How Do I Become a Tax Examiner?

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Tax Examiners are individuals who are in charge of checking the accuracy of tax returns filled, making sure taxpayers are not taking deductions and credits that they are not entitled to take. Although tax collectors and revenue agents work with almost the same documents, tax examiners have the lesser of three evils, as they handle individuals’ federal, state and local tax returns, which are not as complicated as business and corporate returns, and do not have to deal with overdue accounts. Earning $50,440 average annual salary is not that bad of a deal, and the fact that the demand for this particular job is bound to rise even higher by 2020 will allow tax examiners to have stable employment for years to come.

Education required for a Tax Examiner?

Tax examiners must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, or of a related discipline. However, it is the analytical skill that is the blood of the accounting process, which you should cultivate. Experience is a plus, but it will only give you so much if you cannot detect flaws and do not have a mastery in what is legal and allowable.

What do Tax Examiners do?

Your primary responsibility will be to review tax returns for accuracy, which involves reporting any corrections and adjustments to the federal, state and local government, adjusting taxpayer’s liabilities when necessary, identifying payables, checking factual basis for refunds, and contacting the taxpayer about discrepancies.
You may also have to perform clerical work and enter data into a computer system for processing. Be ready to file multiple returns, as you will be adjusting reports until they are deemed accurate. You have to verify Social Security numbers and computed amounts, request for supporting documents, as well as make copies of the returns and file.

You may need to maintain records of each case, as complex tax issues like pensions and business net operating losses may arise every now and then. Some stress may be involved due to deadlines and extended hours during tax season. Although most of the time, Tax Examiners work in clean, well-lit offices; you may be assigned to certain cases that requires traveling.

You will also need to have good interpersonal skills, as tax payments are usually topics people have a negative perspective of, especially if the numbers are higher than they figured. You must know how to calm people down while being firm on your reviews. As a tax examiner, you also have to be trustworthy and be a good time manager. Be ready to work independent and at times able to handle stressful situations.

In time, experienced tax examiners may transfer to revenue agents and handle more complicated business and corporate returns. Other possible career paths include auditing clerks, which review company financial records and not just their tax return. Or accountants, who not only review records, but also give financial advice to help the company have a better financial performance. Remember, as long as the government and taxes exists, there will always be a job for a tax examiner. This is a job that is stable and bankable, ready for young and eager talent.