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Occupation AtlasTax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

O*NET · 13-2081.00

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

Also called Adjustment Examiner · Block Advisor · City Collector · City Tax Auditor · Collections Specialist · Collector · Corporate Tax Associate · Credentialed Tax Expert
62 more

Customs Agent · Customs Appraiser · Customs Collector · Customs Examiner · Customs Guard · Customs Inspector · Customs Verifier · Delinquent Tax Collector · Estate Tax Examiner · Federal Tax Analyst · Garnishment Specialist · Income Tax Adjuster · Income Tax Analyst · Income Tax Auditor · Income Tax Investigator · Indirect Tax Analyst · Internal Revenue Agent · Internal Revenue Collector · International Tax Services Associate · IRS Agent · IRS Agent (Internal Revenue Service Agent) · Merchandise Appraiser · Merchandise Examiner · Payroll Tax Analyst · Port Collector · Property Tax Analyst · Returns Agent · Returns Processor · Revenue Agent · Revenue Collector · Revenue Enforcement Agent · Revenue Enforcement Collection Agent · Revenue Inspector · Revenue Investigator · Revenue Officer · Revenue Specialist · Sales Tax Analyst · Special Agent · State and Local Tax Associate · State Auditor · Tax Adjuster · Tax Administrative Assistant · Tax Agent · Tax Analyst · Tax Associate · Tax Collection Coordinator · Tax Collector · Tax Compliance Officer · Tax Compliance Representative · Tax Examiner · Tax Examining Technician · Tax Investigator · Tax Preparer · Tax Processor · Tax Professional · Tax Revenue Officer · Tax Reviewer · Tax Specialist · Tax Technician · Treasury Agent · U.S. Revenue Officer · Verifier

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Loan Officers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.85
  • E Enterprising4.38
  • S Social3.15
  • I Investigative2.47
  • R Realistic1.21
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent23%
  • Some College Courses14%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree26%
  • Bachelor's Degree34%
  • Master's Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (41%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Mathematicsbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Writingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Negotiation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23

Tasks

6 core · 15 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.4.6
  2. Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.4.4
  3. Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.4.4
  4. Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.4.4
  5. Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.4.2
  6. Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.4.2
Show the other 15
  1. Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.4.8
  2. Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.4.6
  3. Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.4.5
  4. Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.4.5
  5. Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.4.5
  6. Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.4.3
  7. Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.4.2
  8. Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.4.2
  9. Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.4.0
  10. Investigate claims of inability to pay taxes by researching court information for the status of liens, mortgages, or financial statements, or by locating assets through third parties.4.0
  11. Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.3.9
  12. Enter tax return information into computers for processing.3.8
  13. Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.3.8
  14. Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.3.8
  15. Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administrative3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Mathematics3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Law and Government3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Economics and Accounting3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Administration and Management3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
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  • Education and Training2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Psychology2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Public Safety and Security2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Communications and Media2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Geography1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Telecommunications1.70.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Foreign Language1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Production and Processing1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Transportation1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Philosophy and Theology1.5—
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Design1.4—
  • Sales and Marketing1.4—
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Chemistry1.2—
  • Engineering and Technology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Mechanical1.2—
  • Physics1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.03.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Near Vision3.83.9
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  • Speech Clarity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Expression3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility3.14.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Memorization2.92.8
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Speed of Closure2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Originality2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Visualization2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.90.9
  • Manual Dexterity1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Control Precision1.60.6
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.60.8
  • Depth Perception1.3—
  • Dynamic Strength1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.94.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Working with Computers4.83.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.74.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Getting Information4.64.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.32.8
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.9
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate5.0
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Spend Time Sitting4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2

Technology

22 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (8)

  • Alteryx softwarehot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • SAP softwarehot
  • Tax compliance property tax management software
  • Tax software

Hot (5; 6 more marked hot above)

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Intuit TurboTax
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
  • ADP Workforce Now
  • Automated tax system software
  • Document management system software
  • Email software
  • Fund accounting software
  • Image processing systems
  • Online databases
  • Optical character recognition OCR software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Tax Preparers
  2. Accountants and Auditors
  3. Bill and Account Collectors
  4. Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
  5. Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
  6. Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
  7. Billing and Posting Clerks
  8. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
  9. Financial Examiners
  10. Budget Analysts

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.