How to Become Income Tax Officer (Complete Information)

Income tax officer is the dream job of many aspirants. This job profile attracts many people because of its good pay scale, scope of promotion, a better quality lifestyle and the perks of being associated with the Income Tax Department. It has the same authority as that of any investigation department like CBI, CID etc.

The question arises how to become an income tax officer when every other person preparing for SSC or UPSC is targeting this job profile. You know the answer, work smart, beat the competition and be resourceful. Carefully manage your time and analytical skills. 

In this article we will know the answers to the most asked questions about income tax officers. Let’s see the first one, shall we! 

How can I become income tax officer in India?

To become an income tax officer in India you will have to take the exam of SSC CGL or the UPSC civil service examination.  After clearing the exam you can either be posted as an IT officer in Centre Board of Direct Access or Centre Board of indirect taxes or Centre Board of Excise and Customs.

Eligibility criteria for SSC CGL income tax officer post:

Age limit: The candidate should be between the age limit of 21 to 30 years.  The OBC candidates get a relaxation of 3 years,  the SC/ST get an age relaxation of 5 years,  the PWDb candidates get relaxation of 10 to 15 years and the Ex-serviceman get an age relaxation of 3 years after reduction of  Military Service get an age relaxation of 3 to 8 years. 

Educational qualification for SSC CGL income tax officer post:

Any candidate who graduates with minimum passing marks can sit in the SSC CGL examination.

Selection process for the post of income tax officer through SSC CGL:

SSC CGL exam occurs in 3 steps. There are two tiers of the exam known as Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3.

The Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam is online. The Question paper will have objective multiple choice questions  from the four subjects general awareness, general intelligence and reasoning, english comprehension and quantitative aptitude. 

Tier 1 is prelims and its marks are not considered for final ranking.

Tier 2: There are four question papers I, II, III and IV. Paper I and II is compulsory for everyone. Paper III and IV is based on the post.

Marks of Tier 2 are calculated for the final cut off. 

After clearing Tier 2 exam, the candidates will have to give Tier 3 qualification exam.

Tier 3: It is descriptive in nature for English or Hindi language of 100 marks. No negative marking. 

Tier 4: The candidates will be called for physical and typing proficiency where ever needed. It is a post specific requirement.

The final cut off consists of marks obtained in Tier 2 + tier 3 + tier 4 (specific job requirement).

Document Verification: After you have cleared all the four/three tier exams, you will be called for a document and medical examination.

Appointmnent Letter: The aspirants who fulfil the criteria will get the official letter of recruitment in the respective departments in the government from the Staff service selection commission.

Can I become income tax officer through UPSC?

No, you can’t become an Income tax officer through UPSC. But, you can join the income tax department as Assistant commissioner of Income Tax under the Indian Revenue Services after clearing the UPSC examination. 

It’s a group A gazetted officer post.

Eligibility criteria for Income tax officer through UPSC is given below:

Age limit: 21 to 30 years. 

Age relaxation: The OBC candidates get a relaxation of 3 years,  the SC/ST get an age relaxation of 5 years,  the PWDb candidates get to relaxation of 10 to 15 years and the Ex-serviceman get an age relaxation of 3 years after reduction of  Military Service get an age relaxation of 3 to 8 years. 

Educational Qualification: Any graduate with minimum passing marks.

Selection Process: Examination is conducted in three steps like SSC CGL. 

Tier 1 is called UPSC Preliminary Exam

Tier 2 is the UPSC Mains Exam and 

Tier 3: The selected candidates are called for the final round, which is the Interview.

Training: The selected candidates will have to go through training under the IRS. 

Posting: the selected candidates will be appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax in CBEC (Central Board of Excise and Customs) and (Central Board of Direct Taxes).

Which post is highest in income tax department?

The highest post in the Income tax department comes under the Indian revenue services of the Income tax department, which is of Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax.

The hierarchy in the Income tax department is given below from the top most rank to the lowest rank. 

1. Under the Indian revenue service in the Income Tax Department 

2. Posts other than the Indian revenue service in the Income Tax Department 

What are the powers of income tax officer?

As an Income Tax Officer you will have to take up the following responsibilities:

1. To ensure that all the taxpayers are divided by the Income Tax Act of 1961.

2. There is no case of Black Money,  Money laundering,  undisclosed foreign property,  undisclosed for an income,  illegal sources of income  or financial scams going on in the country.

3. In the case an income tax officer suspects illicit activities,  he is liable to report it to the senior authorities and take up the necessary actions as per the law.

4. It’s the responsibility of the income tax officer to resolve issues related to ITR,  tax grievances,  incorrect or extra TDS as claimed by the taxpayer.

5. The income tax officer determines the actual income of the taxpayers who have filed income tax returns.

6. The IT officer can send note this is and do surprise checkings for frauds or scams or any activity in which the government is Losing taxes.

7. The income tax officer will have to comply with the rules of other departments to help out with the investigation’s requirements.

8. They are responsible for the paperwork and filings done at the time of rates and checkings.

FAQ:  how to become income tax officer

1. Is income tax officer good job?

Income tax officer is a good job in all respects. It’s a well respectable post which comes with a handsome pay of INR 46,000 plus salary and added perks and benefits, grade B cadre and power to do good for the society.

2. Is maths compulsory for income tax officer?

No, maths is not compulsory as an educational qualification to become an Income tax Officer. However, you must have a strong aptitude skill and the basic knowledge of mathematics up to class 10th standard to do well in this exam and clear its high cut off.

3. What is SSC exam salary?

The salary for the post under SSC changes from post to post. See this article, Income tax inspector salary to know more about the salary range for various posts in the income tax department.

4. Can a girl become income tax inspector?

Yes, any citizen of India who is 21 to 30 years of age, and is a graduate can become an Income tax officer after clearing the SSC CGL examination.  

5. Who is more powerful CBI or income tax officer?

Both the job profiles are completely different. However, many believe that CBI is more powerful, while in terms of resourcefulness IT officers are considered more at par. If you are involved in a team who leads investigations with criminal background and conducts raids often then both CBI and IT officers involve higher risk factors. If you have a desk job profile and are into digging information and finding trails for the department you have more power in either of the departments. As, without the evidence nothing can be done.  

6. Which course is best for income tax officer?

Any course that is designed as per your capabilities will be the best fit for you. Find the resources online. Search some good YouTube channels. Identify your weakness and strength. It’s all about time management and efficiency. Courses change from time to time.

Conclusion

We hope that now you have all the information on how to become Income Tax Officer.  As said earlier, this job is very reputed and is considered by most of the aspirants who prefer government jobs.  To become an income tax officer you must clear the three tear exam process of SSC CGL.  This exam is conducted each year however the cut off for this post usually goes very high. So be sure to brush up your general awareness and aptitude skills to crack the exam and get your dream job.  Best wishes from our side are with you!

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