Start with us, grow with us
Join our Tax Specialist Programme and develop expertise that matters.
Applications are now currently closed.
Join us to shape the nation’s future while building your own.
Gain financial security, expert training from a world leading tax authority, and the pride of funding vital public services.
Now is the best time to join HMRC’s Tax Specialist Programme (TSP). Imagine stepping into a role where your analytical skills and intellect are challenged daily, where the decisions you make directly fund the schools, hospitals, and the essential services that millions depend on, where you’re provided with stability and clear career progression. That’s what you can expect when joining our Tax Specialist Programme.
This is more than just a graduate programme, it’s a place where you’re valued, consistently challenged, and part of something genuinely meaningful.
Here, your growth isn’t just a possibility, but a guarantee, mapped out from day one!
What you need to know
Applications
Applications are now closed for the 2026 cohort.
Entry requirements
- Expected to receive a 2:2 university degree or equivalent by September 2026. Existing civil servants do not need a degree to apply.
- No prior tax knowledge required.
- Have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship)
Find out if you are eligible to work here by reading the Civil Service nationality rules.
Locations
14 regional centres across the UK.
Salary
Starting salary minimum of £37,682 (£42,631 in London). Upon successful completion, you’re guaranteed a promotion to a minimum of £58,541 (£65,869 in London).
Your tax specialist journey begins here
HMRC’s Tax Specialist Programme (TSP) offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills and become an expert in tax. It is a 3-4 year training scheme, where you will be working on tax cases while also studying for exams.
Whether you’re a university graduate or an existing civil servant, this programme is designed to challenge and reward you, giving you the tools to handle complex tax issues and influence some of the most important financial decisions in the UK.
A graduate journey into leadership
Through immersive training led by world-class tax experts, you’ll develop specialist skills that directly fund vital public services while building a rewarding career.
You’ll be responsible for your own portfolio of casework from an early stage, dealing directly with customers who want to get their tax affairs right but need help, as well as those deliberately getting it wrong. This casework will include challenging conversations with customers in person, by phone and video call.
You’ll also learn to lead teams and interact with senior business figures through a blend of virtual and face-to-face interaction.
Beyond professional development, you’ll have the opportunity to attend regular social events, join volunteering opportunities, and take advantage of flexible hybrid working that allows you to craft your week strategically.
Our programme is challenging, requiring hard work and dedication. It’s the combination of exceptional training and meaningful social impact that make us a standout graduate programme choice.
Are you the ideal candidate?
We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who are independent thinkers, strong problem solvers, committed to a 3-4 year training programme, team players, and adaptable to changing business needs. Integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to our core values are a must.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!
“I came in knowing absolutely nothing about tax. The programme is designed to support your learning from day one, which has helped me build a solid foundation in a completely new field.”
Mahnoor, 1st year TSP trainee
“The programme is challenging but in a way that keeps me engaged and motivated. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of help and support available.”
Elijah, 1st year TSP trainee
A place where people matter, and futures grow
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Tax Specialist Programme]
- [Kyra, Tax Specialist Trainee, HMRC] Hi, I’m Kyra.
- [Baljinder, Business Learning Manager, HMRC] Hi, I’m Baljinder.
- [Zain, Tax Specialist Graduate, HMRC] Hi, I’m Zain.
- [Connie, Tax Specialist Trainee, HMRC] Hi, I’m Connie and I'm in the first year of the Tax Specialist Programme.
- [Kyra] I'm currently in my second year of the Tax Specialist Programme.
- [Zain] I recently completed the Tax Specialist Programme and now work as a VAT Specialist.
- [Kyra] I specialise in international tax and my week is about customer interactions and dedicated study days where I have tutorials and coursework to do. I joined straight out of university after getting a literature degree, so I'm living proof you definitely don't need to know anything about tax before you join.
- [Connie] I really enjoy that the work we do on the programme aligns perfectly with the learning and I can apply what I've learned to real life situations.
- [Zain] The learning aspect of the Tax Specialist Programme was challenging due to the extensive technical knowledge required. However, I've overcome this by building relationships with colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise.
- [Baljinder] The course covers different types of tax and how to deal with customers, with tutorials and manuals guiding your learning.
