Exemption Processing Specialist

Our services impact EVERY Montanan!

MISSION STATEMENT

To be the nation's most citizen oriented, efficiently administered, state tax agency.

The Montana Department of Revenue administers almost 40 state taxes, property appraisals, liquor laws, and unclaimed property for the state of Montana. The Property Assessment Division manages Montana's property tax laws, including the valuation of all taxable property for property tax purposes.

What We Can Offer You

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability. The State currently contributes $12,648/year toward these benefits.

• Free health care for employees and eligible family member at Montana Health Centers.

• Employee Assistance Benefits including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, financial information, which are free resources.

• Retirement plans- The State currently contributes 9.17%, vested after 5 years of continuous employment.

• Paid vacation- starting at 15 days a year.

• Sick leave- 12 days a year.

• 11 holidays, including a floating holiday, which can be used any time.

• Flexible hours.

• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Visit the Health Care and Benefits Division for more information at https://benefits.mt.gov/. In addition to employee benefits, there are a wide range of advancement opportunities throughout the Department of Revenue.

DUTIES

Job Overview:

This position resides in the Property Assessment Division of Department of Revenue. The Exemption Processing Specialist (EPS) assists in the processing and oversight of the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), the Montana Disabled Veterans (MVD) Program, the Homestead Rate Reduction Program (HRRP), and other exemption programs or processes the Property Assessment Division may be responsible for administering. The EPS is responsible for reviewing, processing, and maintaining exemption applications submitted by property owners, businesses, or other eligible parties, while ensuring timely and accurate application processing in accordance with state laws, regulations, and department and division policies. The position requires strong attention to detail, citizen service skills, and the ability to interpret Montana statutes.

• This is a part-time permanent position and is open to ANY PAD field office, excluding offices located in Shelby, Havre, Lewistown, Malta, Plentywood, Sidney, Baker, Miles City, Forsyth, Roundup, Billings, Red Lodge, Columbus, Livingston, Polson, Jordan, Thompson Falls *

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Review and verify incoming exemption applications for completeness and eligibility.
• Communicate with applicants to obtain missing documentation or clarification.
• Research exemption issues.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and guidelines related to various exemption types.
• Enter and maintain accurate records in relevant databases or systems, ensuring that exemption recordkeeping complies with applicable regulations and professional standards.
• Prepare correspondence, notices of determination, and official documentation regarding exemption status.
• Collaborate with field office staff, legal staff, central office staff, and leadership on complex or questionable applications.
• Communicate exemption status determinations with applicants, field offices, and county officials.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, email, or in person regarding exemption processing and criteria.
• Conduct audits or reviews of previously granted exemptions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of exemption statuses, policy, stature, and rule changes, and department procedures.

Knowledge of:

• Records processing
• Administrative rules, policies, and procedures
• Property tax systems
• Exemption laws

Skills in:

• Research and analysis
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Organization and time management
• Self-motivation and working independently
• Citizen service
• Conflict Resolution
• Microsoft programs and other database applications
• Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

To be considered for any DOR position, applicants must complete and submit their application online and upload any required documents. Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s). DOR is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• This is an incomplete list of job duties. For a complete job description please contact Human Resources. (dorhr@mt.gov or 406-444-9858)

(All computer systems and tax guidelines will be trained on the job.)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please submit the following application material:

• Resume
• Complete state application

Submissions incomplete or missing relevant materials will not be reviewed or considered.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Special Requirements

Eligibility for employment will be subject to the following:

• Criminal Background Check. Circumstances involving convictions will be reviewed
• Tax status must be current. Circumstances involving tax status issues will be reviewed

Working Conditions

• Work hours may exceed 40 hours from time to time, including weekends.
• Primarily office-based with extended periods of computer work.
• Occasional interactions with the public.
• Lifting is infrequent, less than 15 pounds.
• Some travel may be required; you must have a valid driver's license.

REMOTE/TELEWORK: This position may be eligible to work from an approved worksite, however the successful candidate must be a primary resident of Montana as a condition of employment. This position would be required to report to a Department of Revenue office assigned by the supervisor. Employees must meet and sustain Department of Revenue telework eligibility requirements and supervisor's approval to participate in the DOR Telework Program. Fulltime telework is not available.

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Successful applicants are required to successfully pass DOR tax and background check(s).

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

The above competencies are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• High school diploma or GED, associated degree preferred
• Two years of education or experience in administrative or clerical services, preferably in a government setting.
• Two years of job-related experience.
• Preferred experience in property appraisal and assessment.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.