Tax Hearings Officer

The mission of the State of Connecticut, Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is to instill public confidence in the integrity and fairness of tax collection; achieve the highest level of voluntary taxpayer compliance; continuously improve agency performance; contribute to the fiscal and economic well-being of the state; and provide a positive and professional workplace. We strive to be leaner, flatter, smarter and more focused on taxpayer services than ever before. We strive every day to be efficient, effective, honest, transparent and fair. We try to be sure the voice of taxpayers is heard and that we understand the impact of our actions on their lives and businesses.

The Department of Revenue Services is seeking to promote/reclassify two DRS employees to a Tax Hearings Officer in the Collections Enforcement Unit. DRS is seeking to hire a Tax Hearing Officer in the Collections and Account Receivable Management Division, Operations Bureau.  This position will primarily be responsible for conducting tobacco administrative hearings and doing suspension or revocation of tobacco licenses. 

These opportunities are available to permanent employees of the Department of Revenue Services who meet all of the minimum qualifications outlined.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the hiring agency’s Human Resources office: deborah.craig@po.state.ct.us, (860) 297-5700.

These positions are competitive.

Please be advised these are promotional/reclassification opportunities for employees in the recruiting agency.  The selected employees will be promoted or reclassified in his or her position.  This is NOT A VACANCY and, therefore, merit system and reemployment rules do not apply.

In order to be considered for these job openings, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Revenue Services, who has permanent state status*, and meets the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

In the Department of Revenue Services, Collection & Enforcement Division, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in conducting tax permit hearings and determinations as to the supervision, revocation, reinstatement or renewal of permits in accordance with Title 12 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Reviews history of taxpayers' records to determine nature and frequency of prior offenses; conducts hearings and conferences with taxpayers, accountants, and attorneys to show cause why permit or permits issued to taxpayers under Title 12 of the Connecticut General Statutes should not be revoked or suspended; arbitrates most difficult and complex collection cases; conducts hearings concerning the reinstatement of permits which were revoked, suspended, or expired; determines the necessity and amount of surety bonds; monitors compliance of taxpayers' granted payment agreements; requests that license issuing State agencies suspend the license granted to any taxpayer delinquent in payment of tax liability; keeps necessary records; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret the state tax Statutes pertaining to Sales Tax, Corporation Tax, Admissions, Dues and Cabaret Tax; considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the provisions of Title 52 and Title 12 of the Connecticut General Statutes; considerable knowledge of the methods and procedures of tax collection; knowledge of basic legal and accounting terminology; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of experience in collections, accounting or investigatory work in a regulatory enforcement agency, financial institution, credit bureau, industrial or government security agency.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have included experience at or above the working level of Revenue Agent 2.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in Accounting may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. A Law degree from an accredited school of law may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

• Knowledge of Title 52 and Title 12 of the Connecticut General Statute as it pertains to the tax hearing process.
• The ability to independently conduct one-on-one or group hearings.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience working with the public
• Experience working with and updating cases in a computer case management system
• Computer Skills: Word, Excel and Outlook.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.