- [Kyra] Initially, stepping into the world of tax in HMRC was daunting, but the warm welcome I received made all the difference.
- [Connie] But the role isn't without its challenges. Speaking to customers can be difficult, especially when I have to challenge them about potential problems with their tax records. However, there are always managers and technical consultants available to support me if I need it.
- [Kyra] The community here is fantastic, and there's always someone to turn to for advice or expertise with your work.
- [Connie] The thing that makes me most proud is knowing that I've helped customers pay the right tax at the right time.
- [Kyra] I've been able to play an active role in the Women's Health Steering Group, where we focus on educating and raising awareness about women's health issues and their impact in the workplace.
- [Zain] VAT contributes over £100 billion annually to public services that benefit everyone, so I'm really proud to play a part.
- [Connie] I've learnt how complex tax can be, so it feels great to use my new expertise to benefit the public.
- [Kyra] After you finish the programme, there's lots of different career pathways you can follow. You could either develop your existing knowledge or apply to work in a different tax area.
- [Baljinder] If you think you have what it takes to join the Tax Specialist Programme, apply today on Civil Service jobs.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Why choose HMRC?
HMRC is one of the UK’s largest organisations, with around 66,000 employees, collecting over £875 billion in tax revenue.
At HMRC we are committed to helping our customers get their tax right. By making it easy for people to get tax right, and robustly tackling those who cheat the system, we run a fair and effective tax system, collecting the money for the UK’s public services, and giving financial support to people.
Making an impact
Tax funds everything the government does, from hospitals and schools to police and defence. We’re responsible for collecting taxes and duties from over 50 million people and five million businesses. We also administer various essential programmes, such as Child Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare, Statutory Pay, and Tax Credits. Our work includes protecting citizens through initiatives like enforcing the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage.
Transforming together
HMRC is going through an exciting time as we undertake a major transformation to modernise our organisation and deliver even better services to our customers. We’re embracing cutting-edge technology to make our jobs more efficient and connect us all. Our incredible journey is only possible with the support of our amazing team – that’s you!
A world of opportunities
At HMRC, we offer not just a job, but a rewarding career filled with challenges and opportunities. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels respected and valued. Our priority is to ensure that every colleague at HMRC has a voice, feels safe, and can thrive.
Recognised excellence
HMRC ranks 37th in the UK’s top 300 graduate employers, and 83rd in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.
Your career path as a tax specialist at HMRC
As part of HMRC’s Tax Specialist Programme, you’ll join our team of highly skilled tax professionals and tackle the most challenging aspects of compliance work. You will be working with customers to ensure HMRC is receiving the right tax at the right time. This will include raising assessments, reaching settlements, issuing repayments, and charging interest and penalties on any unpaid tax. You’ll play a vital role in collecting the money that powers public services.
Welcome to HMRC and begin your immersive induction into the Tax Specialist Programme.
You’ll meet your cohort of fellow trainees and be introduced to your manager and trainers who will guide you throughout your journey.
You’ll also start understanding your role within HMRC in helping customers pay the right tax at the right time whilst being required to work a hybrid working week with at least 60% of your time in the office.
The first 18 months provides you with foundation learning to the Compliance Caseworker role. Developing, building, and practising the core requirements for this role through immersive training led by HMRC’s in-house experts.
You’ll experience a blend of dynamic virtual sessions and face-to-face interaction, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on casework. This is the first part of the 2-stage training programme where you will complete formal and work-based learning assessments.
Ultimately, you’ll be provided with the knowledge, skills, and support to build your capabilities and enable you to meet the required standard.
After the 18-month foundation learning, you’ll be assigned to a business area and spend the remainder of your training working on a specific tax regime (Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, etc.) further developing your technical skills and knowledge. You’ll learn to resolve tax disputes, interact with senior business figures, and tackle complex tax issues through real casework experience.
You’ll continue completing all elements of this second stage, including formal and work-based learning assessments, as you work towards becoming an effective Tax Professional.
The Tax Specialist Programme can take between 3 years 3 months and 4 years to complete.
On successful completion of the Tax Specialist Programme, you’ll receive automatic promotion to Grade 7 Tax Specialist role, which is a senior leadership position within HMRC with a minimum salary of £58,541 (£65,869 in London). This role offers pathways for continued advancement across HMRC.
