Launch Your Career as an IRS Internal Revenue Agent
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers one of the most stable and impactful career paths in the financial sector. As an Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent) within the Tax Exempt/Government Entities (TEGE) business unit, you are not just an employee; you are a guardian of the nation’s tax integrity. This role is perfect for accounting and audit professionals who want to apply their technical skills to complex pension and benefit plans.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Analyze determination letter applications to verify compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conduct on-site audits of pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans.
- Evaluate payroll and internal control systems.
- Provide expert technical guidance to external customers regarding plan compliance.
- Perform discrimination testing to ensure employees receive proper benefits.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting (or CPA licensure).
- At least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 hours plus 6 hours in related business subjects.
- Specialized experience in accounting, auditing, or tax-related fields.
- Ability to manage a high-complexity caseload.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-11 | GS-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Senior/Technical Expert |
| Complexity | Standard Audits | Complex/Offshore/Specialized |
| Independence | Guided | High Autonomy |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $137,128 per year, depending on experience, grade level, and location (locality pay applies).
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government match.
- Generous paid time off.
- Flexible work-life balance options.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is crisp, two pages max, and focuses on your specific contributions. Clearly document your hours worked per week and specific employment dates to avoid delays in processing.
Working as an Internal Revenue Agent is a chance to use your accounting expertise for the public good. If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding career, review the requirements today and submit your application via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career within the IRS Tax Exempt/Government Entities division. Shape the future of tax compliance and ensure the integrity of our nation’s financial systems as an Internal Revenue Agent.
Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent) Job Overview
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking dedicated professionals for the position of Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent). This role is critical to the Tax Exempt/Government Entities (TEGE) business unit, where you will analyze complex pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans. You will serve as a key auditor, ensuring that benefit programs comply with the Internal Revenue Code and supporting the agency's mission of fair and equitable tax administration. This position offers the opportunity to work in a high-stakes environment at the forefront of financial regulation and tax law.
Requirements for Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent)
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Completion of a probationary period if applicable.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting (or related field) with at least 30 semester hours in accounting, or a CPA license.
- One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-09 or GS-11 respectively).
- Must maintain a Government-issued charge card for official travel.
- Ability to travel as required, including international travel.
- Must meet Time-After-Competitive-Appointment (TACA) and Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements.
- Successful passing of a high-risk background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent)
- Advanced technical expertise in Employee Plans, including conservation easements, micro-captive insurance, or digital assets.
- Proven experience leading risk assessments and internal control evaluations.
- Strong ability to analyze large datasets and select testing samples using approved methodologies.
- Demonstrated skill in negotiating with legal and tax specialists.
- Experience investigating complex corporate structures, including offshore entities and tiered multiple-related activities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with Locality Pay
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
- ✓Life Insurance and Long-term Care programs
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Generous Paid Leave (Vacation, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
- ✓Flexible Work Schedules and Telework eligibility
- ✓Professional training and career development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Internal Revenue Agent (Employee Plans Agent) Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, following specific formatting guidelines (sans-serif font, 0.5-inch margins).
- Ensure your resume lists specific MM/DD/YYYY dates and hours per week for all experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and most recent performance appraisal.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your resume on accomplishments rather than just duties.
- Avoid copying the text of the job description directly into your resume.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if you are using education to qualify.
- Double-check your SF-50 if applying as a current federal employee to prove TIG eligibility.
- Use the 'Preview' function for the questionnaire to prepare your answers in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have federal experience?
Yes, federal experience is not required. Experience can be gained in the private or public sector, or through volunteer service, provided it meets the technical requirements of the role.
Is travel a requirement for this position?
Yes, this position requires the ability to travel for official business, which may include occasional international travel. A government-issued travel card is required.
What is the resume length limit?
Resumes are strictly limited to two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Is telework available?
*A: Yes, the position is telework-eligible, subject to management approval.*
What is the background check process?
*A: This position is designated as High Risk (HR), requiring a thorough background investigation.*
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The TEGE division is responsible for oversight of tax-exempt organizations and government entities. By ensuring these organizations comply with the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS fosters public confidence in our nation's financial systems. As part of the Department of the Treasury, the IRS provides a culture of support, professional growth, and meaningful public service.