Federal Tax Reporter

As a Federal Tax Reporter at Tax Notes, you'll be responsible for digging into new developments related to federal taxes, particularly tracking changes at the IRS and Congress. Your role will include generating story ideas, writing enterprise stories with in-depth research, and establishing relationships with reliable sources to provide insights into important tax issues. Additionally, you will need to cover conferences and hearings when necessary, all while maintaining a strong online presence to engage with readers.

To qualify for the Federal Tax Reporter position at Tax Notes, candidates should hold a BA in English, writing, journalism, or have equivalent experience. Additionally, having one to two years of relevant experience in reporting, especially in tax, business, legal, or budget topics, is essential. The ability to travel and attend in-person meetings in the Washington, D.C. area is also required. Passion for delivering factual, engaging stories on tax-related topics is a must.

To prepare for an interview for the Federal Tax Reporter position at Tax Notes, candidates should be familiar with current federal tax developments and have a strong grasp of the publications' past articles. Prepare to discuss your previous reporting experiences and how they align with Tax Notes' mission. It would help if you also practiced answering questions about how you conduct research, develop story ideas, and your approach to building a source network.

The workplace culture at Tax Notes is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive, particularly for Federal Tax Reporters. You'll be part of a mission-driven team that believes in improving public understanding of tax systems. With opportunities for professional growth and development, Tax Notes encourages a healthy work-life balance and offers flexible working options to ensure employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a Federal Tax Reporter at Tax Notes, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with health and flexible spending accounts. Additional benefits include an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, and even pet insurance! Moreover, you'll enjoy paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and tuition assistance, making it an attractive opportunity for journalists.

When answering this question, highlight any relevant journalism experience you have that pertains specifically to federal tax issues. Discuss articles you've written, topics you've covered, and any analysis or data you’ve gathered. Showcase your familiarity with IRS procedures or congressional actions related to tax policy.

In your response, mention a variety of sources you would consider reliable for tax reporting, such as IRS releases, congressional hearings, expert interviews, and academic studies. Describe how you evaluate the credibility of these sources and how you cultivate relationships with them.

Share specific strategies you use to manage tight deadlines effectively. Discuss how you prioritize tasks, stay organized, and communicate with your team. You can illustrate this with examples of past experiences where you successfully met a challenging deadline without compromising on quality.

Describe your creative process for identifying and developing story ideas. Elaborate on how you analyze trending issues, assess gaps in coverage, and engage with your sources for insights. Providing an example of a compelling story you've pitched can bolster your answer.

Express your comfort level with data analysis and discuss any prior experiences where you used data to support stories or conclusions. If you have training in relevant software or analytical techniques, be sure to mention it.

When answering this question, focus on Tax Notes' mission and how it aligns with your career goals. Speak to your admiration for their commitment to transparency in taxation and how your reporting style fits their editorial standards. Articular the impact you wish to have through your work there.

Provide a detailed narrative of an instance where you reported on a breaking news event. Highlight the initial steps you took to gather information, how you verified facts, and the challenges you faced while covering the news under pressure.

Discuss your belief in the importance of impartiality and explain techniques you use to remain objective. Touch on how you approach controversial subjects and how you verify multiple perspectives before drafting a story.

Share any experiences you have with incorporating multimedia elements into your reporting. Discuss tools and platforms you have used to produce content beyond traditional writing, such as videos, podcasts, or interactive graphics.

Talk about the strategies you would employ to interact with your audience through social media. Mention the importance of building relationships, promoting your stories, soliciting feedback, and responding promptly to inquiries or comments.