The application process
Each stage of our application process builds towards identifying candidates who will thrive in our comprehensive training programme and develop into skilled tax professionals. We’re committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate their potential regardless of their background and tax knowledge.
First, you’ll be asked to enter some basic information about yourself and complete our application form through Civil Service Jobs.
You’ll then be invited to take two tests: verbal and numerical.
If successful, you’ll be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test which will assess your capability and strengths.
All these tests focus on the cognitive capabilities essential for tax specialist work, helping us understand how you process information and approach problem-solving.
Successful candidates from the online testing stage will be invited to a recorded video interview, where you’ll be asked strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to this role.
If successful at interview you’ll be invited to attend our half-day virtual assessment centre, which provides the most comprehensive evaluation of your potential as a Tax Specialist.
Successful candidates will be placed on a merit list and offered positions in order of merit and preferred location.
Meet current TSP trainees and recent graduates
Meet Shannon
From being drawn to the programme with its promise of variety and development, Shannon shares how her first year on the TSP has worked out.
Meet Connie
From growing her confidence to successfully juggling casework and training, Connie shares how strong team support helps her thrive in this fast-paced programme.
Meet Kyra
From studying literature to joining the TSP, Kyra shares how she’s grown into the role, the variety of work she’s embraced and the support that has defined her experience.
Meet Zain
From looking after the VAT of the world’s largest banks to mentoring junior staff, Zain shares how the TSP fast-tracked his career into a leadership role.
Hear from current and former trainees as they reflect on their time in the programme
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Meet Mads and Mahnoor. Tax Specialist Programme (Graduate Scheme) First year reflections]
- [Text on screen: What made you join the Tax Specialist Programme?]
- [Mads, Tax Specialist Trainee, HMRC] So Mahnoor, what made you apply to the Tax Specialist Programme?
- [Mahnoor, Tax Specialist Trainee, HMRC] What made me apply for the Tax Specialist Programme is that I love learning, and I like challenging myself. I came from a science background, so I did my masters and my undergraduate in science. So when I saw the programme, it was quite interesting for me because I was like, oh, this is something completely outside of my remit. I want to learn more about it. And because I like to challenge myself, I thought, why not have, you know, a go at this and see where it will kind of take me. And here I am. What about you?
- [Mads] The motivation behind it was slightly different because I had a tax background. I did work in a payroll and accountancy practice. And I finished a finance and accounting degree. I realised that I don't want to be an accountant. But I do like tax. And I do like educating people and helping people with their tax affairs. So the best opportunity for me at that point, moving on from the private sector, was the Tax Specialist Programme.
- [Text on screen: How did you find joining the programme with no tax experience?]
- [Mads] So obviously I had some tax experience prior to coming onto the programme. So it would be interesting to find out how you felt when you when you started it?
- [Mahnoor] So when I started, I did not know anything about tax. But one thing I just have to appreciate is the programme learning runs alongside the casework that you're doing. So, for example, the topics that you're learning in tax, you're also doing tax cases on those same topics. So there's never a point in time where you're just learning passively or just learning and forgetting because you're applying it. It just sticks and everything makes so much more sense. So even though I don't have any tax background, I feel like it hasn't disadvantaged me up until now.
- [Text on screen: What was it like dealing with customers so early in the programme?]
- [Mahnoor] So what was it like dealing with customers so early in the programme?
- [Mads] For me, with the tax experience, it didn't feel too daunting at first. Because I had provided tax advice and I had contacts, interactions with customers in the private sector about tax issues. And I had contacts with HMRC on behalf of customers about tax issues. So it kind of felt natural when I, when I came to the, sort of side of HMRC, if you like. And it gave me a view of the other side of putting myself in the shoes of the taxpayer. But how was it for you?
- [Mahnoor] So, it is quite daunting sometimes, I agree, but it's actually quite fulfilling as well as a role because, you know, we are here to help people. And, I think it is quite interesting that customers can sometimes feel anxious speaking to us. And, you know, over here it might be the same thing before picking up the phone or a visit, you might be a little bit anxious too, but it's okay because you have such a good support network. Your line managers, your colleagues, everybody is there to help you and kind of make it a smooth conversation between you and the customer.
