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 state taxes, as well as responding to taxpayer questions and concerns. Work is performed under general supervision. After successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies, a Tax Examiner I may be promoted to Tax Examiner II after 12 months, and may advance to Tax Examiner III after successfully completing 12 months as a Tax Examiner II and demonstrating the required competencies.

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

Responsibilities

Review tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
Calculate income tax and/or other taxes due 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 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.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation in the applicable program.
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.
Living Resources employee assistance 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.