Tax Litigator

About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

At HMRC we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at HMRC accessible to you.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

About HMRC Legal Group:

Across HMRC Legal Group we provide legal services to the whole of HMRC. This includes:
- The conduct of independent reviews of decisions made by HMRC which are requested by customers under the legislative provisions.
- The conduct of tribunal and civil litigation on a full range of services.
- Work on new legislation.
- Drafting of statutory instruments and other legal documents.
- Legal advice to ExCom and staff.

We also provide technical accountancy and forensic services to HMRC, are head of the Compliance Accountants' and Insolvency Professions as well as handling Ministerial Correspondence and Freedom of Information requests for HMRC.

Roles are currently being recruited in Manchester, Glasgow, Portsmouth and Stratford.

For all other locations, successful candidates will be placed on a reserve list for future job opportunities.

Job description
Are you someone who enjoys challenge, exercising sound judgement and making a real impact? If so, have you thought about joining HMRC Legal Group as a Grade 7 Tax Litigator? It may surprise you, but you don't need to be legally qualified to join HMRC Legal Group. We need Tax Professionals too!

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast paced litigation team, to work alongside skilled professionals across Legal Group, Policy and Technical Teams to deliver a first class litigation service. In return, you will gain varied, rewarding work, strong professional development and the chance to build your profile in a respected, supportive and inclusive environment.

As a Grade 7 Tax Litigator in Legal you will be responsible for handling complex tax appeals and undertaking advocacy in the First-tier Tribunal.

We will support you with your professional development, through our Taxes Routeway learning to Grade 7 level and our comprehensive suite of litigation skills modules. This routeway learning and litigation modules, will give you a fantastic set of skills to undertake litigation for HMRC's Legal Group.

You will be expected to develop a high level of knowledge, skills and understanding and work as part of as fast-paced Litigation team but may also be asked to support colleagues in other parts of HMRC Legal Group and the wider HMRC.

Advocacy is an important part of being a litigator and successful candidates will be expected to advocate in the Tribunal.

Tax Litigators are also expected to lead on projects and wider pieces of work which support HMRC Legal Group and wider HMRC.

Specific duties include:
- Working a wide range of standard and complex / challenging tax appeals that require an in-depth analysis of the issues and the ability to be able to research and interpret the relevant legislation underpinning the decision.
- An ability to understand and interpret large amounts of information, drawing conclusions on litigation strategy and legal risk.
- Making detailed written submissions to the Tribunal outlining HMRC's case.
- Presenting hearings at the FTT (in person or via video) and/or supporting colleagues who are presenting at the FTT.
- Undertaking application hearings before the FTT.
- Working to and complying with Tribunal Directions.
- Ensuring the Decision Maker is kept up to date at all times, especially if they are to be called as a witness.
- Checking the Decision Maker's witness statements.
- Identifying and collating bundles of evidence for hearings and managing bundle preparation.
- Attending case conferences, face to face and by telephone.
- Liaison with and coordination of paralegal support.
- Robust organisation and management of litigation caseload including file management, management information systems and processes.
- You will be a strong leader with the ability to work independently and at pace to lead wider projects in a well-structured and organised manner, impacting across HMRC Legal Group and wider HMRC.

Please note this isn't a gateway role into the wider Government Legal Profession.

Person specification

Grade 7 Tax Litigators are well rounded professionals with experience in managing a portfolio of cases containing complex tax issues. They are effective managing and resolving disputes. They will be tax or legal professionals, who typically have the following skills:

• Experience of working on complex tax issues or legal issues - This role requires litigators to manage a portfolio of complex appeals. As such, the panel are looking for clear evidence of the candidate's experience of handling complex legal or tax matters.
• Communication skills; have excellent written and verbal communication skills. This role requires litigators to advocate complex litigation appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber). As such, the panel are looking for clear evidence that the candidate has the communication skills (written and oral) to undertake this role.
• Working Under Pressure; Litigators are often required to balance competing workloads and pressures, including Tribunal deadlines. The panel are looking for evidence of notable workload management and prioritisation of tasks.

Essential Criteria

For this post you must be a confident and skilled tax professional or litigator and hold the relevant tax or legal qualification (defined below).

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Office Closures

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

These sites are:

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
• Lynx House, Portsmouth - moving to an alternative office in Portsmouth
• Waterview Park, Washington - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle

Leeds Location

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC's Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Candidate Information Session

A candidate information session to cover both G7 and SO vacancies will be held Monday 9th November 12.30pm - Link to register -

Candidate Information Session - Tax Litigator - Fill in form

Qualifications
It is an essential requirement that candidates have the following - A legal qualification and already be qualified as a solicitor, barrister, chartered legal executive, or have completed LPC, SQE 1 and 2 or BPTC/BVC (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland) or A tax qualification (Direct or Indirect Tax), or already have passed one of the following HMRC tax qualifications in any regime e.g. Employer Compliance, Corporation Tax, Income Tax, VAT or Customs (ITC, ITS1, IDP, AIC or BDDP) or external equivalent (CTA/AIIT etc.). Successful candidates may also demonstrate that they have completed the Legal quality Assessment Framework (QAF) to at least level 3 or have successfully completed the Legal Practical Assessment Framework (PAF).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• At interview, candidates will be required to deliver a 10 minute oral presentation in respect of an Indirect Tax issue, further information will be provided the day prior to interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history, qualifications and previous experiences. Your CV should cover up to your last 5 roles, detailing your responsibilities and key achievements ( max 150 words per role).
• A 750-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria and person specification.
• Separate 250-word statements addressing the specified Behaviour

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your CV.

At full sift your behaviour statement, CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, your experience, behaviours and strengths will be assessed, in order to determine your suitability for the role, as well as explore what you enjoy, and what motivates you.

You will also deliver a 10 minute oral presentation in respect of an Indirect Tax issue, further information will be provided the day prior to interview.

This is an example of a strengths-based question

"It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Please note that circumstances may arise that require the planned interview format to change. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice of any change as possible.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, merit lists will be created for each location advertised within the vacancy. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for any locations you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers:

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Richard Jones
• Email : Richard.jones1@hmrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.