- [Mads] Yeah
- [Text on screen: How do you balance the demands of the programme with your personal life?]
- [Mads] So, I was really interested in the work life balance before starting on the TSP. And I'm sure a lot of people would be interested in the same. How do you balance the demands of the programme with your personal life?
- [Mahnoor] Okay. So I prioritise. Now in the course you will have case work. You will have learning, and then you will have exams as well. So in order to fit everything together, you really need to organise yourself and be like, what is more pertinent? You know, what is more important for me to get done today and what can wait till tomorrow, the day after? We also get flexi time, in the Civil Service. What that means is if I have a dentist appointment, I will take out two hours, go to my dentist appointment. Given that I don't have any tutorials or any meetings during that time. And then I can make up that two hours either later on that same day or over the series of the next, like, few days. So I can do 30 minutes each day and make up those two hours. And yeah, I think flexi time is the number one biggest thing that we get in the Civil Service, which really helps us like balance our work life.
- [Mads] For me, the demands of the programme mostly are no different to any role that you would have probably in the private sector. We do come to challenging times before exams, sometimes, because you want to revise as much as possible and you want to make sure that you go in confident and you can pass that check and challenge. That's where I make use of my calendar. I make use of my to-do lists as well, and I try to be as strict as possible with my tasks so I can do the revision. But all in all, I think it's very doable. And I'm very happy to be on the programme because it allows me with the flexi that you mentioned, it allows me to spend time with my daughter. She's five and I don't think I could have done that if I worked in one of the Big Fours, for example.
- [Text on screen: What’s one thing you wish you’d known before you applied?]
- [Mads] So Mahnoor what's one thing you wish you knew before starting the TSP?
- [Mahnoor] Oh, I don't have one. I have two. So number one is once I've done the assessment centre and I've gotten the date to start and I'm in the building, the competition was over. And, you know, all my colleagues that I'm with right now, they're going to go with me till the end. Given that we've all passed our quality assurance framework, our exams, you know, we've done everything. At the end we all get the Grade 7 promotion. And it's really nice feeling to know that because, you know, once the competition is out, you kind of really make good friends with all your colleagues. And the second thing is casework. So a lot of the times I was hearing casework and casework and you don't know what it is. So for casework, we're dealing with taxpayers. This is self-employed people all the way to directors of companies. And you're looking at how they run their business or how they do their trade. And with that information, you're essentially determining if they're paying the right tax at the right time.
- [Mads] Yeah, yeah, it's interesting that you mentioned casework as well, because although I had the background in casework, you realise when you start the programme, when you start your formal learning, the depth and breadth of taxes that we deal with in HMRC. Apart from that, I think the support network is amazing. Having completed my degree over ten years ago, coming into formal learning again, it was a bit daunting. I thought you would, you'd come in and sort of be left to your own devices. And if you get to the exam and you don't pass it, that's it. You're off the course. But it's not like that. It's not like that at all. Everyone is there to make sure that you're successful. Everyone is there to answer the questions that you have, and everyone, wherever possible, will give you their time and their availability for you to succeed. You can find out more about the Tax Specialist Programme by following the link below to the Civil Service Careers site.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Meet Tom and Michael. Tax Specialist Programme (Graduate Scheme) Former trainee reflections]
- [Tom, Tax Specialist Graduate, HMRC] Hi, I'm Tom. I'm a former TSP on the Tax Specialist Programme in HMRC. I currently work in HMRC Legal Group as a Litigator.
- [Michael, Tax Specialist Graduate, HMRC] Hi I'm Michael. I also recently completed the Tax Specialist Programme. I started in 2021 straight out university and I'm now working in Corporation Tax in Large Business in Manchester.
- [Text on screen: How do you think the programme sets people up for leadership and specialist roles?]
- [Michael] So how do you think the programme sets people up for leadership or specialist roles?
