Tax Examiner - Job Description

Tax Examiner - Job DescriptionTax Examiner - Job DescriptionA tax examiner checks federal, state, and local tax returns filed by individuals and small businesses. They contact taxpayers to discuss problems on their returns and let them know if they have overpaid or underpaid. Quick Facts Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents* earned amedian annual salaryof $52,060in 2016.Nearly 68,000 people worked in these occupations in 2014.Most tax examiners work for the federal government, usually the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). State and local governments employ others.Some work in offices and others visit taxpayers in their homes and businesses.Tax examiners work full time with overtime often required during tax season(January through April).Manyjobs are temporary since a high number of workers are needed during tax season. Thejob outlookfor this occupation is poor. The IRS has been subject to budgetary reductions over recent years, leading to declines in hiring. Employment is a bit better in state and local governments. * The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) combines employment data for tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents. Roles and Responsibilities Are you looking for more details about job duties? Here are some that employers listed in online ads onIndeed.comand IRS.gov Evaluate all available information and take corrective actionsRecognize indications of tax fraudProvide assistance on inquiries initiated by taxpayers by determining information needed to resolve themRe-compute tax, and/or penalty and interestObtaininformation from taxpayers by personal interview and correspondenceRefer possible violations of tax law or cases requiring examination determinations or legal determinations of the tax code How to Become a Tax Examiner You will need a bachelors degree in accounting or a related discipline to get a job. Instead of that, some employers except a combination of education and a history of full-time employment in accoun ting, auditing, or tax compliance. For example, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)hires tax examiners who have a bachelors degree or one year of full-time specialized experiencein accounting, bookkeeping, or tax analysis. After hiring you, your employer will probably provide formal training and on-the-job training. You will be expected to stay on top of changes to tax laws by attending workshops. What Advancement Opportunities Are Available? After getting experience as a tax examiner, you may feel you are ready to handle more complicated business and corporate returns. If so, you can become a revenue agent. Alternatively, you can take on a managerial position and be in charge of supervising junior examiners. WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? Certain soft skills, in plus-rechnen to experience and training, are essential to success in this field. They are Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail These skills will allow you to find problems on returns and determine whether deductions are allowed.Organizational Skills As a tax examiner, you will have to deal with multiple returns at the same time. It is imperative that you stay organized.Interpersonal SkillsYou will have to remain calm but firm when communicating with people who are upset with you. What Will Employers ExpectFrom You? Here are some requirements employers listed in actual job announcements onIndeed.com Effectively follows written and oral instructionsExercises sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential informationMust possess and maintain a valid statedrivers license Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? Yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related valuesinfluence whether a career is a good fit for you. Being a tax examineris suitable for people who have the following traits Interests(Holland Code) CES (Conventional, Enterprising, Social)Personality Type(Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator MBTI)ISTJ,ESTJ, ESTP,ISTPWork-Related Values Achi evement, Support, Relationships Related Occupations DescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2016)Minimum Required Education/TrainingAuditorLooks for clues that a firms funds have been mismanaged$68,150Bachelors Degree in AccountingTax PreparerPrepares individuals or businesses tax returns$36,550HS or Equivalency DiplomaFinancial ExaminerMakes sure banks and financial institutions comply with the laws that govern them$79,280Bachelors Degree (including courses in accounting, finance, and economics)Loan OfficerAssists individuals who want to obtain funds from banks and other lenders$63,650Bachelors Degree in Business, Finance, or a Related Field Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201617Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited November 6, 2017).