NJ Civil Service Navigator

TAXPAYER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE 1

Code: 51322 State Competitive Range: P18 (FY2027)

Career Family: TAXPAYER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Salary: $58,222.22 - $84,763.22/year FY2027 schedule (last updated 2026-05-08)

Taxpayer Service Representative 1 is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.

It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Taxpayer Service Representative grades, a step below Taxpayer Service Representative 2, whose band tops out about $12,591 higher. You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $58,222 to $84,763, and state payroll currently lists about 123 people in the title, most of them at Treasury.

How to apply

  • Exam

    This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.

  • Exam

    Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.

  • Agency posting

    Department of the Treasury's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.

Pay ladder: Taxpayer Service Representative series

  1. Taxpayer Service Representative 1 — $58,222 – $84,763 (this title)
  2. Taxpayer Service Representative 2 — $66,592 – $97,354
  3. Taxpayer Service Representative 3 — $76,287 – $111,856

Promoting to Taxpayer Service Representative 2 raises the top of the band by about $12,591. Its top salary lands around the 26th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 123 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $58,818. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Treasury (123)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under close supervision of the Taxpayer Service Representative 3 or other supervisory official in the Department of Treasury, encourages voluntary compliance with New Jersey tax laws by providing basic information and assistance to taxpayers, their representatives and/or Division staff relative to all taxes administered by the division; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Responds to inquiries received by mail, telephone, or personal visit from taxpayers or their representatives, and provides necessary technical information and assistance in uncomplicated cases including requests forwarded through regional offices, Director's Office, and Legislators' Offices. Performs necessary research and compilation of data to supply information required. Reviews requests for information to determine whether the response requires an opinion by a higher authority or should be referred to another area in the division for specialized determination or investigative action. Forms and maintains manual or automated records of inquiries to ensure uniformity and timely response. Drafts replies to inquiries of a routine nature referred from the Governor's Office, the State Treasurer, the Director, Division of Taxation, or other authority. Develops training/education programs on tax administration and in giving presentations at workshops and/or seminars before public groups, professional societies, or other division staff. Assists in developing and disseminating information on tax administration to the public to encourage voluntary compliance. Develops technical brochures, bulletins, manuals, guidebooks, and other publications on tax administration. Reviews and updates instructions for state business and individual tax returns. Authorizes release of overpayments in the form of refunds and/or homestead rebates. Makes online adjustments to taxpayer accounts on automated systems. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of Federal, and State laws, rules, and regulations related to tax laws. Knowledge of common tax problem areas and of measures to be taken to clarify the intent of the laws and regulations. Knowledge of various research methods and techniques. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply tax laws of New Jersey and regulations, procedures, and forms of the Division of Taxation relevant to the administration of all various taxes, and their interpretation and specific application. Ability to understand the programs, functions, and organization of the division. Ability to provide taxpayer information and assistance, encourage voluntary compliance, analyze various problems which arise therein, and develop appropriate formats for communication. Ability to deal effectively with the public by telephone and in person as a representative of the division in various contacts with taxpayers of the state. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with tax attorneys, accountants, and with taxpayers and/or their representatives, and to ensure that employees provide proper tax information to them. Ability to determine whether required information is readily available or whether specific requests should be referred to division officers or other authority. Ability to prepare oral and written reports regarding policy and procedures involved in the administration of various New Jersey taxes. Ability to develop technical brochures, bulletins, manuals, guidebooks, and other publications including tax return instructions on tax administration. Ability to make oral presentations on tax administration before public groups, professional societies, and other division staff. Ability to supervise the maintenance of essential taxpayer service records, reports, and files. Ability to prepare clearly written informative, technical correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to research and compile information accurately and in a professional manner Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in a public or private agency providing technical tax information and assistance to taxpayers, their representatives, and/or other interested parties to aid in comprehending and complying with provisions of various tax laws. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.