- [Tom] So I think the programme really helps in terms of giving you an in-depth knowledge into the tax system itself. So in my role, I specialise as a Litigator working for HMRC Legal Group. So I have to go to tribunals, present cases in front of tribunal judges in a court setting. So I have to have a good comprehension of the tax system and a good comprehension of, just wider tax knowledge as well. So I know when I joined the TSP, I didn't have a good comprehension of tax at all. Practically none. So, you know, by being on the programme, it's given me the capability to learn that whether that be through on-the-job training, you know, being with stakeholders, working tax cases, seeing how the legislation is implemented in a practical setting, or you know, on a kind of learning side of it as well. So, you know, learning about the respective tax systems, whether that be income tax, corporation tax or some of the obscure ones that we work with as well. So that real on the job training, and development, you know, I think is what really kind of helps me in my role in, in a specialist way.
- [Michael] Yeah. I’d agree as you’ve sort of touched on there's like two sides to the course really. You've got the formal learning side, which I think gives you a really good sort of base level of understanding across all sort of areas of tax. And I think that provides a really good foundation for you to then build on if you want to specialise in certain areas. So for me, I work in Large Business Corporation Tax. So I've obviously specialised in corporation tax and built on that sort of foundation quite a lot. And then the other aspect is the work experience side of it where you get to practically apply what you learn in the course, and you sort of slowly build that up as you sort of move through. And I think there's plenty of opportunity on that side of it to get that leadership experience. You might start with supporting in meetings and on pieces of work but then ultimately, you know, by the end of the course you’re leading on important pieces of work. You leading on meetings, internal and external. You might take responsibility for certain areas of tax. So there's plenty of leadership experience that you can gain from the course. And I think that sets you up really well, technically and in terms of experience for the future.
- [Text on screen: What opportunities opened up for you after finishing the programme?]
- [Tom] So what opportunities opened up for you after finishing the programme?
- [Michael] So when I finished the course, I moved to Large Business Corporation Tax in Manchester. And that's given me lots of opportunities to work with some of the biggest, companies in the UK and also in the world, with the goal, obviously, of making sure that they pay the right amount of tax at the right time and that we close that tax gap. So I think that's a really interesting and exciting opportunity. And we also get to work on sort of complex tax issues as well around very niche, sort of interesting pieces of legislation. I've also had opportunities to specialise in certain areas. So for example, I'm one of the regional leads for what we call upstream, which is the idea that we prevent errors from occurring instead of sort of fixing them after the fact. I guess more generally, you know, it's worth noting that the programme is quite highly valued internally. We've got lots of senior managers who've been through the TSP and know how valuable it is. So I think there's lots of opportunity for progression in the future as well.
- [Tom] Yeah. Yeah I agree. So one of the biggest things that I do in Legal Group, as a Litigator, is mentoring colleagues. Whether that be helping colleagues, you know, with their wider work or any litigation queries, using that expert knowledge that I've acquired on the TSP. Wider than that you know, I also act as a co-lead for inheritance tax in Legal Group. So acting as like a point of contact for inheritance tax matters. But wider than that. You know, being a senior leader, as a Grade 7 in HMRC, I also get the opportunity to attend events at the Royal Courts of Justice, see moot hearings, to be involved in the wider litigation process as well. So seeing how we're implementing new legislation, see how that works in a legal setting and working with colleagues across HMRC to implement, legislative changes that are happening, being implemented by a government. And, you know, having that brought into place by HMRC.
- [Text on screen: What aspects of your role do you find most rewarding?]
- [Michael] So what aspects of your role do you find the most rewarding?
- [Tom] I find most rewarding, the impact I have on the work that I do. So being able to take a piece of work, liaise with colleagues, work with stakeholders and see the end result of that. So, being able to have an active role and impact, on the tax system and helping to improve public services as well.
- [Michael] Yeah, I agree on that point. I think obviously working in Compliance, the main goal of our role really is to reduce that tax gap and make sure that people are paying the right amount of tax at the right time, and then knowing that that contributes towards funding public services, things like education and health care. I think that's a really rewarding part of the job.
- [Text on screen: What’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting the programme?]
- [Michael] What's one thing you wish you'd known before starting the Tax Specialist Programme?
