Tax Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Are you interested in helping build something new that will make a lasting difference in lives of thousands. If so, this opportunity may be what you are looking for. The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is seeking to potentially hire an Investigator 3, Lead for its Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) Claims Research Team.

This position will serve as a lead on the team for the program assisting 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. The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as July 21, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

It is preferred that this position interacts with claimants, in Spanish, or another language, in writing and over the phone. Your ability to read, write, and speak in a language other than English will earn you an additional 5% assignment pay. Revenue is 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 student loan forgiveness. Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work. We invite you to review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties The position will: Conduct preliminary assessment of applications, attachments, and fraud indicators. Determine 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. 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. Approve or deny fraud evaluation cases after conducting a holistic review as per established policies and procedures.

Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and progressive experience that demonstrates readiness to successfully perform the duties and tasks of this position: Demonstrated progressive experience independently conducting complex, sensitive, or high risk fraud investigations involving multiple claimants, multiple issues, or cross-agency coordination, obtained through prior investigative or regulatory enforcement roles. Proven ability to interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, and program rules-including RCW, WAC, and IRS Publication 1075-gained through professional experience in compliance, investigations, auditing, or related fields. Demonstrated ability to analyze evidence, identify fraud patterns or systemic issues, and prepare clear, comprehensive investigative reports, developed through work requiring advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.

Progressive experience conducting interviews of applicants, victims, and witnesses involving sensitive subjects, using trauma informed and professional interviewing techniques acquired through investigative, legal, or social services settings. Demonstrated ability to use secure investigative systems, databases, and FTI protected information in compliance with federal security requirements, gained through prior work involving confidential or restricted data sources. Proven ability to serve as a subject matter resource by providing guidance, training, or technical assistance to peers or junior staff, supported by prior experience in lead work, mentoring, or onboarding responsibilities.

Demonstrated skill in coordinating with internal teams, partner agencies, law enforcement, employers, and community organizations to obtain information, resolve cases, or support program integrity, developed through roles requiring extensive interagency collaboration. Progressive experience managing a high volume workload in a fast paced office environment, prioritizing cases, and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision, gained through positions requiring independent decision making under general direction. Proven ability to maintain evidence integrity, produce high quality documentation, and testify credibly in administrative or court proceedings, supported by prior investigative, regulatory, or legal experience.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and customer focused service by effectively assisting diverse applicants and applying an equity lens in investigative decisions, gained through experience working with varied communities in public facing roles. The ability to take action to learn and grow: Curious about themselves and others, take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Uses an equity & inclusive approach: Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups by actively identifying and removing Preference may be granted to candidates who possess the following: Two years of experience as an Investigator 2 or equivalent classification.

Bachelor's 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.

Required for dual language designation: Demonstrated ability to read and write fluently in Spanish, or another language, gained through progressive experience, formal education, or practical application in professional, academic, or community settings. 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 qualifications 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 prior to 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 Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5725. Supplemental Information Human Resources may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months

This position has been designated as a user of Federal Tax Information (FTI) provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In order to use this information you will need to: A) Pass the required background check which requires: 1) FBI national background check (fingerprinting required) 2) Local law enforcement check (places where you have lived, worked, or attended school for the last 5 years) 3) Verification of your ability to work in this country B) Be willing to follow the safeguarding requirements of IRS Publication 1075 and Revenue Administrative Policy 6.5.1. The use of FTI provided by the IRS is tightly controlled and will only be disclosed to employees who have met the requirements above

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. These positions are 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.