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 12 months, successful completion of the specified competencies results in promotion to Tax Examiner II. Successful completion of specified competencies after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. 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 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 decisions on complex matters.
Submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references.
For relevant experience listed on the resume, include month and year and duties and responsibilities; identify any experience that was not full-time.
Candidates are subject to a tax clearance check; all 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; the selected candidate must pass required background checks, and fingerprinting may be required.

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 more than three weeks of annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State payment of 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
State payment of 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 through the State as a qualified employer.
Employee assistance program 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.