Tax Examiner I

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

2d•$34 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Tax Examiner I is a trainee position in the Maine Revenue Services Income & Estate Tax Division, Individual Tax Unit. The role involves examining, assessing, and collecting various state taxes and responding to taxpayer questions or concerns. Work is performed under general supervision. Upon successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies after 12 months, the employee advances to Tax Examiner II; after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II and successful demonstration of specified competencies, the employee advances to Tax Examiner III.

Requirements

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 demonstrating the ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in decisions on complex matters.
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 tax enforcement and compliance problems.
Ability to establish facts, draw operational conclusions, and solve practical problems.

Responsibilities

Review tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
Calculate income tax and/or other taxes due and 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 to clarify assessments and for other reasons.
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 annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums, covering 85%–100% depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
Health insurance premium credit that reduces employee-only premiums by 5% when program requirements are met.
State-paid employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
Additional wellness benefits for state employees.