- [Tom] Yes. So I knew when I was about to join the programme that it was going to be quite intensive. We are, you know, future leaders of HMRC,. The Grade 7 role is a very senior and intensive role. So, you know, with that in mind, there was some nervousness from myself when I was about to join the programme. You know, we were both external candidates, so not having an awareness of HMRC as an organisation, its ways of working, as well as having to kind of get round the tax system, that I've never really come across before, was all quite daunting. But I was quite pleasantly surprised to realise all of the support networks that we do have in place, you know, whether that be senior stakeholders that I think really take an active interest in your development, want to see you succeed. Your managers who get to know you day in, day out, know your strengths and weaknesses and really push you and help you when needed. It could be tutors as well. But also just your colleagues as well, you know, having a really good support network amongst your colleagues. So, you know, that was something that really kind of helped me. And I think without those support networks, you know, it may have been a different story. I, you know, really valued them. And I think it's played a humongous part in getting to where I am today as a Grade 7.
- [Michael] Yeah, I’d agree, and I think especially, it's good to know that you're not going to be alone. You know, when you join the TSP you’re part of a very large national cohort all going through the same programme. But you've also got people within your region that are going through the same things that you're going through. You know, I started in Manchester. I started the programme with nine other people, there was ten of us, and we ended up becoming quite a close-knit group. There was a good mix of backgrounds and experiences. Everyone had different strengths and weaknesses. So, we ended up really helping each other get through the course and sort of get to grips with the systems and the learning. So, yeah, I think the other thing that’d be good to know is the sort of variety of roles that are available when you do finish the course. You know, as we've mentioned, I work in Large Business in Corporation Tax, you work in Legal. There's other roles like, Technical Specialist, Policy Specialists, there's leadership roles and management roles. You know, whatever your strengths are, wherever your passions lie, then there's a role for you at the end of the course. So I think that's really good to know. It's not just sort of one, set path for everybody.
- [Text on screen: What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of applying?]
- [Michael] If you could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking of applying for the programme, what would it be? Yeah, I'd say the key thing to know, really, for anyone wanting to apply is that you don't need to have any tax technical knowledge coming into it. You're given all that on the course. You learn all that as you go through. It's more important to sort of be willing to learn. And be willing to collaborate with other people, with your colleagues. And, you know, there are tough parts in the course. It can get quite tricky at times, but as long as you're sort of, you know, willing to work and happy to learn, then yeah, you'll get through it.
- [Tom] You can find out more about the Tax Specialist Programme by following the link below to the Civil Service Careers site.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Trainee testimonials
“I’d not studied for some time, so I was a bit concerned about the assessments. The weekly tutorials really help to embed the learning, and study time is built into the course. I’ve found the assessments to be challenging but completely manageable.”
Joe, 3rd year TSP trainee
“There’s some great support for our wellbeing here, and I volunteer as part of the Nottingham wellbeing group for tax trainees.”
Bhavik, 2nd year TSP trainee
“The structure of the TSP means you’re given the time to allow your knowledge and skills to mature, with the support of genuinely kind and helpful colleagues the entire way through.”
Kyra, 3rd year TSP trainee
“I expected the TSP to be all about technical tax work, but I’ve been surprised at just how much it’s about people: building rapport with colleagues, engaging with tax payers, and balancing firmness with empathy. The human side of compliance is just as important as the legislation.”
Dewan, 1st year TSP trainee
“I was pleasantly surprised to see the support network available to me from my manager and team colleagues to wider teams within the directorate. They all make time for you and have supported me with learning, casework and any other queries. The work and learning opportunities are really good too, because it teaches us to be problem-solvers, analytical thinkers, great communicators and to become well-rounded leaders.”
Mads, 1st year TSP trainee
Frequently Asked Questions
Programme structure and training
What qualifications do I need to apply for the Tax Specialist Programme?
External candidates need a minimum 2:2 degree in any subject. We welcome applications from all degree disciplines, you don’t need a background in accounting, economics, or finance. For existing civil servants, no degree is required.
Is the programme professionally recognised?
Yes, the Tax Specialist Programme is industry-recognised with HMRC as a world-leading tax authority. While the programme doesn’t provide external accreditation, it delivers comprehensive tax expertise that is highly regarded throughout the industry. The skills and knowledge you gain are directly applicable to solving complex tax challenges and are valued both within HMRC and across the wider tax profession.
What training will I receive during the programme?
