Tax Examiner I

Full-time position with multiple vacancies in the Income & Estate Tax Division – Individual Tax Unit.

About the role

This position involves the examination, assessment, and collection of various state taxes. Responsibilities include responding to taxpayer questions or concerns. The Tax Examiner I is a trainee position which, upon successful completion and demonstration of specified competencies after 12 months, results in promotion to Tax Examiner II, and upon successful completion of another 12 months as Tax Examiner II, results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. Work is performed under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Reviews tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
• Calculates amount of income tax and/or other taxes due to make assessments.
• Explains state tax laws, rules, and regulations to the public and professionals to determine tax liabilities and filing requirements.
• Contacts taxpayers in writing or by telephone to clarify assessments imposed on them.
• 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.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the work assigned:

• 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 of tax-related information.
• Knowledge of tax collection procedures.
• Ability to explain tax laws, rules, procedures, and forms.
• Ability to examine tax returns/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 in defining and solving problems associated with tax enforcement and compliance.
• Ability to establish facts, draw operational conclusions, and solve practical problems.

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.

Pay

$32.46 – $33.76/hourly (includes 27.50% recruitment and retention stipend).

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service; overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage: The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Dependent coverage details available.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit: Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance: The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan: The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement: Up to $40 per month to offset gym expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualified employer for federal loan forgiveness program.
• Living Resources Program: Employee assistance program for navigating work and life situations.
• Parental Leave: 42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid leave for all parents welcoming a child, including fathers and adoptive parents. Additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation: Pre-tax retirement savings through MaineSaves 457(b) account via payroll deductions.

Note: Benefits may vary according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for less than full-time employment.

Location

Augusta. Telework is not available for this position.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

All job candidates applying for Maine Revenue Services’ positions will be subject to a tax clearance check. To be selected, all returns must be filed, and tax liabilities must be paid in full.

State law requires fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history record checks for applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services.