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Tax inspector

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Career outlook for tax inspector

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£30,000

Experienced

£57,000

Currently employed in Scotland

3,300

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would investigate cases to make sure the correct amount of tax is being paid and that fraud has not taken place. Your work would help enforce the law and ensure that the government gets the money it needs to help fund vital public services. 

You would:

  • Check business accounts
  • Visit businesses to interview board directors, lawyers and accountants
  • Look into suspected fraud
  • Offer advice about tax
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Represent HMRC at appeals tribunals
  • Apply tax law to cases
  • Lead a team of caseworkers and administrative staff
  • Manage relationships between HMRC and customers

Working conditions

Hours

In a full-time job you would work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with possible overtime when tax deadlines are approaching. Part-time work is usually available.

Environment

You would be office-based but would spend some time travelling to visit businesses and attend meetings. Formal business dress is expected.

Travel

You would sometimes have to travel to meetings.

UK employment status

Full-time

60%

Part-time

19%

Self employed

21%

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  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Problem solving
  • Working with numbers
  • Researching
  • Attention to detail
  • Making decisions
  • Negotiating

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You would need an honours degree (SCQF level 10) at 2:2 or above or you can progress from junior executive post within Revenue and Customs.

Entry is very competitive and is through the HMRC Tax Specialist Programme.

Though you can apply with any degree, qualifications in finance, business and legal subjects may be particularly useful.

Useful subjects

  • English (often required by courses and employers)
  • Maths (often required by courses and employers)
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Business subjects
  • ICT subjects

You will also need

To enter this job you must complete a three-stage selection process.

  • Stage one is an online application form followed by online tests. If successful, you will complete a personality questionnaire
  • Stage two is an online analytical skills test
  • For stage three you will attend an assessment centre for one day

Training for the Tax Specialist Programme takes up to four years.

Helpful to have

Qualifications that show communication, problem solving and negotiation skills.