The IRS hires for hundreds of different roles, from tax examiners and revenue agents to customer service representatives and IT specialists

The Internal Revenue Service is a federal agency that employs roughly 75,000 people across the United States. Most positions are civil service jobs, meaning they follow federal hiring rules and pay scales rather than private-sector practices. You do not need to work in taxes or accounting to may have access to — the IRS hires accountants, lawyers, engineers, administrative staff, and many other professions.

All IRS jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, the official federal government job board. This is the only place the IRS posts openings, and you must apply through that site. The hiring process typically takes two to four months from application to job offer, and you will need to pass a background check and drug screening before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • All IRS positions are posted on USAJobs.gov, and you must create a free account and submit your resume through that site to be considered.
  • Most IRS jobs require U.S. citizenship, a valid Social Security number, and the ability to pass a federal background investigation and drug test.
  • Pay depends on the job series and grade level, but entry-level positions typically start between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, with regular step increases and federal benefits.
  • The hiring timeline is usually two to four months, and you will receive email updates at each stage — application received, referred to hiring manager, interview scheduled, and final decision.
  • Common entry-level roles include tax examiner, revenue agent, customer service representative, and administrative specialist, each with different education and experience requirements.

How to Find and Apply for IRS Jobs on USAJobs.gov

Go to USAJobs.gov and create a free account using your email address. You will need to build a profile that includes your work history, education, and military service (if applicable). The site stores this information so you can apply to multiple jobs without re-entering everything each time.

Once your profile is complete, search for IRS jobs by typing "Internal Revenue Service" in the agency field or searching by job title. Filter results by location if you have a preference — the IRS has offices in every state, though some regions have more openings than others. Read the job announcement carefully, because it lists the specific qualifications, required documents, and the deadline to apply. Most announcements stay open for five to seven days.

When you apply, attach your resume and any required documents — typically a cover letter, transcripts (if education is part of the requirement), and a list of references. The system will ask you to answer a series of questions about your background and experience. Answer these honestly and in detail, because they are used to screen applications before a human reviews them.

Basic Requirements for Any IRS Position

You must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid Social Security number. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). You cannot have been convicted of a felony, and you must be willing to pass a federal background investigation, which includes a credit check, criminal history review, and contact with previous employers and references.

You will also need to pass a drug screening test before you are hired. The IRS does not hire people who have used illegal drugs within the past year, and some positions require a higher level of clearance or investigation depending on the sensitivity of the work.

If you are a veteran, you may receive preference points on your application, which can improve your chances of being referred to a hiring manager. You will need to provide a copy of your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to claim veteran status.

Common Entry-Level Positions and What They Pay

A tax examiner reviews tax returns for accuracy and investigates discrepancies. Most tax examiners start at the GS-5 or GS-7 pay grade, which varies by location but typically ranges from $32,000 to $42,000 per year. You need a high school diploma and no prior experience, though accounting or tax coursework is preferred.

A revenue agent conducts field audits and investigates complex tax issues. These positions usually require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and start at GS-7 or GS-9 (roughly $38,000 to $50,000 per year). Revenue agents typically have more responsibility and higher pay than tax examiners.

A customer service representative answers phone calls and emails from taxpayers with questions about their accounts. These positions start at GS-3 or GS-4 (roughly $28,000 to $35,000 per year) and require only a high school diploma and the ability to handle difficult conversations professionally. During tax season, the IRS hires many temporary customer service workers.

Administrative specialists handle scheduling, records management, and office support. These positions start at GS-4 or GS-5 (roughly $30,000 to $38,000 per year) and require a high school diploma plus some office experience or training.

Federal Pay Grades and How Raises Work

All IRS employees are paid on the General Schedule (GS), a federal pay scale that has 15 grades (GS-1 through GS-15). Each grade has 10 steps, and you move up one step each year for the first three years, then every two years after that. This means your salary increases automatically even if you stay in the same position.

The exact dollar amount for each grade varies by geographic location. A GS-5 employee in rural Mississippi earns less than a GS-5 employee in San Francisco, because the cost of living is different. When you search jobs on USAJobs.gov, the salary range for that specific location is listed in the job announcement.

In addition to base pay, federal employees receive health insurance, life insurance, and a retirement pension. You contribute a small percentage of your salary to the retirement plan, and the government matches a portion of that contribution. These benefits are worth a significant amount beyond your base salary.

The Hiring Timeline and What Happens at Each Stage

After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. This usually arrives within 24 hours. The IRS then reviews applications against the job requirements — this step typically takes one to two weeks.

If you meet the basic requirements, you will be referred to the hiring manager. You will receive an email saying you have been "referred" — this does not mean you have the job, only that you are in the pool of candidates the manager will consider. The manager may interview some or all of the referred candidates, depending on how many applications they received.

If selected for an interview, you will receive a phone call or email with available times. Interviews are usually conducted by phone or video, and last 30 to 60 minutes. You may be asked about your work history, how you handle stress, and specific scenarios related to the job.

After interviews, the hiring manager makes a selection and extends a job offer. This offer is conditional on passing the background check and drug test. Once you pass those screenings, you receive a final offer letter with your start date, salary, and benefits information. The entire process from application to start date typically takes two to four months.

Preparing Your Application and Resume

Your resume should be clear and specific about your work experience. Instead of writing "responsible for various tasks," describe exactly what you did: "reviewed 50 tax returns per week for accuracy, identified $200,000 in unreported income, and prepared audit reports." The IRS wants to see concrete examples of your skills.

If the job announcement asks for specific experience — such as "two years of customer service" or "knowledge of federal tax law" — make sure your resume clearly shows that you have it. Use the same language from the job announcement when possible, because the initial screening is often done by computer systems that look for keyword matches.

Write a brief cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and what you can contribute. You do not need to write a long letter — one page is standard. Keep it professional and focused on the job, not on your personal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an accounting degree to work for the IRS?

No. Many IRS positions do not require accounting knowledge. Customer service representatives, administrative staff, IT specialists, and human resources employees do not need accounting degrees. Some positions, like revenue agent or tax examiner, prefer accounting or finance education, but entry-level tax examiner positions accept applicants with only a high school diploma.

How long does the background check take?

The background investigation typically takes four to eight weeks after you receive a conditional job offer. The IRS will contact your previous employers, check your credit and criminal history, and verify your education. You will be asked to complete a detailed form (SF-86) that asks about your financial history, drug use, and foreign contacts. Answer all questions truthfully — lying on this form is a federal crime.

Can I work for the IRS if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the crime. Felonies generally disqualify you, but misdemeanors may not. The IRS evaluates each case individually based on the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to the job. If you have a criminal record, you can still apply, but you should be honest about it in your background investigation paperwork.

Are there temporary or seasonal IRS jobs?

Yes. The IRS hires many temporary employees during tax season (January through April). These positions are posted on USAJobs.gov and typically last three to six months. Temporary positions pay the same hourly rate as permanent positions at the same grade level, but do not include federal benefits. Some temporary employees are later hired into permanent positions.

What is the dress code for IRS employees?

Most IRS offices follow "business casual" standards — no jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers, but blazers and ties are not required. Customer-facing positions and management roles may have stricter standards. Your hiring manager will explain the dress code during your first week.