Become an Economist for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel: Shaping Tax Law
The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is the backbone of U.S. tax law enforcement. As the largest tax law firm in the country, we are currently hiring expert Economists to join our Division Counsel for Strategic Litigation. If you are an expert in valuation, statistics, and transfer pricing, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to work on high-profile cases that set national legal precedents.
Job Responsibilities
As an Economist, you will not just crunch numbers—you will be an essential member of the litigation team. Your daily tasks will include:
- Providing consultative support to trial attorneys handling complex litigation.
- Applying I.R.C. § 482 and OECD transfer-pricing principles to real-world taxpayer data.
- Researching and developing economic methodologies to support the government's position in tax court.
- Evaluating expert witness reports and preparing those witnesses for trial.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher in Economics, including at least 21 semester hours in Economics and 3 semester hours in Statistics, Accounting, or Calculus.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Status: This is an internal-facing position for current employees or eligible federal transition candidates.
Qualifications Comparison
| Qualification Type | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's + 21 credits in Econ |
| Experience | GS-14 Equivalent (1 year) |
| Security Clearance | Moderate Risk (MR) |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 level. The salary range is competitive, currently set at $147,945 to $197,200 per year, depending on the specific locality of your post of duty.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of the Treasury enjoy access to a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Flexible work schedules and telework options.
- Comprehensive health and life insurance plans.
- Federal retirement contributions and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) participation.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Keep it to two pages and ensure it highlights your specific experience with valuation and statistics.
- Assessment Prep: You will be required to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Visit the support site for practice materials.
- Follow Deadlines: Ensure all documents are submitted by September 15, 2026.
This role is for the seasoned professional ready to make a significant impact on the American financial system. If you possess the technical rigor and analytical depth required to navigate complex tax litigation, we encourage you to apply by the closing date.
Why This Economist Job Matters
Apply your expert economic analysis to high-stakes litigation at the national level and help shape the future of U.S. tax administration.
Economist Job Overview
The IRS Office of Chief Counsel (Strategic Litigation Division) is seeking highly qualified Economists to provide critical technical support for complex Tax Court and Federal Court litigation. This role is ideal for experts capable of navigating intricate valuation, transfer-pricing, and statistical challenges that carry national, precedent-setting weight.
Requirements for Economist
- Must be a current Chief Counsel employee, current IRS employee, or eligible for Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Economics, including at least 21 semester hours in Economics and 3 semester hours in Statistics, Accounting, or Calculus.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) in federal service or private/public sector.
- Expert-level knowledge of economics, valuation, and transfer-pricing principles.
- Ability to collaborate with expert witnesses and prepare them for deposition and trial.
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Must undergo personnel vetting, including a background investigation and continuous vetting.
Preferred Qualifications for Economist
- Substantial experience analyzing intricate economic methodologies.
- Proven history of providing technical consultative support to trial attorneys.
- Deep understanding of I.R.C. § 482 and OECD Transfer-Pricing Guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to produce comprehensive written and oral work products under litigation pressure.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Flexible work schedules
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement and insurance programs
- ✓Professional growth in the nation's largest tax law firm
💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Submit a resume (maximum two pages) clearly outlining relevant experience by month/year and hours per week.
- Complete all required online questionnaires and USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
- Attach supporting documents, including SF-50s (for current federal employees) and academic transcripts.
- Submit the full application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the specialized experience listed in the job description.
- Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Complete the online assessments as early as possible to avoid technical issues near the closing deadline.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly reflects your current grade and tenure if you are a federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is telework-eligible, offering flexibility in how you manage your caseload.
What is the primary focus of the Strategic Litigation Division?
The division handles the most complex and significant tax litigation in the U.S. Tax Court, often dealing with cases that set national precedents.
Can I substitute education for experience?
*A: No, this position requires professional specialized experience.*
Is relocation authorized?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not provided for this vacancy.*
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The Office of Chief Counsel is responsible for providing the legal expertise required to support the Internal Revenue Service. We are tasked with ensuring that the nation's tax code is applied with fairness, integrity, and precision. Our Strategic Litigation Division handles the most difficult, complex, and significant cases, acting as a crucial advisor in the U.S. Tax Court and Federal Courts.