Tax Examiner I
Tax Examiner I - Compliance Division
Augusta, Maine, United States | Accounting & Finance | Full-time
Apply by: Dec. 2, 2024
MAINE REVENUE SERVICES
Compliance Division
-Anticipated Vacancy-
Special Enforcement Unit - Levy Section
Opening Date: November 14, 2024
Closing Date: December 2, 2024
Job Class Code: 00511
Grade: 18
Salary: $66,196.00/Annually (includes 25% recruitment & retention stipend)
Position Number: 016303950
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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 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.
TYPICAL DUTIES:
- 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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution -OR-
- four (4) years of equivalent post-secondary education, training, and/or professional level experience 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.
Please note: All job candidates applying for Maine Revenue Services’ positions will be subject to a tax clearance check. In order to be selected for a position, all returns must be filed, and tax liabilities must be paid in full. The results of the tax clearance check will be documented as part of the selection process.
For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services: State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint-based state and criminal history record check.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
Apply by: Dec. 2, 2024