Tax Examiner I - Compliance Unit

Tax Examiner Class Description and Minimum Qualifications

The mission of the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) is to become a trusted partner to every Coloradan, helping them navigate the complexities of government so they can thrive. Our core values of service, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and respect drive us 

The Department’s vision is to empower businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation, and collaboration. We celebrate diversity and support an equitable and inclusive culture. We embrace our differences because we believe this brings innovation to our work. For more exciting information about the Department of Revenue, please enjoy this brief video! 

As part of the State of Colorado, DOR offers a competitive benefits package to permanent employees:

• PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage

• Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage

• Life and AD&D Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)

• 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave

• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

Helpful tips for applying: 

Applying for a Job with the State of Colorado.

What Happens After You Apply.

The Taxation Division promotes voluntary compliance with all tax laws through information, education, assistance and customer service. The Tax Compliance and Criminal Investigation program is to secure the State's fisc by collecting revenue in the form of delinquent tax liabilities owed to the State, license unlicensed businesses, enhance voluntary compliance by contacting and assisting delinquent taxpayers and their legal representatives, and by seizing assets and other legal actions to secure State Funds.

Our Compliance Section is seeking someone who is passionate about helping people as a Tax Examiner I. This position determines tax liability, assesses where returns are not filed, accepts evidence and records to formulate the tax liability. As a Tax Examiner I, you can expect to resolve taxpayer disputes referring to department policies and Colorado Revised Statutes while also explaining the rules, regulations, and what is expected of taxpayers, accountants, and others. Additionally, this position will exchange information with the taxpayer, attorneys, accountants, title companies and other departmental employees concerning the delinquent tax account.

Primary Duties: 

Agent and Customer Support

• Support agents by processing Gentax entries and analyzing accounts. 

• Promote voluntary compliance with tax laws through education, assistance, and customer service by answering tax questions via telephone inquiries from taxpayers concerning all taxes administered by the Department of Revenue.

• Explain tax requirements for a business by determining the aspects which affect a particular situation. 

• Respond to web messages and issue letters when identified during the week through contact with the taxpayer from phone calls, performing account reviews, updates, and examining the additional documentation received from the taxpayer.

• De-escalate tensions with customers through offering viable alternatives, education and additional resources.  

Taxation Analysis

• Analyze accounts where an assessment has been made to determine if the assessment is correct or needs to be adjusted.

• Analyze tax return adjustments, assessments, or documentations for validity using Colorado statutes, Department of Revenue regulations, FYI's, and rulings for the specific situation to which it is being applied.

• Ensuring metrics and data are up to date and accurate.

• Maintain taxpayer account status to ensure up to date and accurate information is reflected.

Taxation Processing

• Review accounts to post payments, post returns, clear balances, address protests, and/or issue refunds. Prioritizing the workload and time management of work assigned.

• Make adjustments, if needed, to tax returns including adjustment of penalties/interest based on the correspondence received.

• Resolve taxpayer accounts by: determining correct tax liability, make any necessary corrections in the system of record, issue delinquencies or Initiate refunds. Communicate to the taxpayer of the results.

• Initiate refund claims for the following reasons: duplicate payments; overpayment of balance due; errors (math, data entry, filing, reporting); additional documentation is provided by the Taxpayer.

Tax Specialty - Compliance

• Correcting delinquencies based on information provided by taxpayers, following guidelines set by the Department of Revenue.

• Corrects accounts within their level of authority by on-line procedures and/or internal documents, after determining the correct tax liability.

• Resolve taxpayer disputes referring to department policies and Colorado Revised Statutes. 

• Analyze taxpayer accounts and/or returns to identify and resolve discrepancies.

Residency Requirement:

Class Code  & Classification Description:

H8N1XX Tax Examiner I

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); AND

• Two (2) years of experience in Customer Support, Taxation Analysis, Taxation Processing, or Compliance.

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed.

NOTE: If submitting a transcript, certification or other relevant materials, candidates may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience using Fast Enterprise’s GenTax system.

• 2+ years of professional phone experience, specifically in managing challenging taxpayer interactions and de-escalating high-conflict situations.

• 2+ years of experience developing and maintaining spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint) and Google Apps.

• Practical experience applying federal and state tax statutes, section policies, procedures, and federal transcripts.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.

• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to research and resolve issues independently with minimal direction.

Conditions of Employment with the CDOR:

Employees are in a position of public trust in the performance of their job duties and must operate in a manner that maintains the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence. 

As a condition of employment with the CDOR, all personnel must file all necessary Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) returns and pay tax obligations, therefore all employees must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of their tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with this policy. Final candidates must also complete a successful background investigation and reference check prior to appointment. Certain positions based on duties may require scheduled background investigations.

Pursuant to the Universal Driving Standards Policy, any worker who will be expected to drive a State-owned vehicle is responsible for maintaining a safe driving record and a valid driver license prior to driving any State-owned vehicle. 

To be compliant with the new fleet vehicle policy, Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) will be pulled for review for workers who: 

• Have an assigned State fleet vehicle

• Are required to operate a vehicle as part of the position

• Utilize a State fleet vehicle as a pool vehicle

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application, to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Only complete applications submitted before the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed.

• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. 

• Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

• Recommended attachments: Resume, Cover letter 

• List your employment history starting with the most recent job, including part-time, temporary, and volunteer jobs. If more than one job was held with a given organization, list each job held as a separate period of employment. 

• Information must be accurate, including dates of employment.  If it is found that information provided is falsified, you will not be considered for a job with the State of Colorado and/or may be removed from a job after hire.

• The eligible list established from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email.  Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: [email protected]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Compliance

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Revenue is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA inbox, [email protected].

We are committed to building work environments that are inclusive and reflect our communities and the diverse talents of all people.  We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.

Methods of Appointment:

Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason. 

Step Pay Program:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program, any former or current State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series.