Tax Examiners, Collectors, And Revenue Agents
It’s a fact of life. The Government collects taxes! Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents review personal and business tax returns, perform audits, identify payable amounts, and collect overdue tax dollars. They are employed at the Federal, State, or local government level.
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Tax examiners are responsible for reviewing personal or small business tax returns. They match numbers on tax returns to bank or employer reports to determine accuracy. They ensure that social security numbers are correct and directions have been followed. One of the most important tasks for examiners is to analyze deductions and tax credits. Sometimes, they may need to contact the filer for further information to determine if numbers are legitimate. The result may be an over- or under-payment. Revenue agents specialize in audits for large businesses and corporations. Due to complex returns, many revenue agents specialize in one industry, such as construction, finance, or real estate. They must stay constantly in tuned to changing tax codes. Those working on the State level determine if state income and sales taxes are accurate. Collectors handle delinquent accounts. Collectors who work for the IRS are called revenue officers. A collector is assigned a case when an individual or business does not make an attempt to pay a tax bill. Notices are sent and the collector works with the individual to set up a payment plan. For cases where a tax return was never filed, a return is completed on the individual’s or business’s behalf. The taxpayer is notified of the taxes due. In cases where payment is not possible the IRS or State government decides whether to seize assets or to take a lien against the taxpayer. Tax examiners, revenue agents, and collectors all rely heavily on computers. They are used to maintain files, complete returns, and submit tax return results. Many examiners and revenue agents also use the Internet to research changing tax codes or other legal matters that may affect the return.
Necessary Qualifications
The Federal government requires all candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. An associate’s degree in accounting is sufficient for those interested in work at the state or local level. Tax examiners and revenue agents should possess strong analytical skills. Attention to detail is critical. Most stay current on regulations and procedures through employer training courses. Collectors must have those all-important interpersonal and communication skills. They constantly deal with the public and their work is often scrutinized due to the possibility of asset seizure.
Salaries and Advancement
Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents earn between $23,000 and $74,000 per year. Salaries vary according to the level of government. Federal employees earn the higher amounts. Revenue agents also pull in higher salaries than collectors or examiners. Advancement varies within each field. Some workers receive licensure to become agents. They work outside of the government and are able to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Revenue agents also enter the private sector, preparing tax returns and offering advice to larger businesses with multinational branches. Collectors often move into supervisory or managerial roles.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Tax Examiners, Collectors, And Revenue Agents.
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copyright 2005
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