Appeals Officer

Job Duties

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position.

1. Conducts Appeals conferences for the settlement of tax cases in which taxpayers have appealed determinations made by the Service or have filed petitions with the U.S. Tax Court for redetermination of tax liability. Cases assigned at this level are characterized by a lack of clearly applicable precedents/procedures or conflicting policy and program objectives.
2. Conducts extensive research and analysis of case issues to determine and apply the law to the facts presented. Serves as an expert in determining a final settlement and resolving appealed cases that involve difficult legal or factual questions, precedents are unavailable or not clearly applicable, and there are large sums of money involved. Where issues are unclear or where a clear precedent is lacking, determines the appropriate resolution based upon relevant factors including reasonableness, adjudication trends and settlement practices.
3. Analyzes case files, supporting documents and other information that relate to tax liability. Reviews cases for adequate technical development of issues. Remedies defects or inadequacies in cases or on issues either independently or collaboratively with other team members, or by referral to the appropriate Service component.
4. Deals professionally and effectively with taxpayers, representatives and co-workers. Conducts Appeals conferences and negotiations in a dignified and orderly manner, with displayed impartiality. Negotiates settlements of cases on the basis of facts developed and applicable law and regulations, considering the hazards of litigation.
5. As appropriate, provides effective neutral assistance as a mediator to resolve tax disputes between the IRS and the taxpayer. Conducts separate or joint conferences to assist the parties of the tax dispute to arrive at a resolution in an effort to avoid litigation and minimize costs.