🟢 Status: OPEN | 250+ Locations Nationwide | Source: USAJOBS.gov
IRS Revenue Agent Jobs 2026 — Internal Revenue Service | Apply Now on USAJOBS
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), under the US Department of the Treasury, is actively hiring Internal Revenue Agents (Examiners) for 2026 at over 250 locations nationwide. This is one of the most in-demand accounting and finance careers in the entire federal government, with positions available across three career tracks — Entry to Mid-Career (GS-5 to GS-12), Experienced Accountant (GS-13), and Senior Level (GS-14) — offering salaries ranging from $39,576 to $158,860 per year.
Whether you are a new accounting graduate, a licensed CPA, or a seasoned tax professional, the IRS has a Revenue Agent position that matches your experience level. With a guaranteed 40-hour work week, comprehensive federal benefits, career development programs, and the chance to work on some of the most complex financial cases in the country — this is a federal career worth pursuing.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Internal Revenue Agent (Examiner) |
| Agency | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Department | US Department of the Treasury |
| Job Series | GS-0512 Internal Revenue Agent |
| Location | 250+ Locations Nationwide |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time — Guaranteed 40-hour work week |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Career Ladder |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-5 through GS-14 |
| Salary Range | $39,576 – $158,860 per year |
| Career Tracks | Entry/Mid-Career (GS-5–12) · Experienced (GS-13) · Senior (GS-14) |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens — Open to Public |
| Security Clearance | Background Investigation Required |
| Drug Test | Not Required |
| Travel Required | Yes — field examinations at taxpayer locations |
| Telework Eligible | Yes — hybrid options available in many locations |
| Student Loan Repayment | Available |
| Childcare Subsidy | Available |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As an IRS Internal Revenue Agent, you will use your accounting expertise to plan and conduct examinations of federal tax returns — determining whether individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, and tax-exempt organizations have correctly reported their taxes and fulfilled their obligations under US tax law.
Revenue Agents are the IRS’s frontline accounting professionals. Your work directly funds America’s most vital national programs — from infrastructure and education to defense and healthcare. You will work with taxpayers, their legal representatives, CPAs, and tax attorneys to conduct fair, thorough, and legally sound examinations. As you advance in grade, your cases become progressively more complex — from individual returns at GS-5 to international tax law, pass-through entities, and global high-wealth investigations at GS-14.
“The variety of issues we examine keep me interested and engaged, as I continue to learn every day.” — Lauren, Supervisory Revenue Agent, IRS
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct independent examinations of federal income, profits, estate, gift, excise, and employment tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other entities
- Perform examinations in the field (at taxpayer locations) or in a centralized office environment
- Analyze and interpret complex accounting books, records, and financial systems to determine their effect on federal tax liabilities
- Determine compliance with tax laws, regulations, and IRS policies; identify unreported income, improper deductions, and tax evasion
- Work directly with taxpayers, CPAs, tax attorneys, and authorized representatives during examination proceedings
- Prepare comprehensive examination reports documenting findings, adjustments, and recommendations
- Apply knowledge of accounting principles, tax law, and IRS procedures to resolve complex tax issues
- At senior levels (GS-13/14): focus on large corporations, international tax, transfer pricing, pass-through entities, and global high-wealth taxpayers
- Participate in IRS-sponsored continuing professional education and specialty training programs
- Collaborate with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Department of Justice, and other enforcement partners on complex cases
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education — Basic Requirement (ALL Grades)
⚠️ One of the following is required for ALL grade levels — no exceptions:
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Option A — CPA | Active CPA certificate obtained through written examination in any US state, territory, or DC |
| Option B — Accounting Degree | Bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting with at least 30 semester hours in accounting OR 24 semester hours in accounting + 6 hours in business law, economics, finance, statistics, or computerized accounting |
| Option C — Related Degree | Bachelor’s or higher in any field + combination of education/experience totaling 4 years with at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 accounting + 6 related hours |
Specialized Experience & Salary by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Career Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $39,576 – $51,446/yr | Entry Level | Basic education requirement only — no specialized experience needed; new accounting graduates welcome |
| GS-7 | $43,251 – $56,227/yr | Entry Level | 1 year specialized experience at GS-5 equivalent OR 1 year graduate study OR Superior Academic Achievement |
| GS-9 | $52,921 – $68,798/yr | Entry Level | 1 year specialized experience at GS-7 equivalent OR Master’s degree in accounting/tax |
| GS-11 | $63,996 – $83,193/yr | Mid-Career | 1 year specialized experience at GS-9 — including planning and conducting tax examinations |
| GS-12 | $76,671 – $99,674/yr | Mid-Career | 1 year specialized experience at GS-11 — conducting complex multi-issue examinations |
| GS-13 | $103,409 – $134,435/yr | Experienced | 1 year at GS-12 — advanced case work; larger corporations; specialty tax areas |
| GS-14 | $122,198 – $158,860/yr | Senior | 1 year at GS-13 — international tax, transfer pricing, global high-wealth, pass-through entities |
💡 Tip: If your experience spans multiple grade levels, apply to all grades for which you qualify. The IRS encourages applicants to submit multiple applications to maximize hiring opportunities.
