Tax inspector

You can get into this job through:

• applying directly

Direct Application

You'll need to apply for a place on HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Tax Specialist Programme and have one of the following:

• a degree in any subject, minimum second class
• an equivalent award like a professional accountancy qualification

More Information

Further Information

You can find out more about working in taxation from Civil Service Careers .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of economics and accounting
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work on your own
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• customer service skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• meet the Civil Service nationality requirements

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• examine business accounts
• visit businesses to interview board directors, lawyers and accountants
• investigate suspected fraud
• offer specialist advice about tax
• negotiate settlements
• represent HMRC at appeals tribunals
• consider and apply tax law to cases
• lead a team of caseworkers and administrative staff
• manage relationships between HMRC and customers

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

With experience, you could move through HMRC's promotion structure to more senior or specialist posts.

You could go into the private sector as a tax adviser, or become a self-employed tax consultant.