Tax Examiner I

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

About The Position

The Tax Examiner I position in the 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. The role is performed under general supervision. This is a trainee position: after 12 months and successful demonstration of specified competencies, the employee may be promoted to Tax Examiner II. After 12 months as a Tax Examiner II and successful demonstration of specified competencies, the employee may advance to Tax Examiner III. Multiple vacancies are available in Augusta.

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 tax enforcement and compliance problems.
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. The resume must include month and year for relevant experience and describe duties and responsibilities; 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 for selection.
Candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services must undergo a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history record check and pass required background checks as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Review tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
Calculate income tax and other taxes due and make assessments.
Explain state tax laws, rules, and regulations to the public and professionals to support determination of tax liabilities and filing requirements.
Contact taxpayers in writing or by telephone, including to clarify assessments.
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 annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
The State pays 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage varies.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit is available for participation in the applicable program.
The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
The State contributes 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 are available to state employees.