Customer Service Specialist I (REVENUE TAX SPECIALIST I)

State of Illinois • Chicago, IL

49d • Onsite

About The Position

Would you like to work for a professional organization which provides steady hours and an exceptional benefits package? How about a workplace with career and personal growth opportunities? Then consider the Illinois Department of Revenue. We are hiring a Customer Service Specialist I (Revenue Tax Specialist I) for our Chicago office. The ideal candidate will be well versed in all taxes administered by the Department of Revenue. The desired candidate will utilize the customer service skills and tax training received as a Revenue Tax Specialist Trainee to serve the taxpayers in our Chicago office in person, through email, and telephone. A semi-automatic promotion to Revenue Tax Specialist II is also on the horizon! Come join our team and receive the gratitude of the taxpayers you serve.

The benefits of working at Department of Revenue include a 37 ½ hour work week, a generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick, or personal leave, thirteen holidays) pension and other retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life).

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is responsible for administering the state's tax laws and collecting taxes in a fair, consistent, and efficient manner. Their goal is to provide accurate, timely, and reliable funding and information to both state and local communities. By implementing best practices, IDOR works to continuously improve and enhance accuracy, efficiency, and productivity across all areas of operations and tax administration. In doing so, they aim to earn respect, deliver value, and serve as a trusted source of information for the public.

IDOR is a professional governmental entity that prioritizes its employees and actively invests in their success through comprehensive training and engagement. As the proud recipient of the 2025 Bell Seal for workplace mental health, IDOR cultivates an environment that encourages open dialogue and collaboration on mental health issues. With a strong commitment to diversity-both culturally and professionally-IDOR believes that this inclusive approach leads to a more productive workplace, ultimately benefiting the citizens and taxpayers of Illinois.

Requirements

• Requires successful completion of the Revenue Tax Specialist Trainee program, which entails 12 months of agency training, and either: knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of college; OR four years of work experience providing tax related support functions within a program area at the Illinois Department of Revenue.
• Requires the ability to successfully complete a tax compliance and fingerprint-based background check.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires the ability to use and secure a state issued mobile device, e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, table, etc.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, reviews, analyzes and adjusts routine and highly technical original and amended tax returns, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Reviews and performs research on various source documents in providing information, guidance and assistance to Illinois and out-of-state taxpayers and/or their representatives, in writing and orally of a routine and priority nature, relating to the various taxes administered by IDOR in addition to interpretation of the Illinois Business Registration, and Electronic Filing Application rules and regulations.
• Performs research necessary to resolve discrepancies or deficiencies.
• Confers with and initiates correspondence to taxpayers and/or their representatives on status of accounts and to determine the nature of inquiries, problems or complaints.
• Assigned throughout the Customer Service Bureau to assist in higher level tax related duties as required.
• Approves or denies progressively difficult reasonable cause requests based on procedural and statutory guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Benefits

• 37 ½ hour work week
• generous salary and benefits package (paid time off for vacation, sick, or personal leave, thirteen holidays)
• pension and other retirement benefits
• tuition reimbursement
• insurance eligibility on day one (medical, dental, vision, and life)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees