On January 5, 2016, TEI submitted a letter to Senator Braun and Representative Jinkins of the Washington Legislature urging the legislature to enact legislation establishing an independent tribunal to hear appeals of tax assessments and other matters administered by the Washington Department of Revenue.
TEI stated it was essential for such a tribunal to be established separate from the executive branch and not simply by reforming Washington's Board of Tax Appeals. TEI's letter also outlined the critical elements that should be incorporated into legislation establishing an independent state tax tribunal in Washington.
TEI's letter was prepared under the aegis of TEI's State and Local Tax Committee, whose chair is Jamie Fenwick. Pilar Mata, TEI Tax Counsel, coordinated the preparation of TEI's letter.