Tax Examiner I

MAINE REVENUE SERVICES

INCOME/ESTATE TAX DIVISION

LEGISLATIVE, RESEARCH & FORMS DESIGN UNIT

Code:  0511        Pay Grade: 18: $64,272.00/Annually, which includes a 25% stipend

Opening:  March 7, 2024

Closes:  March 21, 2024

Position number: 016304014

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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.

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

Typical Duties:

• 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 be used in determining tax liabilities and filing requirements.
• Contacts taxpayers in writing or by telephone for a variety of reasons including 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.
• Performs research, gathers and summarizes statistical data, drafts various informational reports.
• Performs analysis to determine the effect of legislative proposals and applies legislative and system changes to the design of tax forms and instructions, worksheets and guidance documents, develops printing and service specifications for contracted services.
• Administers contracts for services provided by external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required:

• 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.
• Ability to explain tax laws, rules, procedures, and forms.
• Ability to deal effectively with taxpayers.
• Ability to present and defend technical and administrative decisions.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Ability to examine tax returns/forms and detect irregularities and errors.
• Ability apply business mathematics in defining and solving problems associated with tax enforcement and compliance.

Minimum 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.

Please note:  All job candidates applying for Maine Revenue Services’ positions will be subject to a tax clearance check.   In order 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.

For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services:  State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint-based state and 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 ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 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 13.41% 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. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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