IRS TCO case studies
IRS TCO · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The IRS Tax Compliance Officer (TCO) examination is the hiring assessment used by the Internal Revenue Service to screen candidates for Tax Compliance Officer positions - front-line roles in which employees contact taxpayers, review filed returns and account information, and work cases toward resolution. Candidates typically encounter it after applying through USAJOBS and being referred for testing; it is a selection instrument, not a professional certification, and passing it does not by itself confer a job offer. The exam is generally described as covering four areas: tax law and tax compliance fundamentals; taxpayer rights and IRS procedures; communication and case documentation; and investigation and enforcement referral. Preparation should center on the official IRS website, which publishes the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, descriptions of notices and letters, identity theft and tax scam reporting channels, payment and installment agreement options, and the forms most used in compliance work, such as Form 1040, Form 9465, Form 2848 and Form 4506-T. The IRS TCO case studies are 5 cases and about 3,134 words.
1Rideshare Schedule C and the Unsupported Expense Package
Marcus filed a 2023 Schedule C for rideshare and delivery work. Gross receipts are 86,400.
672 words, about 3 min2CP504, a Missing Final Notice, and an Innocent Spouse Request
Elena filed a joint 2021 return with her former husband, who ran a construction business. The IRS assessed 18,400 after disallowing business deductions.
673 words, about 3 min3Interpreter, Recording Request, and a 1099-K Mismatch
Nguyen, 68, about a 19,600 balance from a 2022 return. He speaks limited English, and his adult daughter Mai joins the call as interpreter.
629 words, about 3 min4Cash Deposits Just Under $10,000 and an Offer to Settle in Cash
You are reviewing Vinny's convenience store account. He owes 52,300 for 2022.
597 words, about 3 min5Trust Fund Recovery Penalty for an Office Manager Who Signed the Checks
Brightline Services owes 84,000 in payroll taxes for the first three quarters of 2023. The owner, Richard, controlled the company.
563 words, about 3 min