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$36.5K

$109.1K

$117K

How much do internal revenue agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for internal revenue agent in the United States is $109,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I become an IRS agent?

To become an IRS agent, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with relevant work experience. Applicants must pass a background check and a written exam, and often need to complete training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internal Revenue Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internal Revenue Agent, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, tax laws, and auditing procedures, usually backed by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with tax preparation software, auditing tools, and IRS information systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help agents interpret complex financial data and interact with taxpayers. These skills are crucial for ensuring tax compliance, detecting fraud, and upholding the integrity of the tax system.

How does an Internal Revenue Agent typically collaborate with colleagues and other departments during an audit investigation?

Internal Revenue Agents often work closely with other agents, tax compliance officers, and legal advisors during audit investigations. Collaboration is essential when dealing with complex cases, as agents may need to consult specialists in areas such as corporate tax, fraud detection, or international taxation. Regular team meetings and case discussions help ensure a thorough and consistent approach. Additionally, agents may coordinate with other federal or state agencies when audits involve broader compliance issues. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to learn from peers and develop a deeper understanding of specialized tax matters.

What is the difference between Internal Revenue Agent vs Tax Examiner?

AspectInternal Revenue AgentTax Examiner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often with accounting or finance background; CPA or EA certification beneficialBachelor's degree, typically in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or EA certification advantageous
Work EnvironmentIRS offices, field visits, audits, investigationsIRS offices, primarily reviewing tax returns and audits
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Internal Revenue Service, federal governmentU.S. Internal Revenue Service, federal government

Internal Revenue Agents and Tax Examiners both work for the IRS and require similar educational backgrounds and certifications. Agents often conduct audits, investigations, and complex tax issues, while Tax Examiners primarily review tax returns and ensure compliance. Both roles are essential in tax enforcement and share similar work environments within the IRS.

Is it hard to be an IRS agent?

Becoming an IRS agent requires passing a competitive exam, meeting education and experience requirements, and often completing training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. The job involves detailed financial investigations, strong analytical skills, and adherence to strict regulations, which can make it challenging but manageable with proper preparation.

What do internal revenue agents do?

Internal Revenue Agents are federal employees who conduct audits and examinations of individuals and businesses to ensure compliance with tax laws. They review financial records, assess tax liabilities, and may interview taxpayers or review documentation using specialized tools and procedures. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the tax system and requires knowledge of tax codes and accounting practices.

What are Internal Revenue Agents?

Internal Revenue Agents are federal employees who work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are responsible for examining and auditing the financial records of individuals, businesses, and organizations to ensure compliance with tax laws. They review tax returns, conduct interviews, and analyze financial documents to verify the accuracy of reported information and detect any discrepancies or fraud. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the tax system and ensures that everyone pays their fair share of taxes. Internal Revenue Agents may specialize in different areas, such as small business/self-employed or large business audits, and often work both in the field and in IRS offices.

Do IRS agents make good money?

IRS agents, officially known as Internal Revenue Agents, typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and federal pay scales. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, starting salaries often range from GS-5 to GS-12 levels, with opportunities for advancement and additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Overall, they earn a stable income aligned with federal government standards for law enforcement and tax enforcement roles.
More about Internal Revenue Agent jobs
What cities are hiring for Internal Revenue Agent jobs? Cities with the most Internal Revenue Agent job openings:
What states have the most Internal Revenue Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Internal Revenue Agent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internal Revenue Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internal Revenue Agent jobs are:
Internal Revenue Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internal Revenue Agent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,137 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Internal Revenue Agent

Criminal Investigation & Law Enforcement | IRS Careers

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$125K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

WHAT IS TAX EXEMPT GOVERNMENT ENTITIES?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • TEGE - Employee Plans -Employee Plans, Rulings & Agreement, Voluntary Compliance
  • This job (or announcement) is open to current permanent IRS competitive service employees in Tax Exempt Government Entities business units.
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS All GRADES: A Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a bachelor's or higher degree in accounting that included at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and an additional 6 semester hours in related subjects such as business law, economics, statistical/quantitative methods, computerized accounting or financial systems, financial management, or finance.
OR
A bachelor's or higher degree in a field other than accounting or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years that included at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and 6 semester hours in related subjects as described above.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-14: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for an Internal Revenue Agent.
To be qualified, your experience must include

  • Applying professional accounting principles, theory, and practices to analyze and interpret accounting books, records, or systems specifically to determine their effect on Federal tax liabilities and their adequacy for recording transactions affecting tax liabilities.
  • Interpreting the application of Federal tax law for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations to recommend appropriate courses of action. This includes analyzing and applying tax laws and regulations to recommend appropriate courses of action to address compliance issues that involve Employee Plans matters.
  • Understanding federal tax law and compliance issues in qualified and tax-favored retirement plans. Applying that understanding to explain policies and positions to senior officials and stakeholders. Applying regulations and official guidance, including the latest procedures and techniques to oversee corporate financial transactions and financial management principles and practices. This includes being able to accomplish assignments that require some legal research.
  • Experience with the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System programs and the applicable correction principles and procedures to resolve compliance issues in qualified and tax-favored retirement plans.
  • Reviewing Employee Plans Compliance programs and the underlying policies for correction principles, fees, sanctions and procedures.
  • Understanding actuarial science is sufficient to recognize problems and recommend courses of action, interpretation of retirement plan provisions and negotiation to users of Employee Plans' correction programs, and provides assistance EP specialists, nationally prominent attorneys CPA's, etc., to write clear, comprehensive reports of determinations and findings.
  • Applying communicative techniques to effectively interact with a broad range of individuals and negotiate with specialists in accounting, legal, tax, and other similar business-related professions. This includes being able to resolve conflicts, supporting and explaining your position, participating in discussions to arrive at sound conclusions and/or recommendations.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03 or 04 positions.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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