You’ll experience an immersive learning journey led by HMRC’s in-house experts through a blend of dynamic virtual sessions and face-to-face interaction. The training combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing you to develop specialist skills through hands-on casework. You’ll work with expert trainers who will guide you as you progress, with structured learning designed to build your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and professional skills.
Career progression and benefits
What is the starting salary for the programme?
The TSP offers an above-market starting salary of a minimum of £37,682 (£42,631 in London). This competitive compensation reflects the value we place on our tax specialists from day one.
What is the career progression path after completing the TSP?
Upon successful completion of the programme, you’re guaranteed promotion to Grade 7 – a senior position within HMRC with a salary of £58,541 (£65,869 in London). From there, many TSP graduates progress to leadership positions across HMRC and the wider Civil Service. The structured nature of the programme ensures clear pathways for advancement.
What work-life balance and other benefits can I expect during the programme?
HMRC is fundamentally an office-based organisation and while the role is not suitable for homeworking there is scope to work flexibly with the opportunity to work remotely 2 days a week as part of the opportunity to foster a sustainable work life balance.
We also offer 5 days of volunteering opportunities annually, family-friendly policies, and a supportive environment that recognises the importance of life outside work. Our comprehensive benefits package supports genuine work-life balance while still providing the structure and social connection that helps trainees thrive.
Can I join and work part-time hours?
The programme can be completed on part time hours, and the minimum number of hours prior to any agreed reasonable adjustments is 28 hours per week. If you would like more information on this or have other general enquiries, please contact tsprecruitmentteam@hmrc.gov.uk.
Application process
What does the application process involve?
The application process consists of several stages. See details of the stages higher up on this page. Each stage is designed to identify candidates with the potential to succeed in the programme, regardless of their background or previous tax knowledge.
Do you offer visa sponsorship?
No, you are only eligible to apply for the Tax Specialist Programme if you satisfy both the nationality and right to work/Immigration requirements.
Nationality requirements (Civil Service nationality rules)
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Further information on nationality requirements
You must have the right to work in the UK and meet the Immigration and Visa requirements on the GOV.UK Visas and Immigration page.
When do applications open for the 2026 Tax Specialist Programme?
Applications for the 2026 Tax Specialist Programme are now closed. We recommend following @HMRCcareers on social media or signing up for job alerts on Civil Service Jobs to receive notifications when applications open for next years cohort.
I am an existing civil servant – do I need a degree to apply?
No, existing civil servants do not need a degree to apply. Your hands-on experience is as valuable as a degree. In our 2025 campaign, over 40% of successful internal candidates did not have degrees. The TSP offers a structured path to Grade 7 that recognises and builds on your existing expertise, regardless of your educational background.
Do I need prior tax knowledge to apply?
No prior tax knowledge is required. We’re looking for candidates with strong analytical thinking, good communication skills, and the potential to develop into tax specialists. The programme is designed to provide you with all the technical knowledge you need, building from the fundamentals to advanced tax concepts. What matters most is your willingness to learn and your ability to apply new information to solve problems.
Do you offer adjustments for candidates with a disability, long-term condition, or illness/injury?
Yes, we do. We are a Disability Confident employer and we’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible to everyone.
We offer reasonable adjustments to support candidates who may face barriers due to a disability, long-term health condition, illness or injury. These are changes to the recruitment or working environment that help remove or reduce disadvantages, so all candidates have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their potential and thrive in their role.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments that support individual needs, in line with the Equality Act. Each request is thoughtfully considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness and accessibility for everyone.
Examples:
- Some individuals with dyslexia may benefit from additional time to read or write, to support the processing of information more comfortably and confidently.
- People with visual impairments may find larger text or alternative formats more accessible.
- Individuals with physical disabilities might need longer or more frequent breaks to stretch or move.
We’ll have a conversation with you if you reach the assessment centre stage, regarding reasonable adjustments, and we’ll work with you to ensure you are supported appropriately.
If you’re successful at assessment centre and are offered a position, you can request necessary workplace adjustments both before beginning the programme and throughout your career.
Start a career that grows with you at HMRC
Join the Tax Specialist Programme and thrive in a work culture that celebrates your whole self.
Applications are now currently closed.
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