tax-inspector/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — tax inspector

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-2081.00 (Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3352; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
• [Supplemental] Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
• [Supplemental] Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.
• [Core] Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
• [Core] Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
• [Core] Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
• [Core] Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
• [Core] Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
• [Supplemental] Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.
• [Supplemental] Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.
• [Supplemental] Enter tax return information into computers for processing.
• [Supplemental] Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.
• [Supplemental] Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
• [Supplemental] 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.
• [Supplemental] Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
• [Supplemental] Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
• [Supplemental] Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.
• [Supplemental] Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.
• [Supplemental] Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.
• [Supplemental] 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.
• [Supplemental] Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.

Detailed work activities

• Assess financial status of clients.
• Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
• Collect payments for goods or services.
• Communicate with government agencies.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Develop financial plans for clients.
• Document information related to legal proceedings.
• Examine financial records or processes.
• Examine financial records.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Gather financial records.
• Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
• Oversee business processes.
• Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
• Verify accuracy of records.