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Career Opportunity Bulletin

TAX EXAMINER

CODE: 051100 PAY GRADE: 18 ($13.08 - 17.51/hr.)*

Value of State-paid Health and Dental Insurance: $322.97 biweekly
Value of State’s share of Employee’s Retirement: 18.46% of pay

*All Tax Examiners are hired at step 4 of this pay grade. Step 4 is $14.77/hr.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 2 , 2007
Updated: October 9, 2007

CLOSING DATE: Until Canceled

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is administrative work involving the examination, review, assessment, and collection of various state taxes. Responsibilities include examining tax-related documents; discovering, assessing, and collecting state taxes that are due; resolving tax return problems; and responding to taxpayer questions and concerns.

Tax Examiners work under minimal supervision. They must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They must deal tactfully and professionally with the public and their representatives, tax professionals, and legislators. They must also deal professionally with tax examiners, supervisors, and managers throughout Maine Revenue Services.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

In order to qualify, you must have a Bachelors Degree from an accredited educational institution -OR- a four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in paraprofessional or professional accounting, tax compliance, or related work.

The successful applicant will also posses effective oral and written communication skills; knowledge of computers and computer programs; ability to comprehend federal and state tax law; excellent math skills and knowledge of basic accounting principles; and the ability to deal effectively with taxpayers and their representatives in confrontational situations.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Qualified applicants will be placed on an Employment Register to be used to fill vacancies as they occur throughout the state.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS FORM AT THE END OF THIS BULLETIN IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.
Your application evaluation results will be e-mailed to the address you use to login to your online account.
You must complete the on-line application for this job title. Paper applications will not be accepted for this job title.

TYPICAL DUTIES in this job classification include:

Reviews tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
Calculates the amount of sales, excise, income, and/or other taxes due to make assessments.
Review information from various sources to identify potential non-filers.
Contacts taxpayers in writing or by telephone for a variety of reasons including to clarify assessments made against them.
Establishes ability to pay and collects taxes through telephone contact or enforced collection measures; negotiates payment terms.
Discusses and explains various tax forms, laws, and policies with taxpayers and their representatives.
Interprets and applies Federal and State tax codes for personal, business, and corporate taxes.

TESTING PROCEDURE:

All applicants whose backgrounds are consistent with the Minimum Requirements established for this classification will be certified to the Maine Revenue Service to be scheduled for an initial interview.

The Bureau of Human Resources reserves the right to use any other selection devices necessary in order to identify those candidates who are most qualified.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

You must complete the on-line application by logging on to our Web Page (www.maine.gov/bhr/state_jobs), clicking the Open Competitive Jobs link, and clicking Apply Now under this job title.

PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS JOB TITLE.

The Bureau of Human Resources is unable to provide copies of submitted materials.

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

SUPPLEMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS FORM

(This form must accompany your application.)

Tax Examiner (051100)

APPLICANT’S NAME:_________________________________________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS:

Your responses on this form will be the basis making a numerical evaluation of your background training and experience (your final score).
False or misleading statements may result in rejection of your Application for Employment or dismissal from Maine State Service if selected.
Statements made on this form and in your application are subject to verification by the Bureau of Human Resources and the Appointing Authority.

Please check all that apply:

Work Experience Guidelines for this section ONLY:
- Work experience must be full time equivalent (40 Hours/Week).
- To convert credit hours to months of experience use the following calculations:
  Total Credit Hours ÷ 2.5 = Months of Experience.

Check Here if this experience applies to you.	Work Experience	Please list Employer Number or School from your employment application, where you gained this experience.
	I have a Bachelors Degree
	I have an Associates Degree
	I have at least four years of education, training, and/or experience in paraprofessional or professional accounting, tax compliance, or related work.
	I have less than four years of education, training, and/or experience in paraprofessional or professional accounting, tax compliance, or related work.
	I have at least two years of education, training, and/or experience in paraprofessional or professional accounting, tax compliance, or related work.
	I have less than two years of education, training, and/or experience in paraprofessional or professional accounting, tax compliance, or related work.

Please check all that apply:

Tax Experience

_____	I have prepared state/federal income tax forms.

_____	I have reviewed and corrected state/federal income tax returns.

_____	I have experience interpreting federal or state tax code for application in complex circumstances.

_____	I have explained state/federal tax laws, rules, and regulations to attorneys, CPAs, and taxpayers.

_____	I have collection experience with past due accounts.

_____	I have established payment plans for collecting back debts.

_____	I have experience in Maine state sales/excise (fuel taxes, industry taxes) tax.

_____	I have prepared state sales tax returns.

_____	I have experience in Maine/Federal employer’s withholding tax.

_____	I have prepared state/federal employer’s withholding returns.

_____	I have experience in Maine/Federal corporate/franchise/pass-through income taxes.

_____	I have experience in Maine Insurance taxes.

_____	I have knowledge of accounting procedures and systems.

_____	I have knowledge of debt collection by judicial processes.

_____	I have experience with enforced collection procedures.

_____	I have experience negotiating settlement of debts.

_____	I have experience analyzing and applying personal business financial data.

_____	I have experience in financial investigations.

_____	I have knowledge of property search techniques.

_____	I have knowledge of liens and the evaluation of data leading to lien releases.

Customer Service Skills

_____	I have assisted applicants, clients, taxpayers, and others completing tax forms.

_____	I have received and responded to incoming calls from the public.

_____	I have worked in a customer service environment.

_____	I have worked with customers regarding problem accounts or invoices.

_____	I have responded in writing to customer requests and/or complaints.

_____	I have responded orally (in person) to customer requests and/or complaints.

_____	I have experience in negotiation skills.

Computer Experience

_____	I have used Maine’s Automated Tax System.

_____	I have used Maine’s Image Processing System.

_____	I have database experience.

_____	I have created letters, reports, or other documents using a word processing program.

_____	I have created and maintained spreadsheets using excel or other program.

_____	I have experience with internet research.

Other Experience or Skills

_____	I have experience in writing rulings, determinations or other technical writing.

_____	I have experience writing instructional or informational material.

_____	I have compiled data in order to prepare worksheets, reports and/or to provide information.

_____	I have experience working independently under limited supervision.

_____	I have experience handling multiple changing priorities.