Maine Revenue Services
Sales, Fuel and Special Tax Division
Tax Examiner I
Opening Date: April 7, 2025
Closing Date: April 22, 2025
Job Class Code: 0511
Grade: 18
Salary: $32.40 – $33.70*/Hourly (*Include 27.25% recruitment and retention stipend)
Position Number:016304031
DESCRIPTION:
This is entry-level administrative trainee work learning the examination, review, assessment, and collection of various State taxes. Responsibilities involve applying laws, rules, and regulations to tax compliance determinations; determining eligibility for tax benefit programs, credits, and deductions; establishing the ability to pay; and responding to taxpayer questions or concerns. The Tax Examiner I will have the ability to establish facts, draw operational conclusions, and solve practical problems. Work is performed under general supervision.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
- Reviews tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
- Calculates amount of sales, excise, income tax, and/or other taxes due in order to make assessments.
- Explains state tax laws, rules, and regulations to taxpayers in order to explain proper procedures to be used in determining tax liabilities and filing requirements.
- 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, negotiates basic payment plans, and collects taxes through telephone contact or enforced collection measures.
- 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.
KNOWLEDGES, 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.
- Knowledge of tax collection procedures.
- Ability to explain tax laws, rules, procedures, and forms.
- Ability to examine tax returns/forms and detect irregularities and errors.
- Ability to negotiate basic tax payment plans.
- Ability to deal effectively with taxpayers.
- Ability to present and defend technical and administrative decisions.
- Ability to use applicable computer programs.
- Ability to write clear, concise reports.
- Ability to apply business mathematics in defining and solving problems associated with tax enforcement and compliance.
- Ability to establish facts, draw operational conclusions, and solve practical problems.
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.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
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 Fit – 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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
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.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
Apply by: April 22, 2025