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The role of a tax collector has evolved from ancient times and is now primarily done through automated systems and the internet. The negative connotation has led to alternative terms such as auditors or account controllers, and corruption is increasingly difficult to hide. IRS agents may visit wealthy individuals or businesses, but it is recommended to seek legal advice if this happens.
A tax collector is a person who collects taxes, either at the federal or local level. In general, many jurisdictions have moved from the term tax collector to a term that has less stigma attached to it. No matter what it may be called, the purpose of a tax collector is still the same: to collect taxes owed to the government and clear up any discrepancies.
The job of a tax collector is very different than it was in past centuries. Many may remember stories of ancient tax collectors from the Bible or other historical texts. Invariably it was a man’s job because it required a certain level of stamina. Many despised the tax collector, who was known as a man who could be bribed and bought by those in a position to do so.
Perhaps because of such a negative connotation, other terms have come to mean the same thing as tax collector. The Internal Revenue Service has agents. States and municipalities may have auditors, treasurers or account controllers who play the role of tax collectors. Generally, the goal is still the same.
Being a tax collector in modern times is not as dangerous or as susceptible to temptations and bribes as the job in ancient times. Now, most tax collectors work through a computer to find discrepancies and are monitored through various redundant checks that work to keep everyone in check. While it is still possible to find corruption, it is increasingly difficult to hide these things for an extended period of time.
Today, tax collections are done primarily through automated systems and the Internet or by mail. Notices are sent for property taxes or dates are preset for filing income taxes. If those taxes become delinquent, it may be that a living person becomes involved. At this point, the situation becomes more critical for the government.
In many cases, even delinquent taxpayers will never see a living individual fulfilling the role of tax collector. Dialogue is handled entirely by letter or perhaps by telephone. It is only in rare cases that a person is visited by a person who is trying to collect taxes.
The exception is IRS agents who may visit wealthy individuals or businesses. These agents are usually highly paid specialists tasked with finding large amounts of unpaid taxes. So unless a person owns a business, works for a business, or is in the top 2% of earners, the chances of finding a tax collector are relatively rare. If an IRS Special Agent visits, it is recommended that the person visited seek legal advice, as this is usually triggered by a criminal investigation.
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