What Does An IRS Agent Do?

IRS agents examine financial information, such as bank accounts and tax returns, to determine the amount of money an individual or business owes to the federal government. An IRS agent also has other responsibilities depending on the type of agent.

Official IRS agents who can manage all types of tax cases are certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents, and tax attorneys. Internal revenue agents oversee tax returns of large businesses.

Responsibilities of an IRS Agent

The responsibility of an IRS agent is to calculate the tax liability of an individual or business. Additional duties differ depending on the type of agent, but the responsibilities of all IRS agents involve the following:

• following tax laws
• conducting tax audits
• evaluating financial records
• contacting taxpayers about tax filings

Special agents who serve the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) federal law enforcement agency conduct criminal investigations of potential financial crimes.

What Is an IRS Agent?

IRS agents are tax examiners, enrolled agents, and revenue agents who work for or in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. Other types of IRS agents include special agents, tax attorneys, and tax preparers.

IRS agents validate and communicate to taxpayers the tax they owe under federal law and perform other duties based on their specific role.

Skills Required of an IRS Agent

An IRS agent requires excellent communication and organizational skills. IRS agents must also be diligent and have math and analytical skills for understanding numbers, facts, and figures. Other important skills include:

• accounting skills
• decision-making skills
• time management skills

Benefits of Working as an IRS Agent

Working as an IRS agent has personal and professional benefits. IRS agents have the skills and knowledge to file their own taxes and help others. Other benefits include:

• continuous education
• knowledge of federal and state tax laws
• job security
• no college degree requirement for enrolled agents

How To Decide if Becoming an IRS Agent Is Right for You

Examine your skill set, consider your career goals, and speak to IRS professionals about their experience to help decide if becoming an IRS agent is right for you.

Examine Your Skill Set

Examine your own skill set to determine if there are skills that you can acquire or enhance through a college degree and help decide if an IRS agent is the right profession for you. Prospective tax agents should also have people skills to communicate and understand tax activities.

Individuals who want to become IRS agents should have accounting skills and knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code. Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding income tax, employment tax, and other tax situations is also important.

Consider Your Career Goals

If pursuing a role as an IRS agent supports your career goals and you have or are willing to gain the knowledge required to perform IRS agent activities, consider an IRS revenue agent job.

Becoming an IRS agent gives you skills and a solid foundation in taxation, which you can transfer to other financial-related positions.

Speak to IRS Professionals About Their Experience

Speaking to IRS professionals or learning about their experience may help you decide if becoming an IRS agent is something you want to do. Ask them about the credentials they needed to earn to become an IRS agent, what their experience has been like working in the industry, and inquire about any tips or insights they may have about pursuing the career.

How To Become an IRS Agent

Individuals interested in becoming an IRS agent must pass the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) and meet any additional requirements from their employer. A bachelor's degree can qualify individuals to become a CPA or tax attorney.

Find the Right School

Choose a university to earn a bachelor's degree based on accreditation, program features, and the cost of tuition. The right school will be regionally accredited and support your educational and professional goals and financial situation.

Earn an Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance that prepares students for the CPA exam is beneficial for becoming an IRS agent. Business-related undergraduate degree programs are also a desirable choice.

Undergo IRS Certified Agent Training

Prospective agents must pass a Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) to become enrolled agents and complete training every three years to maintain agent status. IRS-certified agent training is available through IRS-approved continuing education providers.

Gain Experience Working as an IRS Agent

Gaining experience as a college intern or tax professional is important for determining what type of IRS agent you want to become. College students may have the opportunity to work in professional tax environments through internship opportunities.

Consider an Advanced Degree

An advanced degree in accounting or business is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. A graduate degree program helps qualify students for more advanced financial positions for other organizations.

FAQs About Working as an IRS Agent

The FAQs below provide more information about working as an IRS agent.

What Is the Difference Between an IRS Agent and a Revenue Officer?

IRS agents represent taxpayers and businesses, such as self-employed individuals, small businesses, and corporations, and review tax returns for accuracy. When taxpayers refuse to pay taxes, IRS agents involve an IRS revenue officer.

A revenue officer is a tax collector who collects tax debt and settles delinquent taxes through garnishments, levies, and tax liens.

Is It Difficult to Work as an IRS Agent?

Working as an IRS agent can be difficult at times. Each tax case is different and not all taxpayers are responsible when it comes to filing and paying taxes on time.

Larger financial situations may also make working as an IRS agent difficult because it takes more time to assess. Still, working as an IRS agent has many benefits if this career path aligns well with your skills.

How Long Does It Take to Become an IRS Agent?

How long it takes to become an IRS agent depends on a person's educational background and the type of IRS agent they're pursuing. It takes about one year to become an enrolled agent.

It will take four years or more for individuals with no college education to become a CPA or tax attorney.

Can I Become an IRS Agent Completely Online?

You cannot become an IRS agent completely online as there may be some in-person requirements to fulfill. However, individuals can complete college requirements to become a CPA or tax attorney completely online.