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- Conduct investigations to make sure the right amount of tax is paid to fund public services
- You'll need good numerical skills and the ability to analyse complex information
- You can progress into senior roles within HMRC or you could become a self-employed consultant
Tax inspectors work for the government's tax collection agency 'HMRC' (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) to make sure businesses and individuals follow tax laws and pay the correct amount of tax.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Examining business accounts
- Visiting businesses to interview board directors, lawyers and accountants
- Investigating suspected fraud
- Offering specialist advice about tax
- Negotiating settlements
- Representing HMRC at appeals tribunals
- Considering and applying tax law to cases
- Leading a team of caseworkers and administrative staff
- Managing relationships between HMRC and customers
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll normally be office-based but will spend some time travelling to visit businesses and attend meetings.
You'll need
You'll need the ability to investigate and analyse complex information, decision making ability, good negotiating skills and powers of persuasion, and a creative approach to problem solving.
To get started you'll need a degree in any subject (minimum second class) or an equivalent award like a professional accountancy qualification. You can then apply for a place on HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Tax Specialist Graduate Programme.
You'll also need to meet the UK nationality requirements for civil service jobs. You can find details about these requirements and the Graduate Programme on the gov.uk website.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could move through HMRC's promotion structure to more senior or specialist posts. Alternatively, you could go into the private sector as a tax adviser, or become a self-employed tax consultant.