INVESTIGATOR 3 TAXATION
Career Family: INVESTIGATOR
In New Jersey, Investigator 3 Taxation is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a bachelor's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $60,876 and $88,743, and state payroll currently lists about 72 people in the title, most of them at Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Investigator 3 Taxation appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Treasury.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Treasury | 72 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Investigator series
- Investigator 1 — $62,499 – $91,249
- Investigator 2 — $71,562 – $104,839
- Investigator 3 — $83,582 – $122,832
- Investigator 4 Law and Publc Safety — $83,582 – $122,832
Its top salary lands around the 30th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 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 72 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $64,203. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (72)
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. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the supervision of an Investigator 1, Taxation, Supervising Investigator, Taxation or other supervisory official in the Division of Taxation, Department of the Treasury, performs routine investigations as they relate to the collection of tax revenues, delinquent and/or deficient taxes, abatements, and enforcement of the tax statutes administered by the Division of Taxation; may be assigned to either a field or central office location; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Conducts routine investigations of taxpayers to determine adherence to the provisions of New Jersey tax laws. Prepares sound, accurate, and informative reports of tax investigations containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Examines division records to determine the accuracy of reported liabilities. Interprets the provisions of basic laws and regulations of the Division of Taxation. Reports instances of suspected violation of the law and other irregularities, and carries out subsequent investigations. Evaluates investigative findings to determine the possibility of fraud, and refers such matters to the supervisor. Investigates those individuals and businesses who have recently moved into New Jersey to determine tax subjectivity; takes appropriate action as required. Based on certain indices, will select and recommend files for field audit and/or Perfection of Judgment. Prepares financial workpapers that will cause certain legal documents to be filed in the proper office of jurisdiction. Assists in the seizure of the taxpayers assets and also assists in the auction sale of such assets. As required, acts as a witness in court and at administrative and other hearings. Makes service of process of legal documents. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee 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 the provisions of New Jersey tax laws, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder after a period of training. Knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code and federal tax returns as they relate to New Jersey tax laws and returns filed thereunder after a period of training. Knowledge of the functions of other government agencies such as the offices of the County Clerk, County Prosecutor, Secretary of State, Division of Motor Vehicles, Casino Control Commission, and others to secure data relevant to a civil and/or criminal investigation being conducted by the Division of Taxation after a period of training. Knowledge of the New Jersey Confidentiality Act and Federal Privacy Act of 1974 after a period of training. Knowledge of case selection procedures. Knowledge of legal procedures. Knowledge of various legal documents and legal procedures utilized in the Special Procedures/Investigations Activity after a period of training. Knowledge of the problems encountered in a program of financial data investigation and dissemination. Knowledge of investigatory techniques for all types of Federal Income Tax Returns which have items must be reported on New Jersey tax returns after a period of training. Knowledge of and the ability to make use of the Miranda ruling. Knowledge of methods used to coordinate travel and investigatory procedures. Knowledge of "Hot Line" procedures and taxpayer information centers after a period of training. Ability to understand and apply banking procedures to locate and attach assets of delinquent taxpayers. Ability to understand and apply procedures relative to the seizure and auction sale of taxpayer assets. Ability to examine and analyze state and federal returns to determine the reliability of taxpayer reports. Ability to evaluate personal financial statements to determine taxpayer ability to pay, and the ability to implement a payment schedule. Ability to read and interpret computer-generated reports. Ability to utilize surveillance equipment and recording devices. Ability to effectively question taxpayers and/or witnesses in order to elicit relevant information. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of investigations and related matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to recognize and document fraudulent practices, violations, and evasions concerning tax regulations. Ability to make required field and other investigations without giving undue offense, and to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when differences of fact, opinion, and interpretation arise. Ability to make routine investigations of taxpayers, note and appraise significant facts and conditions, and develop appropriate work methods in accordance with established procedures. Ability to understand, analyze, interpret, and apply basic laws and regulations. Ability to provide needed advice and assistance to taxpayers when problems arise in connection with the collection and recording of taxes, and in the preparation and submission of the required reports. Ability to make confidential and special investigations as required. Ability to explain to taxpayers the reasons for certain types of assessment and collection procedures. Ability to work with other law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county, or municipal levels in civil and criminal matters. Ability to utilize tax services to research points of law as they relate to the federal and state systems. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 as long as 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. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
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. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills Bilingual in Spanish and English. SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. 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. OR Five (5) years of professional experience requiring transactions with varied types of people involving the collection, verification, investigation, compilation, and/or dissemination of financial data performed in either a field or office environment. 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. SCNE19N/AP19-Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishSCNE19N/AP19- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 11/14/2015