Tax Inspector

Also known as:

Revenue Inspector
Revenue Inspector

Introduction

Tax inspectors are civil servants who work for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). They make sure that companies and self-employed individuals pay the correct amount of tax.

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Work Activities

Tax inspectors are civil servants employed by HM Revenue and Customs to make sure that self-employed individuals and companies are paying the correct amount of tax on their income and capital. They investigate cases where they think business accounts submitted to HM Revenue and Customs are not accurate. Inspectors often work in teams. They may support colleagues or be the team leader on a particular case.

New entrants to this career may start by investigating small businesses that deal in cash transactions. More experienced inspectors often investigate larger businesses with more complex accounts. The inspector needs to become familiar with the type of business involved in the case. In a full, in-depth case, inspectors will find out about the business and how it is organised. Inspectors may check the tax of companies in e-commerce, trading on the Internet.

By examining all the records kept, the inspector may identify differences between the declared income and the lifestyle of the proprietor. There may be unusual features in the business accounts that don't tie in with what the inspectors know about that trade or the recent performance of the business. Inspectors argue their case in meetings with team members, and through correspondence with or visits to the taxpayer.

Tax inspectors visit business premises to meet taxpayers face-to-face. They seek explanations and challenge any irregularities in the accounts. As well as meeting the owner or director of a business, an inspector may meet their professional advisers, for example, an accountant or solicitor. Inspectors solve many cases by negotiating with the taxpayer, although some cases do go to court.

Specialist officers may appoint experienced inspectors to investigate complex cases of fraud or tax avoidance. Tax inspectors are experts on tax law, so they may give advice to local offices on taxation issues and individual cases. Some inspectors will also work at head office in tax policy or strategic management roles.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a tax inspector, you will need to be numerate, analytical and decisive. You must be able to plan and organise your work. Attention to detail is vital. Inspectors need good judgement and a thorough knowledge of relevant legislation.

You must be able to communicate well with people from a broad range of backgrounds. Strong negotiating skills are essential. You may be dealing with people who are confused by their tax situation, or angry about what they see as your interference. You will therefore need a calm, sympathetic but firm professional manner.

You need IT skills to support your work. You must be good at problem solving and adaptable to deal with change.

Inspectors often work in teams, especially on large and complex cases, so you need to be an effective team worker. If you become responsible for a particular case, you must be able to motivate, support and encourage the other people in your team.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary, depending on role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Salaries for graduates on the Graduate Development Programme or Fast Stream start from around £24,000 a year, rising to around £39,000 after four years.

Tax inspectors usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. However, some duties may require extra hours in the evenings or at weekends. Inspectors may be required to serve anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Inspectors are civil servants who work for the HM Revenue and Customs.

Recruitment is through the Graduate Development Programme. Competition for places is very strong.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) offers the Graduate Development Programme, which lasts four years. On acceptance, candidates are allocated to the Tax Professional Development Programme

• 13% of people in occupations such as tax inspector work part-time.
• 33% of people in occupations such as tax inspector have flexible hours.

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