Tax Examiner I

Department of Administrative and Financial Services; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Job summary

Maine Revenue Services in Augusta seeks a Tax Examiner I to assist with income and estate tax examinations. The trainee position progresses to higher levels after demonstrated competencies over 12 months. Work is performed under general supervision.

Responsibilities include reviewing returns, calculating tax due, and explaining tax rules to taxpayers and professionals. Salary is hourly with a recruitment stipend; advancement opportunities exist within the tax division.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of related experience in accounting, tax, or finance.
• Knowledge of state and federal tax forms and codes.
• Ability to explain tax laws and assess tax liabilities.
• Experience reviewing tax returns, applications, and records for accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Review tax returns and records for completeness and accuracy.
• Calculate income tax and other taxes due for assessments.
• Explain tax laws and filing requirements to the public and professionals.
• Contact taxpayers to clarify assessments and resolve questions.
• Interpret and apply federal/state tax codes for personal, business, and corporate taxes.

Skills

State tax laws

Tax forms

Confidentiality

Explain tax rules

Review tax returns

Communication with taxpayers

Account­ing procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree or four years experience

Tools

Computerized taxation systems

Job description

Maine Revenue Services Division: Income & Estate Tax Division - Individual Tax Unit

• Opening Date: October 30, 2026
• Closing Date: November 16, 2026
• Grade / Admin Unit: 18 / Professional/Technical
• Job Class Code: 0511
• Salary: $33.93 - $35.28*/Hourly (*Includes 27.50% recruitment and retention stipend)
• Position Number: 016303642
• Location: Augusta
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position involves the examination, assessment, and collection of various state taxes. Responsibilities also include responding to taxpayer questions or concerns. The Tax Examiner I is a trainee position which, upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies after 12 months, results in promotion to Tax Examiner II, and upon successful completion and demonstration of certain specified competencies after 12 months as a Tax Examiner II, results in advancement to Tax Examiner III. Work is performed under general supervision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews tax returns, applications, and records for completeness and accuracy.
• Calculates amount of income tax, and/or other taxes due to make assessments.
• Explains state tax laws, rules, and regulations to the public and professionals in order to be used in determining tax liabilities and filing requirements.
• Contacts taxpayers in writing or by telephone for a variety of reasons including to clarify assessments imposed on them.
• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, 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

• Work-Life Balance – 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%-100% of employee‑only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 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.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee‑only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre‑tax to help pay for out‑of‑pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non birthing parents and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre‑tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.

Contact Information

For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact [e-mail]

All job candidates applying for Maine Revenue Services’ positions will be subject to a tax clearance check. To be selected for a position, all returns must be filed, and tax liabilities must be paid in full. The results of the tax clearance check will be documented as part of the selection process. For all candidates not currently employed at Maine Revenue Services: State law requires that applicants seeking initial employment with Maine Revenue Services undergo a fingerprint based state and federal criminal history record check. The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

Application Process About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 for 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.