Deputy Director - Office of Appeals

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.

Division Overview

The Resolution Division works with taxpayers, practitioners, and the other Tax Administration Divisions to address issues that could not be resolved in the Tax Division or Operations Division. This includes making decisions on abatement claims, resolving disputes, and working with taxpayers on problem cases.

Job Duties

• The Deputy Director of the Office of Appeals is responsible for the evaluation, development, and resolution of administrative appeals of tax disputes involving a variety of complex and difficult issues. 

• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of Appeals Officers in the conduct of hearings, the negotiation of settlements, and the preparation of letters of determination, settlement recommendations, settlement agreements, and all related memoranda with respect to disputed tax matters and requests for settlement.

• Supervises Appeals Officers in the completion of Appeals cases on the GeniSys system, including complex financial transactions and case tracking entries. 

• Assists in managing the inventory of Appeals by conducting inventory reviews, periodic quality control reviews and employee performance reviews.

• Works with other divisions within the Department of Revenue to ensure the consistent development and implementation of tax policy by identifying problematic issues presented in tax appeals, developing administrative procedures, resolving GeniSys issues, reviewing public written statements, and participating in discussions concerning various tax issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Member of Massachusetts Bar.

• Knowledge of tax law, particularly corporate, partnership and personal income tax.

• Ability to interpret and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing taxation.

• Thorough knowledge of legal research methods and procedures including knowledge of electronic research tools.

• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts.

• Ability to write concisely and effectively to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence (i.e., Strong writing skills).

• Ability to correct and edit the written work of others.

• Ability to supervise in a professional team setting.

• Ability to work collaboratively and implement change.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and advise others.

• Ability to deal tactfully with others.

An external candidate recommended for a position with the Department of Revenue will be subject to a background check that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.