Tax inspector | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Tax inspectors make sure the correct amount of tax is paid and investigate cases of fraud.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.
Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address

Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Maintain knowledge of tax code changes, and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information.
Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.
Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
Enter tax return information into computers for processing.
Conduct independent field audits and investigations of income tax returns to verify information or to amend tax liabilities.
Review selected tax returns to determine the nature and extent of audits to be performed on them.
Investigate claims of inability to pay taxes by researching court information for the status of liens, mortgages, or financial statements, or by locating assets through third parties.
Process individual and corporate income tax returns, and sales and excise tax returns.
Recommend criminal prosecutions or civil penalties.
Examine accounting systems and records to determine whether accounting methods used were appropriate and in compliance with statutory provisions.
Review filed tax returns to determine whether claimed tax credits and deductions are allowed by law.
Participate in informal appeals hearings on contested cases from other agents.
Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
Direct service of legal documents, such as subpoenas, warrants, notices of assessment, and garnishments.
Secure a taxpayer's agreement to discharge a tax assessment or submit contested determinations to other administrative or judicial conferees for appeals hearings.
Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
Request that the state or federal revenue service prepare a return on a taxpayer's behalf in cases where taxes have not been filed.
Prepare briefs and assist in searching and seizing records to prepare charges and documentation for court cases.

Average salary
51,132 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Tax inspector

49,994 GBP
52,719 GBP

Average salary for part-time Tax inspector

Average salary for full-time Tax inspector

Showing:

26,762 GBP

51,132 GBP
52,719 GBP
49,994 GBP

Salary over time for Tax inspector

Salary for this role has increased over time

48,868 GBP
51,256 GBP
54,987 GBP
52,894 GBP
54,583 GBP
56,627 GBP
51,132 GBP
56,684 GBP

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Future outlook for Tax inspectors

Very good outlook

17 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

35% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Tax inspector and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

40% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
32% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
8% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

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

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Tax inspector

Tax

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Tax inspector.

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively

Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

What technical skills do I need?

Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Tax inspector. Check that you know:

Accounting software Automated tax system software; Fund accounting software; Intuit QuickBooks

Data base user interface and query software Microsoft Access

Document management software Document management system software

Electronic mail software Email software; Microsoft Outlook

Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel

Improve your skills today

Tax

Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

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Tax inspector | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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