Employment of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents is expected to grow 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Historically, employment of these workers has increased with the overall economy, with growth in the number of businesses and individuals filing tax returns creating a need for more workers in tax enforcement.
In addition, demand for tax enforcement is expected to increase, particularly at the federal level. When government budgets are tight, these workers are more likely than other government employees to be kept on the job, because stronger tax enforcement and collection increases government budgets.
Accordingly, employment of these workers should increase, even if overall government spending and employment are reduced.
Governments also are expected to hire third-party collectors to work on special cases—for example, those that cross state lines. These collectors should work together with those employed directly by governments, not replace them.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition