Description:
The Property Tax Specialist is a highly skilled professional responsible for managing and ensuring compliance with state and local property tax regulations, with a particular emphasis on the valuation of a multi-state portfolio of midstream assets including inter/intrastate pipelines, storage, and processing facilities. The role demands deep technical knowledge of state and local tax regulations, and proficiency in unitary valuation techniques, income approach, and cost-based valuation models. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary to effectively engage with key stakeholders, tax authorities, and outside advisors. Robust analytical skills and ability to multitask are required to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate for this role demonstrates expertise both within the company and the broader industry, leveraging relationships to achieve results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Timely preparation and completion of state and local property tax filings for multiple entities and states pertaining to oil and gas operating properties including but not limited to gas processing plants, gathering lines, pipelines, refineries, commercial properties and office buildings. This involves working with other departments within the company to gather the required information, compile supporting documentation, and use of tax software in the preparation of the tax filings.
- Determine appropriate property tax valuation standards, recommend and assist in implementing property tax policies and procedures that ensure the most beneficial treatment for the Company and its affiliates.
- Support monthly and quarterly accrual, asset, and tax account balance variance analysis and reconciliations.
- Develop and implement value-add tax planning strategies; research and identify proactive opportunities for tax savings utilizing abatements, exemptions, and regulatory and legislative analysis.
- Negotiate tax settlements at all stages of the valuation and/or appeal process.
- Provide property tax valuation expertise, advice and tax estimates for management pertaining to existing assets and operations, tax planning for proposed projects and investments and major transactions.
- Review and interpret existing and proposed property tax laws, regulations, policies and judicial interpretations to minimize the Company and its affiliate’s property tax liability and risk mitigation and advise key stakeholders accordingly. Collaborate with internal staff and industry tax organizations in analyzing and developing action plans to address adverse state and local property tax regulations.
- Initiate appeals and legal challenges on valuations and regulatory issues as directed by Tax management.
- Coordinate the Company and its affiliate’s property tax audits, defend personal property tax returns before taxing jurisdictions, provide expert witness testimony, secure third-party witnesses and legal counsel, and prepare and provide recommendations concerning audit and litigation settlements.
- Represent the Company and its affiliates before state tax commissions, departments of revenue and local boards of review, as well as at national, state or local tax conferences and industry meetings to protect the Company and its affiliate’s interest.