Tax Examiner I

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

17h

About The Position

The Tax Examiner I position in Maine Revenue Services’ Income & Estate Tax Division, Individual Tax Unit, involves examining, assessing, and collecting various state taxes and responding to taxpayer questions and concerns. Work is performed under general supervision. This is a trainee position: after 12 months, successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies results in promotion to Tax Examiner II. After 12 months as a Tax Examiner II, successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. The position is located in Augusta, Maine, and is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

Knowledge of state tax laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of state and federal tax forms.
Knowledge of accounting procedures and systems.
Knowledge of computerized taxation systems.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements for tax-related information.
Knowledge of tax collection procedures.
Ability to explain tax laws, rules, procedures, and forms.
Ability to examine tax returns and forms and detect irregularities and errors.
Ability to negotiate basic tax payment plans.
Ability to deal effectively with taxpayers.
Ability to present and defend technical and administrative decisions.
Ability to use applicable computer programs.
Ability to write clear, concise reports.
Ability to apply business mathematics to define and solve problems associated with tax enforcement and compliance.
Ability to establish facts, draw operational conclusions, and solve practical problems.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution, or four years of equivalent post-secondary education, training, and/or professional-level experience in accounting, tax collection, finance, or directly related computer science that demonstrates the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make decisions on complex matters.

Responsibilities

Review tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
Calculate income tax and other taxes due in order to make assessments.
Explain state tax laws, rules, and regulations to the public and professionals to help determine tax liabilities and filing requirements.
Contact taxpayers in writing or by telephone for various reasons, including clarifying assessments.
Discuss and explain tax forms, laws, and policies with taxpayers and their representatives.
Interpret and apply federal and state tax codes for personal, business, and corporate taxes.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums of 85%–100%, depending on salary; participation in the health insurance premium credit program can reduce employee-only premiums by 5%.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness through the State’s status as a qualified employer.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.