Tax Examiner​/Estate Tax Division

Overview

This position involves the examination, assessment, and collection of various state taxes. Responsibilities also include responding to taxpayer questions or concerns.

Tax Examiners must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and to deal tactfully and professionally with the public and their representatives, tax professionals, legislators and employees throughout Maine Revenue Services (MRS).

A successful applicant will communicate and write clearly and effectively; have knowledge of computers and computer programs; have the ability to comprehend federal and state tax law; possess excellent math skills and knowledge of basic accounting principles; and have the ability to deal effectively with taxpayers and their representatives in confrontational situations.

MRS consists of a number of divisions. The primary responsibility of a Tax Examiner varies by division and may not include all typical duties listed below. For example, while the primary duty of a Tax Examiner in the Compliance division is to collect tax delinquencies, the primary duty of a Tax Examiner in the Sales Tax and Income Tax divisions is to review tax returns and refund requests and make appropriate adjustments and assessments.

• Reviews tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
• Calculates the amount of sales, excise, income, and/or other taxes due in order to make assessments.
• Reviews 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 imposed on 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.

A Bachelors 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.

All job candidates applying for Maine Revenue Services’ positions will be subject to a tax clearance check. 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.

State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint based state and federal criminal history record check.