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Join us for Careers in Examination & Collection.

The IRS Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) division offers all the things you’re looking for in a career. Here, you’ll be challenged, supported, and have work/life balance – but you’ll also make your nation stronger, every day. America is funded by the work this agency does, and the bright, dedicated people that work here make it all possible.

Use your knowledge of accounting, Federal Taxation, and business practices while interacting with a diverse segment of taxpayers. The Small Business and Self Employed (SB/SE) division interacts with more than 30 million self-employed taxpayers, corporations, and partnerships with assets of less than $10 million. SB/SE’s functions include Collection, Examination, Specialty, and Fraud/Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

What Skills are we Seeking?

  • Critical thinking
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Evaluation of financial analysis
  • Problem Solving
  • Time management

Why Join SBSE?

  • Be part of a business division that offers challenging and rewarding work
  • Have access to diverse career opportunities and growth
  • Educate and promote voluntary tax compliance to help fund America
  • Research and investigate emerging technologies to halt abusive tax schemes

Examination Career Opportunities

In Examination, you conduct examinations of SB/SE taxpayers to ensure compliance with tax laws. Some of our most common positions are listed below:

Internal Revenue Agent - Job Series 0512

As a Revenue Agent, you will be responsible for conducting examinations of individuals and businesses to determine Federal tax liability at the taxpayer’s residences and/or place of business. You will regularly work with taxpayers, their representatives, certified public accountants, and tax attorneys.

Tax Specialist (Tax Compliance Officer) - Job Series 0526

As a Tax Specialist (Tax Compliance Officer), you’ll audit financial records of individuals and businesses to determine that the proper taxes have been assessed. You will advise taxpayers of their rights as defined in the examination and appeal guidelines, the actual examination procedures, and an explanation of current tax and reporting responsibilities and the importance and benefit of meeting future responsibilities.

Collection Career Opportunities

In Collection, you’ll secure delinquent tax returns and collect delinquent taxes through fair and equitable application of the tax laws – protecting and promoting public confidence in the American tax system. Extensive travel will be required during the first two years of training.

Internal Revenue Officer - Job Series 1169

As a Revenue Officer, you’ll be trained in both tax law and collection techniques necessary to collect delinquent taxes and delinquent tax returns (where taxpayers have failed to file tax returns). You will conduct research, interviews, investigations, and analysis of financial information for your assigned cases, often at the taxpayer’s home or business.

Collection Contact Representative - Job Series 0962

As a Collection Contact Representative, you will provide over-the-phone technical assistance to individuals and businesses throughout the country, in a dynamic call center environment. You will apply the tax code while addressing a wide range of issues to assist taxpayers in understanding and meeting their tax responsibilities and ensure compliance with filing and payment of federal tax.

Tax Law Specialist – Job Series 0987

As a Tax Law Specialist, you will use your expertise in the analysis and resolution of compliance issues relating to the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. You will research and analyze data including examination results to identify industry trends, issues, and problems. You will develop audit guidelines and provide other forms of written and oral technical assistance to field agents.

Opportunities for Reemployed Annuitants

Visit our Reemployed Annuitants (REA) Program page to learn more about how you can bring your knowledge & expertise back to the IRS workforce to provide instruction  and support!