Tax Examiner I - Augusta

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

8d•$32 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

This Tax Examiner I (TEI) position is a professional position involving the examination, review, assessment, and collection of various State taxes. Responsibilities include the following: examining tax related documentation; discovering, assessing, and collecting taxes that are due; resolving tax problems; and responding to taxpayer questions or concerns. The primary responsibilities of this position include collecting payments on outstanding tax liabilities through payment plans and enforced collections such as intent to revoke seller's certificates of businesses with delinquent sales tax liabilities. This position directly supports field agents who perform field collection work on delinquent State taxes. This position is located within the Compliance Division, Special Enforcement Unit at 51 Commerce Drive, Augusta, Maine. This Unit collects taxes using enforced collection measures which include levy, seizure, civil litigation, revocation of seller’s certificates, blocking and revoking of professional licenses. This position directly supports field agents who perform field collection work on delinquent State taxes. This is entry-level administrative work learning the examination, review, assessment, and collection of all the taxes administered by Maine Revenue Services. The Tax Examiner I is a trainee position which, upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies after 12 months, results in advancement to Tax Examiner II, and upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II, results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. Responsibilities involve performing work in applying laws, rules and regulations, and reviewing assessments. Applicants must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. A successful applicant must be able to communicate and write clearly and effectively; have the ability to comprehend federal and state tax law; possess excellent math skills with knowledge of basic accounting principles; and have the ability to deal effectively with taxpayers and their representatives in confrontational situations. Work is performed under limited supervision and requires the highest degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Requirements

Knowledge of State tax laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of accounting procedures and systems.
Knowledge of state and federal tax forms
Knowledge of computerized taxation system.
Knowledge of tax collection procedures.
Ability to negotiate tax payment plans.
Ability to explain tax laws, rules, procedures, and forms.
Ability to deal effectively with taxpayers.
Ability to present and defend technical and administrative decisions.
Ability to write clear, concise reports.
Ability to examine tax returns/forms and detect irregularities and errors.
Ability apply business mathematics in defining and solving problems associated with tax enforcement and compliance.
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution – OR – four (4) years of equivalent post-secondary education, training, and/or professional level competency 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

Reviews tax returns, applications and records for completeness and accuracy.
Identifies appropriate levy sources and determines if due process has been met.
Answers telephones, writes letters, and communicates with a wide variety of people at all levels.
Establishes taxpayer’s ability to pay and collects taxes through enforced collection measures and negotiates payment terms.
Discusses and explains various tax forms, laws, and policies with taxpayers and their representatives.
Explains state tax law, rules, regulations, statutes and polices to POAs, Certified Public Accountants, and taxpayers; explains basis and breakdown of tax liabilities and filing requirements.
Interprets and applies federal and state tax codes for personal, business, and corporate taxes.
Performs financial analysis for levies, payment plans, and offers-in-compromise.
Prepares cases for charge off and works problem resolution cases.
Prepares letters and other correspondence as necessary.