Tax Examiner I

State of Maine • Augusta, ME

2d • $34 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

Maine Revenue Services’ Income & Estate Tax Division, Individual Tax Unit is hiring multiple Tax Examiner I trainees in Augusta. The position involves examining, assessing, and collecting various state taxes and responding to taxpayer questions and concerns. Work is performed under general supervision.

After 12 months, successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies results in promotion to Tax Examiner II. Successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. Applicants must submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references. Resumes should include month and year for relevant experience, duties and responsibilities for each position, and identify any experience that was not full-time.

Candidates are subject to a tax clearance check; all tax returns must be filed and tax liabilities paid in full to be selected. Applicants not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services must undergo a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history record check. The selected candidate must pass required background checks, and fingerprinting may be required. The position 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 demonstrating independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in making decisions on complex matters.
• Submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references.
• Pass the required background checks as a condition of employment; tax clearance requirements also apply.

Responsibilities

• Review tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
• Calculate income tax and/or other taxes due in order to make assessments.
• Explain state tax laws, rules, and regulations to the public and professionals for determining 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 to 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 at least three 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; dependent coverage is also available under the stated plan terms.
• A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
• 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.
• Employee assistance 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.
• Additional wellness benefits for State employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level