Should I Consider Becoming a Revenue Agent?

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Determining tax liability and collecting taxes is not a career that everyone would choose. It takes an exceptional personality to do this job. An individual with excellent communication skills would be the most likely candidate, even though the business end involves mathematical expertise. Gathering information, performing accurate technical skills, and establishing and maintaining good personal relationships would be prerequisites to the successful revenue agent. The BLS reports that agents can make up to $50,440 per year.

What Must Revenue Agents be Capable of Doing?

Perhaps someone who has a well-rounded sense of identifying complex problems and enjoys bringing a sound solution to these problems would be just the person to take on the type of commitment.

Identification of strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions by utilizing logic and reason is a keen gift for a problem solver. This type of critical thinking is characteristic of agents who want to be on their game. Combining critical thought processing, along with effectively written communication can lend a vital aspect of success to the revenue quarter.

Face to face discussions can be a type of communication from which some people shy away. When confrontation is involved, the environment may become quite uncomfortable. Telephone conversations may be a bit easier and other methods of communication are much less intimidating. Working with external customers and the public in this job consumes much of the actual time on the job. The contender for this position may find these types of communication rather difficult.

Effective listening skills will serve the revenue agent well. Being able to give full attention to what the other person is saying, repeating it back, and taking time to understand points made; all necessary interactive skills for excellent listeners. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents accentuates reading comprehension ability so that true interpretation comes through.

Outside of excellent communication skills, the revenue agent will need to be somewhat of a genius mathematically. Dealing with people’s money is an excessively sensitive area. One must maintain high accuracy in this job in the mathematics department. It even seems that proficiency might be the most important aspect of the job. Knowledge of a wide scope of arithmetical methods like calculus, algebra, geometry, and statistics is imperative for problem solving in this occupation.

Other Critical Issues for Revenue Agents

Intrinsically, tax codes, changes in the tax laws, updates and deadlines are the grit of the knowledge that is ingrained in the tax man’s (or woman’s) brain. Reviewing tax forms to make sure identification numbers are correct, and all pertinent data entered is true and correct leaves no room for error. Amounts on corresponding forms must match perfectly, and as well, solid computations must add up appropriately. There will be more communication involving outcomes of the tax returns, discussion of overpayment or delinquencies, extensions and other problem solving strategies.

In conclusion, the revenue agent will have mastered many areas of the stringent demands that are placed on this individual from many different sources. He or she will be schooled in tools and technology. He or she will be advised on tasks that are expected to be completed, usually within a specified time period.

Fundamental knowledge of law and government, economics and accounting, and customer and personal service will be second nature. Communication, a must, will be honed daily in the flow of atmospheric pressures. Comprehensive sensitivity and reasoning will play an intricate part of the agent’s ability to be further involved with every opportunity for advancement.