Tax Inspector Career Description

Answer 1

A tax inspector works within government to ensure that both businesses and individuals are paying the correct amounts of tax. Tax inspectors investigate possible tax evasion cases and may be required to represent the government at independent tax appeal tribunals and hearings. They can also provide advice to businesses, individuals and large organizations on a wide range of tax-related issues.

Tax Inspector Duties and Responsibilities

A career as a tax inspector can involve some diverse duties. Jobholders will need to have a strong working knowledge of the tax system as they will be required to apply tax regulations and legislation to different taxpayers including individuals, partnerships and companies. Tax inspectors may need to examine accounts closely and research financial and personal histories in order to investigate fraud related cases. This can be a responsible job as tax fraud can be a terribly serious issue with a number of serious penalties for those under investigation. You may be required to give evidence in court and independent tribunal settings in relation to cases you have been investigating. Some tax inspectors may need to work out in the field, gathering evidence for cases and negotiating tax settlements with solicitors, Accountants or individuals.

Skills and Qualifications

Tax inspectors research and interrogate different financial records so a natural ability for numbers is essential. You will need to be an organized professional individual with exceptional data analysis skills. Good negotiating skills are also a benefit. You will need to be an effective communicator, so that you can interact with all kinds of taxpayers. You may be required to meet taxpayers face-to-face. Good personal skills are crucial. Degrees in mathematics and accountancy can provide you with the analytical and numerical skills needed to work as a tax inspector. The tax office also offers superb internal training programs. Therefore, you could start in a more junior position, and then work your way up to a tax inspector role.

Salary Outlook

The average starting salary for tax inspectors is around $45,000. Senior tax inspectors hold highly responsible positions and can earn between $109,000 and $141,000.