IRS Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

This post provides in-depth information on the IRS hiring process, to help you understand what you need to do to gain employment with the agency.

If you are seeking employment with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will need to successfully complete its recruitment process, which involves job application and interview stages to prove you are the right candidate for IRS.

IRS Hiring Process

The hiring process at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) consists of various stages, including:

IRS Job Application Process

After you have completed your resume, you should submit it to an official IRS website called USA Jobs.

This site provides information about the positions available at the IRS as well as links to other websites that provide additional information about the agency.

You can also search through the jobs posted on the website using keywords such as “Internal Revenue Service” or “US Tax Court.”

The best way to find out if there are any new openings at the IRS is to check their website regularly.

Once you have submitted your resume, you may receive a notification from the IRS indicating whether they have received your application.

If so, you will be contacted within 10 days regarding how to proceed with your application.

After you have been notified, you will need to complete a detailed online form, which includes questions about your education, work experience, skills, references, criminal history, and personal interests.

Once you have successfully completed the form, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume along with copies of two documents: a current passport photo and a recent utility bill.

These documents must be sent via email to the address provided on the form.

Available Jobs at IRS

Here are some of the available jobs at IRS:

• Administrative Assistant
• Compliance Officer
• Program Analyst
• Senior Advisor
• Special Agent
• Criminal Investigator
• Forensic Accountant
• Chief Financial Officer
• Executive Director

IRS Job Assessment Test

You will be required to take an online test designed to assess your knowledge of the law, accounting principles, and basic computer skills.

Once you pass the test, you will be given instructions on how to schedule an appointment to meet with an IRS representative.

During the meeting, the representative will ask you a series of questions concerning your background and experience.

They will also conduct a physical examination to ensure that you do not pose a threat to yourself or others.

If all goes well, then you will be offered a conditional offer of employment.

A conditional offer means that the IRS has made a decision to hire you but needs more time before making a final commitment.

Your application will remain active until the IRS makes a final decision.

Tips for Passing IRS Assessment Test

Here are valuable tips you can apply in passing the IRS assessment test:

1. Read the directions carefully.
2. Take breaks when necessary.
3. Practice taking mock test multiple times.
4. Make sure to read the questions thoroughly.
5. Don’t rush.
6. Be patient.

IRS Interview Process

If you are selected for an interview, then you will be invited to visit one of the IRS offices in person.

There are several locations where interviews are held, including Internal Revenue Service Centers in:

• Cincinnati
• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Houston Texas

Tips for Passing the IRS Interview

To help you easily pass the IRS job interview, here are useful tips to apply:

1. Dress appropriately.
2. Prepare a list of questions that you want answered during the interview.
3. Bring a friend or family member who can provide support if needed.
4. Do not bring any type of food or drink into the room.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. Have someone drive you there and back.
7. Do not wear perfume or cologne.
8. Have your resume ready to hand over to the interviewer.
9. Smile and make eye contact with the interviewer.
10. Answer honestly and completely.

IRS Interview Questions and Answers

Here is a list of common IRS interview questions and suggested answers:

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am a hardworking individual who is looking forward to working with the IRS. My goal is to become a successful employee within the organization.

2. What is your greatest strength?

My ability to work very well in a team to achieve set goals is my greatest quality. I have a strong desire to help people by providing quality customer service.

3. How did you begin your banking career?

I began my career at a local bank branch. After being promoted to teller, I was eventually hired as a loan officer.

4. Why should we hire you?

Because I possess excellent communication skills and I am eager to learn new things.

How Long Does IRS Hiring Process Last?

After the interview, you will receive a letter informing you whether or not you were hired.

If you are accepted, then you will be notified by mail as soon as possible. You may also hear from the IRS through phone calls, emails, or letters.

Major IRS Careers and Jobs

Here are some of the major careers and jobs available at IRS:

• Audit Specialist

Description: Auditors review tax returns and other documents filed by individuals and businesses to determine if they have reported their income correctly.

The audit process is used to catch errors and fraud.

Salary: $59,000-$95,000/year.

• Collection Officer

Description: Collection Officers work directly with taxpayers to collect outstanding taxes owed to the government.

This includes collecting unpaid taxes, penalties, interest, and fees.

Salary: $36,000-$54,000/year.

• Taxpayer Advocate

Description: Taxpayers Advocates help people resolve problems with the IRS.

They speak for taxpayers in front of the IRS and represent taxpayers in court.

Salary: $52,500-$72,000/year.

• Senior Accountant

Description: Senior accountants perform complex accounting tasks such as financial analysis, preparing reports, and managing accounts payable and receivable.

They are responsible for ensuring accurate records are kept.

Salary: $67,000-$97,000/year.

• Tax Examining Agent

Description: Agents examine taxpayers’ records to see if they are correct. This includes checking information such as addresses, incomes, deductions, etc.

Salary: Not Specified.

• Special Agent

Description: Special agents investigate cases involving crimes against the U.S. Government.

They use investigative techniques and skills to find criminals.

Salary: Up to $100,000/year.

What to Expect Working at IRS

The IRS has more than 100 offices nationwide. Each office employs a varied amount of people.

For example, the New York office has about 1,200 employees while the San Francisco office only has about 200 employees.

Each office has its own unique culture. Some offices are very friendly, others are strict and serious.

There are benefits offered to employees including health insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.

In addition to the above, each division within the IRS offers training programs that would benefit an employee.

These programs range from computer classes to advanced courses on how to manage money.

What Some Employees Dislike about Working at IRS

Some employees complain about the long hours and stressful environment. Still others complain about being underpaid.

Company Profile

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is part of the United States Department of Treasury.

It was created in 1862 during the Civil War to collect federal revenue.

The IRS is one of the largest employers in America. In 20129, it had over 74,000 employees.

It is divided into four main divisions: the Exempt Organizations Division, the Large Business & International, the Small Business/Self-Employed and the Wage and Investment Division.

The Exempt Organizations Division handles many things related to nonprofit organizations.

Examples include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(7), and 501(c)(19).

The Wage and Investment Division deals with income tax issues. The Large Business & International division has the most employees.

It also oversees the collection of corporate income taxes. The Small Business/Self-employed division helps small businesses file their returns. 

IRS also has several other principal offices.

These include the Business Systems Modernization Division, which helps companies file their taxes; the Office of Chief Counsel, which provides legal advice to the agency; and the National Criminal Investigation Service, which investigates criminal activity.

Conclusion

Working for the IRS can be rewarding. However, there are challenges associated with this job.

One challenge is dealing with the stress of completing work quickly. Another challenge is dealing with the pressure of deadlines.

Still another challenge is dealing with the high expectations of supervisors.

If you are motivated and have the right skillset you may enjoy your experience working for the IRS. 

This post has shown what the IRS hiring process entails, so you can get well prepared to go through it.