Tax Examiner III

Agency Overview:

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management. Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused and transparent.

Tax

The Tax Administration Division is responsible for fostering voluntary compliance and narrowing the tax gap by identifying, educating, and auditing noncompliant taxpayers. The Tax Administration Division audits the tax returns of businesses and individuals filed, including sales/use, meals, room’s occupancy, and special fuels are subject to examination by the Tax Administration Division staff.

Duties & Responsibilities:

This position is within the Business Innovation Group. The selected candidates play a crucial role in assisting with DOR initiatives, contributing to the development and implementation of various projects and strategies. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including conducting research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DOR initiatives. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth execution of projects and actively participate in meetings and discussions to share insights and ideas.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform research by accessing taxpayers’ account information and other external online resources and correspond in writing to taxpayers to obtain the necessary documentation needed to complete all casework in accordance with the department policy.
• Determine the correct amount of taxes due through review of departmental and taxpayer records and collect that amount from taxpayers on assigned accounts through case management and enforcement of Massachusetts Tax Laws.
• Actively participate in unit and regression system testing of features affecting e-filing and return processing during YEC and as needed.
• Actively contributes to the annual form’s development process, identifying and prioritizing changes in tax returns subject to electronic filing and defining and planning for the effect of each change with respect to the return and taxpayer behavior.
• Provides technical assistance to taxpayers and staff by answering questions regarding state tax laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Verify e-file/bulk filing was accepted, managing e-file/bulk filing rejections, and taking corrective action on rejected files.
• Produces business rules and other project documentation based on DOR standards.
• Monitors electronic filing issues encountered by DOR and others to identify potential changes and opportunities to expand or enhance e-filing of returns or anticipate and resolve issues. Updates multiple guidebooks and, once approved, submits requests to post on the SES and DOR websites.
• Receives the Modern e-File System (MeF) schemas from the IT Applications Administrator for reviews and corrections; completes updates or corrections; submits for final approval.
• Participates in monthly city/state/NACTP meetings hosted by FTA compliance/taxadmin.org.
• Additional duties and/or special projects as assigned by the Division Director.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate should have:

• Expertise in Microsoft Excel and other office applications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience performing system testing and documenting the results is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with the following tax filing requirements: individual income tax, corporate excise tax, partnership tax, banking and insurance tax, and estate tax.
• A strong level of understanding of tax credits is reported on all tax returns filed per MGL Ch. 62 and Ch. 63.
• A demonstrated record of success in team settings.
• Exercise sound judgment and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and handle confidential assignments.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt quickly to changes.
• Perform unit testing by preparing test data, conducting test runs, and reviewing input and output data.
• A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive assignments in a fast-paced environment is expected.
• The ability to analyze and determine the applicability of electronic data processing data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations is also expected.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!