Tax Examiners Job Description
Job Descriptions October 31, 2013Tax examiners are in charge of examining and reviewing filed tax returns. Their job is to verify the accuracy and determine whether all credits and deductions claimed are honest, accurate, and compliant with the law. You are working for the government’s interests, verifying that taxpayers are sending and calculating the right amount of money.
Job Description and Duties for Tax Examiners
These professionals will work with small businesses and individuals, who are filing their tax returns and analyze taxes owed at the state, federal, or local level. They also assess penalties, interests and other owed fees. This is a job that will require careful attention to detail.
By nature, you must be detail oriented and able to organize large amounts of paperwork and computer information. In fact, career advancement is dependent on you to handle multiple complicated cases. There are sub-fields to consider, such as military or navy specialization; these jobs might include technicians, cost analysis officers and comptrollers.
Once you do discern that there is a mistake, or a case of fraud, you must report these to the government office, appropriate to the type of situation (state, federal, municipal). Then, you must figure out if this adjustment will affect tax liability and order audits if necessary. You must also decide if there is any merit to refund claims, and perform various other clerical tasks. Once you are finished, it is time to enter all the information into a computer system so you can process the claims.
When all is settled, you must contact the taxpayer or business and inform the representative or owner of the discrepancy. In addition, you must verify Social Security numbers, make copies and keep files, and review complex issues relating to pensions, 401k plans, retirement programs, business net losses, and so forth.
Career Choices and Skills
When it comes to starting down this career path, education is paramount. A bachelor’s degree is the minimal qualification most employers will consider. Relevant experience is also important, particularly in the subjects of accounting or business administration.
The Internal Revenue Service hire workers that have met their minimal educational requirements of one year of experience and a bachelor’s degree, but even at that point there will be an intensive training process.
Furthermore, the law changes frequently, so part of keeping quality work ethics up is to stay apprised of the latest updates so you can advise clients accordingly and configure tax returns correctly. As far as skill level goes, it is prudent to learn about computers and computer software, as much as the job will involve to entering data into a system and continuing to maintain these records.
This is a job that’s for the detail-oriented and individuals who are not afraid of a challenge. It is a job that requires independent thinking, as well as a strong ethical center and grounding. If you start learning today, pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UMCP, UCLA, BYU, or another school of your choosing, you can work your way up to a top-paying and responsible career. Earning a bachelor’s degree can be the start of a new life!
