The board may obtain assistance concerning the appeal of any case within the scope of RCW 82.03.130 (1)(b) (appeals from a county board of equalization) from the staff of the department of revenue as provided by RCW 82.03.150. The board will notify the parties of its intent to seek such assistance and the matters sought to be investigated before contacting the department of revenue. Parties may recommend an alternative to the board to achieve the same objectives without contacting the department of revenue. If the department of revenue supplies the requested assistance, the parties will be apprised of any information provided by the department of revenue and will be given an opportunity to respond.