Tax Examiner I

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tax Examiner I position involves examining, assessing, and collecting various state taxes, as well as responding to taxpayer questions and concerns. It is a trainee position. After 12 months, successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies results in promotion to Tax Examiner II; after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II, successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. Work is performed under general supervision. The position is with Maine Revenue Services’ Income & Estate Tax Division, Individual Tax Unit, in Augusta, Maine. Multiple vacancies are available. The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. Applicants must submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references. The resume should include month and year for relevant experience and describe duties and responsibilities; non-full-time experience must be identified as such. Candidates are subject to a tax clearance check, and candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services must pass required state and federal criminal history checks, which may include fingerprinting.

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 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 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 annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums at 85%–100%, depending on salary; health insurance premium credit may reduce employee-only premiums by 5% when participation requirements are met.
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 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; benefits may vary by collective bargaining agreement and are prorated for less than full-time work.