How to become A Tax Collectors

The government relies on taxes to ensure the entire country runs in an efficient and just manner. Tax Collectors seek to implement taxation laws, so those who can afford to pay their taxes do so on time.

• Taxman
• Exciseman
• Collector of Internal Revenue
• Internal Revenue Agent
• Levite

What do Tax Collectors do?

A Tax Collector would typically need to:

• Investigate individual cases of citizens who have not paid their government taxes on time; check if everything stated in a tax return report is accurate, and seek legal action when they find evidence of wrongdoing
• Implement collection of overdue taxes from individuals and businesses in a particular region, so the government receives its due share
• Update guilty taxpayers of their delinquent status; explain complex issues regarding delinquent taxes
• Issue subpoenas and implement seizures of property on default accounts; conduct background and financial status checks
• Research the status of claims, liens, mortgages, and other monetary encumbrances the tax delinquent may use as a reason not to pay taxes on time
• Locate taxpayer-owned items of value through third parties, such as neighbours or local departments of motor vehicles
• Negotiate with delinquent taxpayers or their representatives to facilitate payment of outstanding taxes
• Enforce a lien - a claim on an asset such as a bank account, real estate, or an automobile or garnish wages, i.e. take a portion of earned wages to collect unpaid taxes
• Maintain a detailed report of tax receivable; collaborate with the tax assessor or their professional equivalent in preparing and verifying recorded commitments
• Work on bank foreclosures, bankruptcy cases, and auctions of real property; maintain organised and detailed files on past tax collection efforts and all relevant details
• Organise and direct the work of technical and clerical staff in secured and unsecured tax collections
• Interact with the public in a professional and honourable manner; represent the government in disputed cases; resolve taxpayer complaints; prepare and direct tax sales
• Review penalty appeal applications and submit them with recommendations in keeping with the current tax code for a further appraisal
• Analyse tax data and prepare statistical reports; interview and participate in the selection, hiring, coaching, supervision, and evaluation of subordinate staff

Most Tax Collectors work in an office environment with a team; a few may need to conduct field audits in taxpayers’ homes or places of business.

Although it is a government job that would typically entail a set schedule and routine, Tax Collectors usually put in long hours, especially during tax season and when conducting field audits. Flexi-time is a viable option, as is maternity/paternity/adoption leave, should you need it.

Studies show that the government is a more favoured option. Look for job listings on official websites and the national press.

Tax Collectors are generally employed by:

• Government Agencies
• The Finance Industry
• The Healthcare Industry

The International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) is a global policy research network that seeks to improve tax policy and administration.

A Tax Collector keen on pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation should seek to join such a professional organisation. Membership adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lack of awareness in the taxpayers regarding tax payment and procedures; failure to understand the significance of paying taxes
• The mismatch between the rate of taxes imposed and the taxpayer’s business capacity resulting in low tax payment capacity
• The lack of tax morality leading to tax fraud and evasion

Applicants with previous work experience as customer service representatives, cashiers, administrative assistants, loan officers, credit managers, or collections specialists will have a definite advantage in landing the job.

Some employers run a two-month-long internship program for promising students; it offers an insight into the role of a Tax Collector while providing structured training, mentoring and supervision.

Most Tax Collectors have a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, criminal justice, or finance. However, a high school diploma or an associate degree may also help you get entry-level jobs in the field.

The application process may happen in three phases. Acceptance of the application form will lead to a verbal reasoning test. You can take the numerical reasoning test and then a civil service judgment test if you pass it.

Phase two comprises an online video interview. Successful candidates will move on to stage three, which takes place in a one-day assessment centre. At this point, you will undergo essential background and security checks.

Tax Collectors work for the government and so will need to pass a rigorous background check. Many positions require you to travel to meet with taxpayers at their location, so a valid driver’s license is also a must.

Tax Collectors with proven leadership skills and a deep insight into tax collection procedures may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions in the department. You may advise the government on changes to the taxation system or work in the compliance office, dealing with fraud and prosecution of tax evaders. You may be entrusted with the training and development of fresh recruits to the department.

Tax Collectors who demonstrate leadership skills and a thorough knowledge of tax collection activities may have the best job prospects.

Most government agencies offer a two-year-long on-the-job training program under the guidance of a veteran Tax Collector. New appointees learn to deal with complex tax cases, negotiate confidently with customers or their professional representatives, and lead teams.

They also offer classroom or online classes and continuing education courses to ensure you stay updated on complex tax laws, including a lot of technical detail. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement so their Tax Collectors can choose to go back to college to get additional training. An MBA in tax accounting will pave the way for lucrative career advancement.

Vital Ingredients

Research proves that this career will give you high job satisfaction if you like working with data and details in an organised manner until the project reaches its logical end. Risk-taking and leadership skills will also stand you in good stead in advancing your career, as will your academic qualifications, the industry you work in, and the organisation that employs you.

Did it begin here?

There is documented evidence that the Pharaohs of Egypt collected taxes in a biennial event as far back as 2800 BCE. Nuggets from around the World The average Joe in the US spends about 11 hours in tax-related activities such as record-keeping, tax planning, and form submission. All centenarians in New Mexico get a tax break. Even when they are in space, American astronauts need to pay their dues to their Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or ask for an extension.

Peter the Great imposed a tax on those Russians who wished to sport a beard. At one point, British citizens had to pay tax on their hats. Shelled nuts are still subject to a 20% value-added tax (VAT) in England, while in India, moviegoers pay anything between 18 to 28% on movie tickets.

A bodybuilder was exempted from paying tax on his supply of body oil which he declared a professional necessity. However, that did not pay dividends on similar claims with buffalo meat and vitamin supplements. One more reason to eschew paper! Paper tax returns are around 40 times more prone to errors than online filing.

Many EU countries are giving serious thought to introducing a cow tax; the owners will need to pay a tax to offset any negative climate change impact of the methane resulting from cow flatulence.

A very demanding and exhausting job - one that plays on your emotions and causes an everyday struggle with your logic, but when you can work with the delinquent taxpayer to settle the debt in the most convenient way possible, rest assured a job as a Tax Collector will bring you inordinate satisfaction of a deed well done.

You may encounter people experiencing tough times wherein paying their taxes is next to impossible. Your heart may go out to such individuals, but the bottom line is that you have a law to uphold, and so you need to forward those cases to the proper authorities.