Tax Examiner 1

Are you interested in identifying identity theft and preventing fraudulent claims from being paid? The Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis is searching for a Tax Examiner 1 to join the Identity Theft Intervention Division. This position gives you the opportunity to review tax returns and rebate claims to ensure they meet state rules and regulations. Apply now to help us spot identity theft and stop false or fraudulent submissions!

As a Tax Examiner 1, you will be learning how to review and process Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns and Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) claims that are flagged for review in the Pennsylvania Tax Hub (PaTH). Work involves reviewing returns, claims, and supporting documents to make sure they follow Pennsylvania tax laws and rules. Your training will include deciding when a return or claim may be fraudulent, contacting taxpayers when identity issues arise, and helping them complete identity validation steps. You will also be handling confidential documents, attaching them to taxpayer accounts correctly, and supporting other divisions with identity theft cases and audit programs. In this role, you will have the opportunity to assist taxpayers, CPAs, attorneys, and representatives by answering questions about identity theft, validation, and fraud, and by helping taxpayers complete the Identity Validation Quiz or enter their PIN on myPATH. You will also learn how to:

• Check schedules for correct math, complete information, and proper entries on tax forms
• Decide when to allow or deny expenses, credits, tax forgiveness, and other deductions
• Spot signs of identity theft or fraud and use systems like Bridges and the W2/1099 repository to confirm information
• Transfer payments, claims, and accounts when fraud is found
• Review past fraud cases to identify patterns and suggest improvements

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week upon successful completion of the required in-office training period of 6months. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $40,685.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of general office work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.