decisions, or other areas related to the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Prepare, review, or apply rulings, advisory letters, memoranda, etc., related to Federal taxation. Analyze and adjudicate tax claims, appeals, settlement offers, or similar work related to Federal tax operations. Conduct legal research, analysis, and preparation of briefs or similar documents interpreting laws and regulations. Conduct work as an accountant, tax preparer, a financial manager, auditor, or investigator that requires application of Federal tax accounting principles and/or the Internal Revenue Code and related laws.

OR
At least 1 year of combined graduate education and experience. When combining education and experience use the following formula to calculate the total amount. Part time work experience should be prorated. Formula using Semester hours: # Semester Hours completed divided by # of semester hours in a 3 year course of study as defined by your school + # of month's experience divided by 12 months. Example: 15 Semester hours of college (15/45 number of semester hours in a 3 year course of study and 6 months experience (6/12). .25 +.50 =.75. If your answer is one or more, you have the required combination.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GRADE 12: To qualify for the grade 12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 which is the next lower grade level of the normal line of progression of this position in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance. Qualifying experience is experience that demonstrated accomplishment of legal, tax accounting, or other project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of Federal tax laws, regulations, precedent decisions, or other areas related to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of Federal tax laws, regulations, and precedent decisions. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Prepare legal memoranda, reviewing or drafting, rulings, determination or advisory letters related to Federal taxation. Analyze and adjudicate tax claims, appeals, settlement offers, or similar work related to Federal tax operations. Conduct legal research and analysis and preparing briefs or similar documents that interpret laws and regulations. As an accountant, a tax preparer, a financial manager, auditor, or investigator conduct work that requires application of Federal tax accounting principles and/or the Internal Revenue Code and related laws.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GRADE 13: To qualify for the grade 13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 which is the next lower grade level of the normal line of progression of this position in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance. Qualifying experience is experience that demonstrated accomplishment of legal, tax accounting, or other project assignments that required a wide range of knowledge of Federal tax laws, regulations, precedent decisions, or other areas related to the position to be filled. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of Federal tax laws, regulations, and precedent decisions. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Prepare legal memoranda, reviewing or draft rulings, determination or advisory letters related to Federal taxation. Analyze and adjudicate tax claims, appeals, settlement offers, or similar work related to Federal tax operations. Conduct legal research and analysis and prepare briefs or similar documents that interpret laws and regulations. As an accountant, a tax preparer, a financial manager, auditor, or investigator conduct work that requires application of Federal tax accounting principles and/or the Internal Revenue Code and related laws.



For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Additional information

  • A 1-year probationary period is required. Note: Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b)).
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
  • The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
  • This is a Bargaining unit position.
  • Tour of Duty: Start and stop times between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  • Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
  • In the event that a building is closed due to rent management, new hires may be placed in a local commuting location.
  • Telework Eligible Positions: Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD)) and supervisor's approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder - If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
  • Relocation expenses - NO
  • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • The use of a web cam or camera application for interview is highly recommended, but not required.

Please consider each location carefully when applying. If you are selected for a position at one of your location selections, that location will become your official post of duty.

List of Eligibles will be referred in the following way:
  • one list of all eligibles for ITG
  • one list of all eligibles for TEB
**Your name may be referred to both**

This is an open continuous announcement which allows applicants to apply up to the closing date of the announcement, 04/30/2025. This announcement will establish an inventory of applicants. Contingent upon funding and space requirements, one or more vacancies may be filled at the locations listed in this announcement as they come available.

For more information regarding Union Representation click
National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Your application must include your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Referral: Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices). We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced Federal employee (eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must be found "well qualified" for the position. Well qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, demonstrated by meeting all the competencies for this position.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

  1. Resume - Your resume MUST contain dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or present). To ensure you receive full credit for relevant experience, include the hours worked per week. We recommend that your resume not exceed 5 pages. If including Federal service experience, you MUST provide the pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. If the pay plan, series, and grade are not provided, it may result in an ineligible determination.
    Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or links to social media such as LinkedIn, or other inappropriate material or content. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. (Cover letters are optional.) Please view Resume Tips. It is also recommended that your resume not include personal information such as age, gender, religion, race, disability, etc.
  2. Online Application - Questionnaire
  3. Education - See Education Section above
  4. Registration/License (If Applicable) - active, current registration/license
  5. Veterans' Preference (if applicable) - You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. If you are serving under active duty, provide certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of certification. The certification must indicate your dates of service, rank and that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
    10-point preference eligible - Submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the form if you are a 10-point preference eligible. For more information on claiming veterans' preference view here.
  6. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) (If Applicable) - IRS CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within and outside the commuting area. Treasury CTAP eligibles can apply for jobs within the commuting area. Find required documentation at: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP).
  7. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) (If Applicable) - If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
  8. High School Diploma (or equivalent) - If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you MUST submit documentation of graduation from high school (or equivalent); OR completion of a formal vocational training program; OR statement from school authorities agreeing with your decision to pursue employment rather than continuing your education.
Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

How to Apply

This Direct Hire Public Notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection. Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Applicants will be referred on a first in, first out basis. Those applicants who are applying earlier in the process will stand a much better chance of being referred for consideration in the selection process.

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 04/30/2025 in this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on 04/30/2025. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12591895

  • To begin the application process, click the "Apply Online" button.
  • You will be re-directed to USA STAFFING to complete your application process; answer the online questions and submit all required documents. (To submit supporting documents, import documents from USAJOBS to the appropriate document types. If the document you need was not imported from USAJOBS, you may upload it directly into this application. To protect your privacy, we suggest you first remove your SSN).
  • To complete, you must click the "Submit Application" button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/30/2025.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (Welcome | Login.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: Welcome | Login.gov . All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Are you unsure how to write your federal resume? We are here to help. The Treasury Recruitment Service regularly offers Writing Your Federal Resume training sessions, and other career-related information sessions, to assist you in your career search journey. To register for a session, click here to go to our Career Information Sessions webpage.

Agency contact information

IRS Austin External
Address
TEGE - Exempt Organizations and Government Entities
1111 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20224
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Treasury believes in a working environment that supports inclusion; to review reasonable accommodation policies and procedures please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/reasonable-accommodations/. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

Once your application package and online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email. You are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My Account" tab and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your application status, you may click on "more information." Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. If your email mailbox is full or blocked (SPAM) you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Additional Locations


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2024, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements