Tax Counsel, Dept Of Revenue

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Chelsea, MA

About The Position

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. 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. Division Overview: The Division of Local Services assists cities and towns achieve sound and efficient fiscal management through technical assistance, training and oversight. We are responsible for ensuring the fairness and equity of local property taxation, the accuracy and quality of local accounting and treasury management, interpreting state laws that affect local finances and governance, distributing local aid and maintaining a comprehensive databank on local finances. The Bureau of Municipal Finance Law provides legal and policy advice to agency personnel and others about the municipal tax and finance laws the Division oversees. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): · The attorney who fills this position serves as a legal resource for personnel within the Department and other state agencies on the legal and policy issues that arise in the course of the local tax and finance oversight responsibilities of the Division. · The attorney drafts advisory notices, opinions, guidelines and other publications that interpret municipal tax and finance laws and explain agency positions, policies and practices to local officials; drafts and reviews legislation; conducts training programs and presentations for local officials; responds to formal and informal inquiries from state and local officials about municipal tax and finance law; and performs other dues as assigned. · The position requires minimal travel throughout Massachusetts. · The preferred candidate will have experience or background in municipal finance or state or local government. · The preferred candidate will also be familiar with the requirements of legal practice in the public sector, have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. · Conduct legal research in the area of municipal tax and finance law, and prepare related reports and memoranda. · Advise Department personnel, local officials, and taxpayers on the interpretation of statutes, court decisions, and Appellate Tax Board decisions relating to municipal tax and finance law. · Draft advisory notices and guidelines for local officials. · Review applications for abatement under G.L. c.58, § 8 and submit written recommendations thereon. · Review applications to foreclose tax titles by administrative land of low value procedure under G.L. c. 60, § 79 and submit written recommendations thereon. Instruct and train local officials at Division-sponsored training sessions. · Participate in and address local, state, and national organizations relating to municipal tax law. · Draft legislative proposals, and review, analyze and approve legislative proposals drafted by others. · Advise Division managers on legal questions relating to contracts and procurements, labor relations, and administrative procedures. · Act as lead attorney in litigation matters by representing the agency in court. · Provide legal expertise and guidance to municipal legal teams on strategy, discovery and proceedings · Weigh the hazards of litigation and make decisions for the best interests of the agency/municipality. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar Association
At least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part time, professional experience in the practice of law in a specialized area that is relevant to the assigned agency.
Based on assignment and supervisory responsibilities, three years in a supervisory capacity may be required.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Nice To Haves

The preferred candidate will have experience or background in municipal finance or state or local government.
The preferred candidate will also be familiar with the requirements of legal practice in the public sector, have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research in the area of municipal tax and finance law, and prepare related reports and memoranda.
Advise Department personnel, local officials, and taxpayers on the interpretation of statutes, court decisions, and Appellate Tax Board decisions relating to municipal tax and finance law.
Draft advisory notices and guidelines for local officials.
Review applications for abatement under G.L. c.58, § 8 and submit written recommendations thereon.
Review applications to foreclose tax titles by administrative land of low value procedure under G.L. c. 60, § 79 and submit written recommendations thereon.
Instruct and train local officials at Division-sponsored training sessions.
Participate in and address local, state, and national organizations relating to municipal tax law.
Draft legislative proposals, and review, analyze and approve legislative proposals drafted by others.
Advise Division managers on legal questions relating to contracts and procurements, labor relations, and administrative procedures.
Act as lead attorney in litigation matters by representing the agency in court.
Provide legal expertise and guidance to municipal legal teams on strategy, discovery and proceedings
Weigh the hazards of litigation and make decisions for the best interests of the agency/municipality.

Benefits

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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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