Tax Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,866.00 - $6,542.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-152
Department: Dept. of Revenue
Division: Working Families Tax Credit
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Are you interested in helping build something new that will make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands? If so, this opportunity may be what you are looking for!
The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is seeking to hire an Investigator 2 for its Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) Claims Research Team. This position is part of a team that supports Washington State's low-to-moderate-income working families and individuals. The mission of the Claims Research Team is to protect the integrity of the Working Families Tax Credit Program by preventing and detecting financial losses due to fraud or malfeasance. The Unit uses crossmatch technology and processes, as well as skip-tracing, tips and leads from the public, referrals from local, state, and federal agencies, to conduct the most complex and difficult investigations of sensitive and controversial cases. The Unit is also responsible for identifying and researching patterns of practice, ongoing patterns of criminal activity, and vendor fraud.
Revenueis 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 about why Revenue is a great place to work.
Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.
Duties
This position will:

• Conduct preliminary assessment of applications, attachments, and fraud indicators.
• Determine the requirements needed to authenticate and/or validate applicants.
• Complete requests for applicants to provide additional documentation.
• Make corrections to applications found to contain erroneous information.
• Conduct additional fraud evaluation on applications found to contain erroneous information.
• Approve or deny fraud evaluation cases after conducting a holistic review as per established policies and procedures.
• Determines the need for additional complex fraud investigation.
• Assesses fraud tips.
• Investigate complex cases of identity theft, tax credit fraud, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, tips from the public, death records, failure to respond issues, missing employer, and out-of-country issues.
• Interview applicants, victims, and witnesses regarding identity theft, tax credit fraud, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, tips from the public, death records, failure to respond issues, missing employer, and out-of-country issues.
• Conduct complex investigations involving more than one claimant, victim, and/or issue, including those of possible or probable fraud.
• Verify investigative findings and information using available systems and data sets, including systems and data sets that are Federal Tax Information (FTI).
• Know, apply, and adhere to the IRS safeguarding standards for the use of FTI, including those found in IRS Publication 1075.
• Investigate claimants' reported earnings with employer wage information.
• Adjudicate Working Families Tax Credit eligibility issues in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, the Washington Administrative Code, and Federal Law.
• Determine if the fraud penalty should apply to invoices.
• Act as a resource for other WFTC staff regarding the validity of documentation provided by applicants, such as driver's license, tax returns, etc.
• Answers all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explains available services, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
• Gather and record evidential facts, analyze data, prepare investigative summary reports and letters, and present findings to partner agencies, law enforcement, and/or Assistant Attorney Generals for prosecution.
• Testify in administrative hearings. Appear in Superior and District Courts as a witness for the state criminal cases.
• Participate in field evidence collection with partner agencies.
• Participate in continuing education and special projects as needed.

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 progressive experience conducting complex fraud investigations-such as identity theft, dependent fraud, vendor fraud, and wage discrepancies-using investigative methods and multiple data sources to determine applicant eligibility and detect program misuse.
Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply RCW, WAC, IRS Publication 1075, and agency safeguarding requirements, gained through work involving legal, regulatory, or compliance-based decision-making.
Demonstrated skill in collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence - including maintaining accurate investigative summaries, case records, and ATLAS notes - developed through experience handling sensitive or confidential case information.
Progressive experience conducting structured interviews with applicants, victims, and witnesses, using effective communication and customer-service skills to obtain accurate information and explain complex eligibility requirements.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information from multiple systems, identify inconsistencies or fraud indicators, and make sound, timely decisions even when information is incomplete or conflicting.
Proven experience using investigative technology and secure databases-including FTI-protected systems and verification tools such as DOL, ESD, SSA, and TLO-while complying with confidentiality and credentialing requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload by organizing work, prioritizing tasks, adapting to changing circumstances, and meeting strict timelines in a fast-paced office environment.
Progressive experience preparing written findings, presenting case information to partner agencies, and providing credible testimony in administrative or court proceedings.
Proven ability to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and emotional resilience when handling sensitive cases or interacting with individuals in difficult or volatile situations.
Demonstrated ability to apply an equity-informed, culturally responsive approach when assisting diverse applicants, reducing barriers, and ensuring fair investigative determinations.
Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

Learn about our Core Equity Competenciesto understand the foundational skills, mindsets, and approaches we value and cultivate in our workforce
Preference may be granted to candidates with:

• Two years of experience as an Investigator 1.
• Associate degree or higher in business/public administration, accounting, finance, political science, or criminal justice.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or other fraud credential.
• IRS or tax preparation certification.

To be considered:

• Complete the online application in detail
• Attach a current resume.
• Attach a letter of interest explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the competencies listed.
• Include three or more professional references with current contact information

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please black out 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 (360) 704-5725.
Supplemental Information
This position has been designated as having access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To access this information, you will need to:

• Comply with the FTI background check requirements, consisting of:
  • FBI National background check (fingerprints required)
  • Local law enforcement check (places where you have lived, worked, or attended school for the last 5 years)
  • Verification of your ability to work in this country
• Be willing to follow the safeguarding requirements of IRS Publication 1075 and DOR Administrative Police 6.5.1.

Human Resources 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).
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 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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