What is the speakers bureau?
How do I reserve a speaker?
What topics are covered?
What is the speakers bureau?
The purpose of the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Speakers Bureau is to provide clear and accurate information to taxpayers. The speakers are knowledgeable on a variety of tax issues. The Bureau is one of the many ways that the Department is reaching out to help you.
This free public service is available to civic, educational, business, professional, and social organizations in Washington.
Speakers from the Department are eager to meet with your organization to talk about tax laws that affect your membership. They are available to speak on issues of local, regional, and statewide concern.
How do I reserve a speaker?
Complete the online Speech Request form. A representative from our office will contact you regarding specific arrangements. Due to budge constraints we ask that you have an anticipated audience of 20 or more attendees. We appreciate receiving the Speech Request Form six to eight weeks prior to the date of your meeting.
What topics are covered?
Listed below are some of the topics that speakers are prepared to speak about. If your group is interested in a special topic not included on the list, we will make every effort to provide you with a speaker on that subject. Please write your topic of interest on the Speech Request form.
The legislative role
- How a bill becomes a law
- Revenue for vital public services
- Lobbying for change in the tax laws
Resolving tax liability disputes
- The audit/assessment process
- The appeal process
- Taxpayer Rights Advocate process
Taxes for specific industries
- Associations
- Attorneys
- CPAs
Tax policy
- New legislation
- Washington compared to other states
- Our tax system: How did we get here?
- Where your tax dollars come from and where they go
- The Department’s rule-making process
Property taxes
- What’s taxed, what's not
- The valuation process
- Levy setting and limits
- Local tax options
- Senior citizen property tax exemptions and deferrals
- Incentives for preserving “open spaces”
General topics
- How to acquire unclaimed property
- The unclaimed property reporting process
- Tax deferrals and credits for businesses
- Services the Department provides