The work

The government department responsible for collecting tax from individuals and businesses is called Revenue & Customs. Tax legislation and levels are determined by government - usually on an annual basis - and have to be applied throughout the country. Tax inspectors work for Revenue & Customs and are responsible for applying the current legislation to:

• companies
• businesses
• individuals
• partnerships.

All of these have to complete annual tax returns giving full details of their income. The level and amount of tax due is based on this information. The inspector's job involves checking these returns and includes:

• examination of accounts and background material
• investigating returns by writing, visiting and interviewing
• giving expert advice as required
• negotiating settlements with taxpayers and/or accountants
• managing teams of technical and clerical staff
• managing office resources and budget control.

A tax inspector is one of the more senior grades within the department and normally involves supervision of technical and clerical staff. Tax inspectors may have to investigate cases where doubts exist about the accuracy of business accounts submitted to the Revenue. This may involve visiting business premises, meeting people face-to-face finding out about the business, how it is organised, examining the records kept and taking into account the lifestyle of the proprietor or directors. It might also result in a full enquiry which the inspector would have to conduct, presenting Revenue & Customs' case in correspondence with the taxpayer and his or her professional advisers.

Most taxpayers seek to comply with the law and need advice and guidance. They require clear explanations as to how to complete tax returns and pay tax on time. The tax inspector's job is to support and encourage compliance of the tax laws and to ensure that taxpayers only pay the correct amount due.
The Collector of Taxes is the department of Revenue & Customs responsible for the collection of tax once assessment has been made and agreed. Some tax inspectors work in this area.

Hours and Environment

Tax inspectors are likely to work in a district tax office on a 9-5 basis. They may be required to work extra hours at certain times of the year when tax deadlines are drawing near. Flexitime and part-time work is possible. Some posts involve visits to a wide variety of businesses.

Tax offices are normally warm, comfortable and air-conditioned. Business dress is specified.

Skills and Interests

Tax inspectors are expected to:

• have sharp, enquiring minds
• have good communication skills and judgement
• have a high degree of analytical ability
• handle large amounts of information
• be comfortable with figures
• have a fair and impartial attitude
• be able to use information technology
• be able to manage staff and resources effectively
• have an imaginative approach to problem solving
• be resilient when carrying out compliance and investigative work
• have the drive and determination to complete a demanding training programme.

Entry

• Adults have the same opportunities for entry as school/college leavers. There is no maximum age limit, but candidates are expected to be able to give some years' service before the normal retirement age of 60.
• Members of certain professional bodies, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants or the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, are exempt from the academic requirements.
• It is also possible to become an inspector of taxes by joining the Department as a revenue executive and gaining promotion through assessment and examinations. Entry to this grade is by competitive examination for which a good standard of secondary education is necessary.
  All Revenue employees must be nationals.

Training

You will be trained on the job and also attend formal in-house training courses.
Training usually takes four years.

Opportunities

The Revenue can offer a number of career options and opportunities for graduates including specialist advisory work and management positions. It may also be possible to spend some time outside the department, for example on secondment to a private organisation or, on rare occasions, secondment to the African Union. In addition, there are many opportunities for Revenue trained staff in the private sector.

Annual Income

Further information

TaxWorking http://www.taxworking.org