Tax Specialist Programme/Job 2026 at HMRC – 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.
Job description
What you’ll do
- Manage your own portfolio of tax compliance casework whilst juggling competing demandsÂ
- Lead conversations with individuals, businesses and professional advisors to challenge assertions in person, by phone and video call. Â
- Tackle fraud, tax avoidance, and high-profile investigationsÂ
- Interpret and apply complex legislation and established case law Â
- Specialise in a specific tax regime after promotion (e.g. VAT, Corporation Tax)Â
- Develop leadership, negotiation, and influencing skillsÂ
Person specification
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking individuals who are passionate about public service with the following skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Â
- Effective time managementÂ
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Integrity, professionalism, and resilience
- Confidence to express views and take initiative
- Commitment to a 3–4 year structured training programmeÂ
Eligibility
To join the programme, you will need to have a minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent (level 6 qualification) at application stage, or the expectation of a 2:2 degree or equivalent (level 6) before September 2026. Civil Servants who do not meet the academic qualification can apply if you were recruited through fair and open competition and have passed your probation period before September 2026.
Any internal applicants subject to a Conduct & Discipline sanction are not eligible to apply for the programme or to join the programme should a sanction come into place in advance of take up of duty.
Civil Servants at risk of redundancy will be able to declare this when applying for roles by ticking a box as part of their online application. Candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a role will then progress to the next Civil Service Online Test.
Note: This role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. The Home Office has specific rules around eligibility for sponsorship. Although HMRC holds a sponsorship licence, this is only offered for certain roles, and this role is not eligible.
Ready to apply?
All appointments are made on merit through fair and open competition, in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If successful, you’ll be expected to uphold the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality.
Stage 1: Application & Online Tests
Application deadline: 23:55 on 22 October 2025
Test deadline: 11:30 on 24 October 2025
You’ll begin by completing a short eligibility form and two online tests (verbal and numerical). These are untimed and accessed via the Civil Service Jobs website. We recommend using a desktop or laptop in a quiet space and completing the tests within 24–48 hours.
Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. We understand mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we will not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, please contact us via: compliancegrouprecruitmentqueries@hmrc.gov.uk Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – 429244 Tax Specialist Programme & vacancy closing date 22/10/25’.
Online tests
After submission of your full application you will be invited to complete a number of tests. Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the deadline for the tests is 11:30 on 24th October 2025.
You must complete your application form before 23:55 on 22 October
What happens next?
If you meet the minimum standard in both tests, your application will be held for further review. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee progression. We will assess scores, consider the impact on protected groups, and manage progression based on available places.
We may raise the pass mark to manage application volumes. You will be notified if you’ve met the revised standard. Progression to Stage 2 is based on merit lists for each of our 14 regional centres, and scores may vary by location.
Note: You can only select one location preference, which will apply throughout the recruitment process.
Stage 2: Civil Service Judgement Test
If you progress to the Stage 2, you will be invited to complete the Civil Service Judgement Test. The test is expected to open on 31 October 2025 and you will have until 11:30 on 5 November 2025 to complete the test.
We may raise the pass mark to manage application volumes. You’ll be notified if you’ve met the revised standard. Progression to Stage 3 is based on merit lists for each of our 14 regional centres, and scores may vary by location.
Stage 3: Video Interview
This will be a pre-recorded video interview which is expected to open on 14 November 2025 and will close 23:59 on 21 November 2025.
We may raise the pass mark to manage application volumes. You’ll be notified if you’ve met the revised standard. Progression to Stage 4 is based on merit lists for each of our 14 regional centres, and scores may vary by location.
Stage 4: Assessment Centre
A half-day virtual assessment centre to be held between 9 February 2026 and 27 February 2026 and further information will be provided for successful candidates.
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 including using any form of AI will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application/s will be withdrawn from the process. Duplicate applications for the same vacancy will also be withdrawn.