Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Tax Examiner
What tax examiners actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review flagged returns in the case queue. From there, the day usually includes review tax returns for accuracy, audit individuals and businesses, and contact taxpayers about issues. Most work full-time during business hours, with busier periods around filing deadlines.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a tax examiner working full time.
- Review flagged returns in the case queue.
- Analyze a business’s deductions.
- Call a taxpayer about missing income.
- Meet a business owner for an audit interview.
- Calculate adjustments and penalties.
- Set up an installment agreement.
- Write case notes.
Where tax examiners work
Tax examiners work in government offices, with field visits for some auditors and collectors.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during business hours, with busier periods around filing deadlines.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Review tax returns for accuracy
- Audit individuals and businesses
- Contact taxpayers about issues
- Calculate taxes owed
- Set up payment plans
- Enforce collection when required
- Document cases
Tools you’ll use every day
- Agency case systems
- Tax software
- Spreadsheets
- Financial records
- Research databases
- Office software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Stable government jobs
- Strong benefits
- Use accounting skills
- Path to senior audit roles
What’s hard
- Employment projected to decline
- Difficult conversations
- Complex tax law
- Paperwork
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m good with numbers
- I like rules and details
- I want a stable government job
- I can have tough conversations
- I’m honest and fair
- I studied or like accounting
Not sure? Take the free Tax Examiner fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect taxpayer information
- Follow security protocols for field visits
- Stay calm in tense conversations
- Follow ethics rules