Career Overview
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Also Known As
- Revenue Agent
- Tax Collector
- Tax Compliance Officer
- Tax Examiner
Alternate Job Titles
- Adjustment Examiner
- Block Advisor
- City Collector
- City Tax Auditor
- Collections Specialist
- Collector
- Corporate Tax Associate
- Credentialed Tax Expert
- Customs Agent
- Customs Appraiser
- Customs Collector
- Customs Examiner
- Customs Guard
- Customs Inspector
- Customs Verifier
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
- Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
- Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
- Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
- Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
- Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Law and Government
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Speech Recognition
- Near Vision
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Alteryx software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 10-key calculators
- Computer laser printers
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Photocopiers
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Spend Time Sitting
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,020 |
| Median | $59,740 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $110,300 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 53,530
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Tax Preparers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $50,560
Accountants and Auditors
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $81,680
Bill and Account Collectors
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $46,040
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $49,130
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,210
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.