Tax Examiner and Collector & Revenue Agent Interview Questions & Answers

Tax examiners and collectors & revenue agents determine how much is owed in taxes and collect tax from individuals and businesses on behalf of the government.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Computer skills
• Analytical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for tax examiner and collector & revenue agent positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Tax examiners and revenue agents must be able to identify questionable claims for credits and deductions. Ultimately, on further review of financial documentation, they must be able to determine if the credits or deductions are lawful.

Computer skills

Why interviewers are interested in your computer skills:

Tax examiners and revenue agents must be comfortable using a variety of computer programs. These programs include tax preparation and bookkeeping software used by individuals and businesses.

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Tax examiners and revenue agents verify the accuracy of each entry on the tax returns they review. Therefore, it is important that they pay attention to detail.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Collectors must be comfortable dealing with people, including speaking with them during confrontational situations. When pursuing overdue accounts, collectors should be firm and composed.

Learn more about interview questions about interpersonal skills and how to answer them!

Organizational skills

Why interviewers are interested in your organizational skills:

Tax examiners and revenue agents often work with multiple returns and a variety of financial documents. Keeping the various pieces of information organized is essential.

(source: bls.gov)

Tax Examiner and Collector & Revenue Agent Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Tax Examiner and Collector & Revenue Agent Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Tax Examiner and Collector & Revenue Agent Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What do you think are essential skills for a tax examiner (or revenue) agent to be successful?
2. Tell me about the most challenging project you have worked on. How did you overcome the challenges?
3. What additional training or education would support your career as a tax examiner and collector?
4. How do you minimize errors when you verify the accuracy of each entry on the tax returns you review.
5. Describe a time you made a mistake. What happened, and how did you fix it?
6. Which methods do you use to overcome difficulties in a project?
7. What steps do you take to identify questionable claims for credits and deductions?
8. Would you always recommend married couples to file their income tax returns together? Why?
9. How would you assist a client who has tax payments that are overdue?
10. What are the first tax deductions that you would recommend for a small business owner?
11. How do you manage large amounts of data and information?
12. What is the most relevant job experience on your resume?
13. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
14. Tell me how you plan, organize, and prioritize your work.
15. Which of your prior work experience will help you most in this position?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.