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.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
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.
BENEFITS
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
