Governments provide services
and infrastructure
such as schools and roads…
how is it all paid for?
Taxes provide income to pay
government costs,
and tax examiners, collectors,
and revenue agents
ensure that governments receive tax money
that is owed by businesses and citizens.
Tax examiners deal with simple tax returns
filed by small businesses
and individual taxpayers.
They review returns and enter them
into a computer system for processing,
ensuring that credits
and deductions are lawful.
They also may contact individual taxpayers
to resolve issues.
Collectors deal with overdue accounts.
If a taxpayer makes no effort to pay,
the case is assigned to a collector
to settle the debt,
whether by setting up a payment plan,
claiming assets,
or taking a portion of earned wages
to collect taxes owed.
Revenue agents
specialize in tax-related accounting
for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
and for state and local governments.
Like tax examiners, they review returns.
However, revenue agents handle
complicated tax returns from large businesses
and corporations
Most tax examiners, collectors,
and revenue agents work full time,
in an office environment;
some conduct field audits
in taxpayers’ homes or places of business.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree in accounting
or a related field is required
to enter these fields,
although education
and experience requirements
vary by position and employer.