Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

13-2081.00

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.
• Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
• Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
• Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
• Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
• Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
• Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
• Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
• Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
• Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.
• Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
• Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Conduct independent field audits and investigations of income tax returns to verify information or to amend tax liabilities.
• Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.
• Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.
• Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.
• Process individual and corporate income tax returns, and sales and excise tax returns.
• Request that the state or federal revenue service prepare a return on a taxpayer's behalf in cases where taxes have not been filed.
• Investigate claims of inability to pay taxes by researching court information for the status of liens, mortgages, or financial statements, or by locating assets through third parties.
• Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.
• Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.
• Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.
• Enter tax return information into computers for processing.
• Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.
• Install systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data or provide advice on such systems, based on examination of current financial records.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Automated tax system software; Fund accounting software; Intuit QuickBooks 🔥; Tax software
• Compliance software - Tax compliance property tax management software
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Online databases
• Document management software - Document management system software
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Image processing systems
• Human resources software - ADP Workforce Now
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Optical character reader OCR or scanning software - Optical character recognition OCR software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Tax preparation software - Intuit TurboTax
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Document information related to legal proceedings.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Collect payments for goods or services.
• Develop financial plans for clients.
• Verify accuracy of records.
• Assess financial status of clients.
• Verify accuracy of financial information.
• Examine financial records.
• Oversee business processes.
• Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
• Communicate with government agencies.
• Gather financial records.
• Examine financial records or processes.
• Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
• Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
• Develop financial analysis methods.
• Advise others on financial matters.