HM Revenue & Customs runs the Tax Specialist Programme as a paid route into senior tax work. Trainees investigate live tax cases while studying tax law, completing assessments and developing customer-facing skills.
The programme lasts between 3 years 3 months and 4 years across two training stages. Participants work on a hybrid basis at one of 14 UK regional centres, with at least 60% of working time in the office.
Benefits & funding
- Starting salary is at least £37,682, or £42,631 in London.
- Successful completion guarantees promotion to Senior Tax Specialist at Grade 7, paying at least £58,541, or £65,869 in London.
- Training combines virtual and face-to-face learning, live casework, supported study and formal assessments.
- The role allows up to two remote-working days per week and includes five volunteering days each year.
Eligibility
- External applicants must expect a minimum 2:2 university degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification in any subject by September 2027; existing civil servants do not need a degree.
- No prior tax knowledge is required.
- Applicants must meet Civil Service nationality rules and already have the right to work in the UK because HMRC does not provide visa sponsorship.
- Eligible routes include UK nationals; Irish nationals; Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights; qualifying EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals; and certain qualifying family members, subject to the status conditions stated by HMRC.
- Full-time and part-time participation are available, with at least 28 hours per week before any agreed reasonable adjustment.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Complete the application form through Civil Service Jobs once the 2027 vacancy opens.
- 2Take the verbal and numerical reasoning tests.
- 3If invited, complete the Civil Service Judgement Test.
- 4If successful, complete the Civil Service Styles Assessment.
- 5Attend a half-day, face-to-face assessment centre; final offers follow merit-list order and preferred location.
Program timeline
9 October 2026
Applications open for the 2027 cohort.
Application deadline.
26 October 2026