Other Requirements
- US Citizenship: Required — no exceptions
- Background Investigation: Full federal background check required
- Drug Test: Not required for this position
- Physical Requirements: Ability to travel to taxpayer locations for field examinations
- Probationary Period: 1-year probationary period for new federal hires
- Ethics: Must comply with strict IRS ethics requirements including tax filing compliance — IRS employees must have all personal taxes filed and current
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $39,576 – $158,860/yr (GS-5 to GS-14 + locality pay) |
| Work Schedule | Guaranteed 40-hour work week — no mandatory overtime |
| Paid Time Off | 26 days paid vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Federal Holidays | 13 paid federal holidays |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) — comprehensive coverage |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks paid parental leave |
| Student Loan Repayment | Available — up to $10,000/yr in student loan assistance |
| Childcare Subsidy | Available — helps offset childcare costs |
| Telework/Hybrid | Available in many locations — work from home options |
| Training | Extensive IRS-funded training including tax law, accounting, and examination procedures |
| Career Development | Clear advancement path to GS-14 and management roles (Supervisory Revenue Agent) |
| Continuing Education | IRS-funded CPE to maintain CPA and other professional licenses |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Build your federal resume (4–6 pages — include all accounting/tax duties, dates of employment, hours per week, degree information, and CPA status)
Step 3 — Identify your qualifying grade level using the experience table above — then apply to all grades for which you qualify for the best chance of selection
Step 4 — Go to the IRS Revenue Agent search page: irs.usajobs.gov/search/results/?a=TR93&j=0512 and select the announcement for your grade level and preferred location
Step 5 — Submit all required documents: federal resume, college transcripts, CPA certificate (if applicable), and DD-214 (if veteran)
Step 6 — Monitor your USAJOBS account — IRS hiring timelines typically range from 3–6 months from application to start date
⚠️ Important: IRS Revenue Agent announcements are posted as 12-month roster announcements — applications are accepted continuously and selections are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. Apply as early as possible to be placed on the roster. All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov. For upcoming IRS hiring events and career fairs, visit jobs.irs.gov/events.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference on IRS Revenue Agent positions. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional preference. Veterans with military finance, accounting, or auditing experience (MOS 36 series, financial management officers, etc.) are especially competitive. Indicate your veterans’ preference status on your USAJOBS profile and include your DD-214 in your application. The IRS has a dedicated veterans hiring program — visit jobs.irs.gov/veterans for more details.
About the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Internal Revenue Service is the nation’s tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress. The IRS processes over 240 million tax returns annually and collects more than $4 trillion in revenue — funding virtually every federal program from national defense to Social Security. The IRS employs approximately 80,000 people in offices across all 50 states, making it one of the largest federal employers in the country. Revenue Agents are among the IRS’s most valued professionals — their work ensures that America’s tax system operates fairly, efficiently, and with integrity for all taxpayers.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov and IRS Careers for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at irs.usajobs.gov. We are not affiliated with the IRS, the Department of the Treasury, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Internal Revenue Agent – IRS USAJOBS Search
- Revenue Agent – IRS Careers
- Internal Revenue Agent Series 0512 – OPM
- Benefits Pay – IRS Careers
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