Legal Administrative Specialist (Estate & Gift Tax)-DIRECT HIRE - 12 MONTH REGISTER - AMENDED - Military Veterans

Duties

WHAT IS THE SMALL BUSINESS/SELF EMPLOYED (SB/SE) DIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

Vacancies will be filled in the following specialty areas:
SB/SE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER EXAM

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level.

• Conducts independent examinations of the most complex estate and gift returns with a considerable number of complex and unusual issues requiring extensive tax law research, investigation, and analysis.
• Determines the issues and audit techniques needed to resolve issues. Determines the nature of included assets, analyzes transactions, investigates underlying facts, evaluates the fair market value of real estate, business interests, and other type of financial and investment assets for assigned returns. The incumbent must conduct extensive legal research. The incumbent analyzes the taxpayer's legal documents to identify the transferred interest. The incumbent relies on knowledge of state laws (i.e. property, contracts, business, inheritance, and probate) to determine the application of federal estate and gift tax laws. The incumbent may need to recharacterize transactions based upon an analysis of legal instruments and fact patterns.
• Determines the value of transferred property using investigative and valuation techniques: including reviewing appraisals and valuation data, analyzing complicated legal documents, transactions, and case law, and applying Federal, state, and foreign laws.
• Coordinates with SBSE Counsel employees and IRS Office of Chief Counsel to develop audit techniques, legal arguments, and litigation strategy for significant cases with novel issues.
• Assists SBSE Counsel in trial preparation for estate and gift tax cases of significant importance. Contributes to Program objectives by identifying emerging issues and requesting SBSE Counsel collaboration. Collaborates with assigned SBSE Counsel to develop examination requirements and analysis to resolve the estate and gift tax impact of the emerging issue.

This position has career progression. If you are selected at a grade level lower than the full working level, you may be non-competitively promoted as your career progresses. For example, you may be hired as a GS-05, but if the position has career progression to GS-11, then you may move from a GS-05 to a GS-11 in as little as three years.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Telework Eligible Positions: Telework eligible positions do not guarantee telework. Employees must meet and sustain IRS telework eligibility requirements (e.g., reporting at least twice a pay period to your assigned Post of Duty (POD)) and supervisor's approval to participate in the IRS Telework Program. Employees must also be within a 200-mile radius of their official assigned post-of-duty (POD) while in a telework status. As a reminder - If you are selected for a position, you are responsible for reporting to your designated POD (location) on the negotiated start date or as directed by management.
• In the event that a building is closed due to rent management, new hires may be placed in a local commuting location.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. (Birth certificate showing birth in the U.S; Unexpired U.S. Passport; Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization; or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen (Form FS-240))
• Undergo a review of prior performance/conduct and an income tax verification. Refer to "Get Your Tax Record" at http://www.irs.gov/ ( https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript ) to check the status of your account, balance owed, payment history, make a payment, or review answers to tax questions. If you are not in compliance, you will be determined unsuitable for employment with IRS.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a FBI criminal history record check (fingerprint check).
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9 . Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. These documents must be unexpired original or certified copies.

*REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION

Qualifications

Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement:

BASIC REQUIREMENT :
All GRADES -- SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To be eligible for this position, at any grade level, applicants must demonstrate the following: Knowledge of Legal Industry, including legal practices, federal codes and regulations, and application of complex legal principles to facts. This knowledge may be met through experience and/or education. To meet this requirement, the applicant must demonstrate the following experience: Substantive knowledge of state and federal laws, judicial decisions and precedents, legal codes, court procedures, legal practices, legal instruments and documents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules specific to tax administration and compliance. Exceptional skill in researching, interpreting, examining, analyzing and applying relevant state and federal laws, regulations, related statutes, and sub-regulatory guidance, sufficient to produce written reports, relevant forms, instructions, explanatory publications, legal memoranda, proposed legislation, and other materials, sufficient to address taxpayer rights and responsibilities, propose tax legislation or regulation, and issue opinions and/or decisions specific to tax administration or compliance.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience GS-11: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience working in a legal environment whereby you provided technical advice on legal requirements, conducted legal research and analysis, drafted/authored written opinions, decisions, and/or proposals on matters involving federal tax laws, rules, regulations, and practices. Experience must be sufficient to demonstrate- Knowledge of Federal tax laws, various State and foreign laws, judicial decisions, and precedents; Organizing, analyzing, and managing voluminous case information; Skill in researching and evaluating complex legal questions involving state and federal laws; Ability to reach a determination and take appropriate action to impact compliance with federal laws.

OR
Three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education in Law from an Accredited College or University

OR
a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree education in Law from an Accredited College or UniversityORan LL.M from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association

OR
A combination of education and experience as described above.

Specialized Experience GS-12: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience working in a legal environment whereby you provided technical advice and guidance on Federal tax law requirements. Experience conducting legal research and analysis on complex Federal and State tax laws. Experience authoring legal opinions, decisions, determinations, or proposals on matters involving federal tax laws, rules, and/or regulations. Experience working with Federal, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer tax laws, including Internal Revenue Code, Tax Regulations, IRS Revenue rulings and procedures and precedent decisions. Experience analyzing and adjudicating tax matters, appeals, settlement offers, or similar work related to Federal tax operations.

