# Tasks & work activities — tax compliance officer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-2081.00 (Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
- **[Core]** Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
- **[Core]** Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
- **[Core]** Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
- **[Core]** Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
- **[Core]** Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
- **[Supplemental]** Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
- **[Supplemental]** Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.
- **[Supplemental]** Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.
- **[Supplemental]** Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.
- **[Supplemental]** Enter tax return information into computers for processing.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.
- **[Supplemental]** Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
- **[Supplemental]** Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
- **[Supplemental]** Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
- **[Supplemental]** Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.
- **[Supplemental]** Investigate claims of inability to pay taxes by researching court information for the status of liens, mortgages, or financial statements, or by locating assets through third parties.
- **[Supplemental]** Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.

## Detailed work activities

- Assess financial status of clients.
- Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
- Collect payments for goods or services.
- Communicate with government agencies.
- Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
- Develop financial plans for clients.
- Document information related to legal proceedings.
- Examine financial records or processes.
- Examine financial records.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- Gather financial records.
- Inform individuals or organizations of status or findings.
- Maintain data in information systems or databases.
- Negotiate agreements to resolve disputes.
- Oversee business processes.
- Prepare legal or investigatory documentation.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
- Verify accuracy of records.