Joining the "Dark Side"

[Zee]

I could use some input from any former IRS employees. Just for the "H*** of it", On February 1st, I responded to an IRS job posting as an LMSB team member. The position was posted as GS12 with a very wide salary range.

I'm an old timer (65). As such, jobs aren't that plentiful. My BS, MBA, CPA, VA disability preference, and 30 years experience don't seem to count for much. The economy has placed my wife's job in jeapordy (she's already taken a 25% pay cut), and I just haven't been able to develop a viable tax practice.

On 5/7 I received a call attempting to schedule a telephone interview for Friday 5/8. We were leaving for vacation, so I asked if it could be rescheduled. At first, I was told "no". Since my qualifications are far beyond the requirements, I figured it was just a tactic to "blow me off", and still satisfy the legal requirements. However, I was able to get them to re-schedule the call for the next Tuesday while on vacation. I called in and was interviewed by 3 persons via telephone. I asked if others had on-site interviews and was told "yes", and the telephone interview was only the first step. The next morning I received an email offering me the postiion as a GS12, step one. That isn't much money. It appears to be about $65000,

My question is how is the beginning salary determined when an experienced candidate is recruited. Is it possible to get the IRS to increase the step rating, or salary?

Second, if anyone has worked in the LMSB (Large and Small Business Division), what was it like? The descriptions of the planning and fieldwork procedures are impressive (not like I expected)?

I'm going to call Monday and ask for a visit. How can anyone accept a job without meeting their peers and Supervisor?

[Burke]

I would not sniff at $65,000 based on the circumstances you outlined in your post.

[BHoffman]

Zee, are you also offered good benefits?

[Lion]

Good for you

$65,000 sounds good to me. No self-employment tax. Do you get health insurance? A 403(b) or pension? You won't have to buy your own software or computer or printer or paper or toner. Good luck on your visit.

[Zee]

Zee, are you also offered good benefits?

I have no idea, but I don't think the benefits are very good. My son, a two-year lawyer earns, $200000, his wife a salesperson $100000. I earned $65000 in my last corporate job in 1978. My employment worth has been greatly depreciated. But, frankly...the "cushion" would be welcome in the current economic environment.

[Lion]

You

Your kids have years ahead of them to contribute to their firms. If your last corporate job paid $65,000 and you have no track record in the corporate or government world since 1978 and are 65, then $65,000 is great for today in this economic climate. If you're making more than that in your tax business, then don't make the move. But, if not, then you are lucky to be offered more than you made last year. If you can make more someplace else, then turn down the IRS job.

[WhiteOleander]

I would be very certain that they cannot make you re-locate. I have heard that the gov't is very much like the military. Even though they may say you'll be in such and such office, they can move you where ever they please. And you have nothing to say about it.

[Zee]

Thanks for replies...keep 'em coming

I still haven't heard from any ex-IRS employees. Has anyone been an LMSB team member? I'll probably have to make a decision on this early next week. I'm hoping to arrange a visit.

[New York Enrolled Agent]

II
Second, if anyone has worked in the LMSB (Large and Small Business Division), what was it like? The descriptions of the planning and fieldwork procedures are impressive (not like I expected)?

Actually LMSB is the abbreviation for Large and Mid-Size Businees. A business falls into this operating division when its assets exceed $10,000,000. Very complicated tax issues in this division.

[Zee]

Yes, that's correct. The concentration is most likely on M-3 type items, among others.

[Zee]

I would not sniff at $65,000 based on the circumstances you outlined in your post.

I'm not sure I understand. I assume you're saying you wouldn't even consider a $65000 job given the facts I've presented. Is that correct?

[Snaggletooth]

Go For It

Zee, I wonder if their interest is the result of the doubled funding for the IRS Audit Division? I've heard their Obama budget has gone from $400 million to $800 million.
People in their 60's also have a reknown and proven work ethic. If I were the IRS I would not hesitate for a minute to hire someone with your background.

There a lots of IRS agents who leave and begin their own practice. Would be great if "one of us" joined their ranks. Wonder how many of them have the perspective of a tax practitioner? If there were more of you, things might be better for us.

As a side note, I don't know where you are geographically, but there are people in the rural south who would sell their soul for a $65,000 job.

[Uncle Sam]

"Dark Side"

Whatever you do Zee, don't leave this board.

[Black Bart]

I think

Burke was saying (Burke: Please excuse my presumptousness) that he would not turn down the offer.

And, I have to say, given today's economic environment (employers are laying off in droves) and your situation (wife's job shaky--tax practice unprofitable), the question itself (Should I/should I not accept a $1,250 per week job?) is surprising. My credentials don't even approach yours and a "hard to get" approach has apparently worked wonders, but under the circumstances (rather than plead short notice/interrupted vacation) I'd have asked "Which would be more convenient for you -- 30 minutes from now or the crack of dawn tomorrow?"

Your earning (impressively) $65K over 30 years ago implies a rarified upper-level job atmosphere which maybe accounts for the (again surprising) question of "How can anyone accept a job without meeting their peers and supervisor?" I can't imagine asking for a job and simultaneously requesting an inspection for agreeable/amiable associates. I'd say 99% of new hires accept the job and meet everybody at work Monday morning.

Sorry; I didn't mean this to be so critical, it's just that your response to the situation was so astounding to me -- maybe it's this rural Arkie atmostphere and I just don't know any better. And maybe I ought to try your method -- it apparently works better than my beggars can't be choosers approach.

[GRich0656]

I think Zee is correctly considering all options carefully before making a decision that will have such an impact on his way of life. At 65, the health benefits may not apply, and he could be required to go through Social Security for health care. If you have not worked for a company for a number of years, this will be a BIG adjustment and with your years of experience, both in taxes and controlling your own life, having to abide by some work rules implemented by a much younger boss, who may be clueless, can become irrating and stressful.

I would find out a lot about my work environment, travel requirements, relocation policies, etc. before making a decision. Of course, if your financial situation is such that you are desparate for the job, that is different, but given that you were going on a vacation, and did not wish to delay it for a day for the job interview, I don't feel that to be the case.

Not trying to discourage you, taking the job could be the best thing you ever did, but if you rush into it and find out 6 months later that you absolute hate it, you will have to work hard to get you practice going again.

Best of luck!