Specialized Experience GS-13: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience interpreting and applying tax laws to Federal estate and gift tax returns and interpreting and applying tax laws, judicial decisions, and precedents to fields of law such as wills and trusts, probate, contracts, real and personal property, corporations, commercial law and insurance. Experience researching, evaluating, and responding to complex legal questions to determine tax liability pertaining to Federal estate and gift tax returns. Experience interpreting and explaining complex points of law and valuation matters to legal and factual situations and to persuade highly competent representatives concerning determinations made on tax issues and liability. Experience working with financial, professional or business accounting practices to analyze fiduciary, estate or gift assets (such as intangible factors, large corporation).

Specialized Experience GS-14: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience working all aspects of Federal estate and gift taxation laws and important judicial decision and procedures. experience writing clear and concise reports and work papers that include significant tax issues, findings and analyses of legal and factual situations encountered. Experience in researching and evaluating complex legal questions to determine tax liability pertaining to Federal estate and gift tax returns; and skill in interpreting and explaining complex points of law and valuation matters to legal and factual situations and to negotiate with highly competent representatives concerning determinations made on tax issues and liability. Experience working with financial, professional or business accounting practices to analyze complex fiduciary, estate or gift assets, such as proposing adjustments for sizeable tax deficiencies (e.g., intangible factors, large corporation) resulting from investigation of the deceased estate.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards .

Education

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page .

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Additional information

REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED FROM ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION*

• The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Treasury and its bureaus from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Treasury by email at, FairChanceAct@treasury.gov.
• The employment of any candidate selected for this position, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns

• Subject to a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Additional jobs may be filled.
• The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum locality pay up to maximum locality pay for all duty locations listed. The range will be adjusted for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages .
• This is a bargaining unit position.
• Tour of Duty: Day Shift, between 6:00am - 6:00pm
• Alternative work schedule, staggered work hours or telework may be available.
• In the event that a building is closed due to rent management, new hires may be placed in a local commuting location.
• Relocation expenses - None
• A recruitment incentive has been authorized for eligible, highly qualified applicants at the GS-11 and GS-12 grades. A service agreement will be provided to new employees prior to entrance on duty. This monetary incentive will be disbursed as outlined in the service agreement.
• File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
• If this position is designated as hard to fill and you were referred by an IRS employee, the employee may be eligible to receive a bonus for referring you under The Employee Referral Bonus Program (ERBP) , recruiting strategy.

Though many locations may be listed, you will be limited to a maximum of 6 location choices. Please consider each location carefully when applying. If you are selected for a position at one of your location selections, that location will become your official post of duty.

If the position(s) are no longer needed prior to the closing date, this announcement may be closed early.
This is an open continuous announcement which allows applicants to apply up to the closing date of the announcement, 01/16/2025, . This announcement will establish an inventory of applicants. Contingent upon funding and space requirements, one or more vacancies may be filled at the locations listed in this announcement as they come available. Cut-off date(s): 11/20/2024. Past cut-off date(s) 4/19/2024, 06/07/2024, 08/07/2024.

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• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits .
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
  
  

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position will be filled through the Direct Hire Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. Your application will be considered based on education, training, and quality of your experience. For more information on Direct-Hire Authority visit: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet .

Your application must include your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Referral: Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. Candidates may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring practices). We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) , you must receive a rating of category to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits .
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
  
  
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
  
• Resume - Your resume MUST contain dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or present). To ensure you receive full credit for relevant experience, include the hours worked per week. We recommend that your resume not exceed 5 pages. If including Federal service experience, you MUST provide the pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. If the pay plan, series, and grade are not provided, it may result in an ineligible determination.
  Your resume must NOT include photographs, classified or government sensitive information, social security number (SSN), encrypted/digitally signed documents, or other inappropriate material or content. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. ( Cover letters are optional.) Please view Resume Tips.
  It is also recommended that your resume not include personal information such as age, gender, religion, race, disability, etc.
• Online Application - Questionnaire
• Education - See Education Section above
• Registration/License (if applicable) - active, current registration/license
• Veterans' Preference (if applicable) - You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. If you are serving under active duty, provide certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of certification. The certification must indicate your dates of service, rank and that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
  10-point preference eligible - Submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15 , along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15. Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the percentage of the service-connected disability or disabilities (including the "combined" percentage if you have more than one disability). Refer to FedsHireVets for additional information on veterans' preference.
• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) (if applicable) - You MUST submit the required documentation as outlined at: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). If you are an IRS CTAP eligible, you can apply for jobs within and outside the commuting area. If you are a Treasury CTAP eligible can apply for jobs within the commuting area.
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) (if applicable) - If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click Interchange Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) - If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you MUST submit documentation of graduation from high school (or equivalent); OR completion of a formal vocational training program; OR statement from school authorities agreeing with your decision to pursue employment rather than continuing your education.
Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, your application will be determined incomplete, and you will not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.