IRS Publication 4638 – IRS Jobs – How To Apply – Are you looking for a stable, rewarding career with excellent benefits, meaningful work, and opportunities across the United States? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) hires thousands of people every year for roles in tax processing, accounting, IT, customer service, and more.
IRS Publication 4638 (Rev. July 2020), titled IRS Jobs – How To Apply, remains the official IRS guide for navigating federal job applications through USAJOBS. Although the core process still relies on USAJOBS.gov, the system has been modernized with login.gov integration and streamlined steps. This article breaks down everything in Publication 4638, updates it with the latest 2026 procedures from official IRS Careers pages, and gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap to land an IRS job.
Download the free PDF here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4638.pdf
What Is IRS Publication 4638?
Published in July 2020 (Catalog Number 50849T), Publication 4638 explains how to register on USAJOBS, search for IRS positions using 4-digit job series numbers, and submit applications. It highlights full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary roles that support the nation’s tax system while offering competitive pay, federal benefits, and work-life balance.
The publication lists dozens of common job series, such as:
- Accounting & Budget: 0510 Accountant, 0560 Budget Analyst
- Tax Specialist & Examiner: 0592 Tax Examiner, 0526 Tax Specialist
- IT & STEM: 2210 Information Technology Specialist, 1550 Computer Scientist
- Administrative & Clerical: 0303 Office Clerk, 0343 Management Analyst
- Enforcement & Legal: 1811 Criminal Investigator, 1169 Internal Revenue Officer
You can search any series (e.g., type “500” for all Accounting & Budget jobs) on USAJOBS.
Why Choose a Career at the IRS?
IRS employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive benefits — Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) with health, dental, vision, and life insurance; Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching; up to $5,000 annual childcare subsidy; 13 paid holidays + generous annual and sick leave; 12 weeks paid parental leave; student loan repayment program (for eligible positions); and flexible/alternative work schedules.
- Work-life balance and telework options.
- Nationwide locations plus opportunities in Washington, DC, and major metropolitan areas.
- Diverse career paths from entry-level seasonal tax examiner roles to senior IT and management positions.
- Meaningful impact — Your work directly supports fair tax administration and public service.
Seasonal and temporary positions are especially popular during tax filing season (January–April).
Who Can Apply? IRS Eligibility Requirements
Most IRS positions require:
- U.S. citizenship (proof required during hiring).
- Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check, tax compliance review (you must be current on your own taxes), and suitability determination.
- Meeting the specific education/experience qualifications listed in each job announcement (e.g., accounting degree for revenue agent roles).
- Passing any required occupational questionnaire or assessment.
Veterans, military spouses, students, and recent graduates have special hiring authorities that can give you an edge—check the “Hiring Path” filters on USAJOBS.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for IRS Jobs (2026 Updated Process)
Publication 4638 outlines the classic steps, but here is the current, streamlined process from IRS Careers and USAJOBS.
- Create a login.gov account
Go to USAJOBS.gov → Click “Create account” and follow the secure login.gov prompts (multi-factor authentication required). - Build your USAJOBS profile
Upload or create a federal-style resume using the built-in resume builder. Save searches and set up job alerts. - Search for open IRS positions
Visit the dedicated IRS search: irs.usajobs.gov or go to USAJOBS and filter by Agency → “Internal Revenue Service” and “Open to the public.”
Use keywords or 4-digit series numbers from Publication 4638. Add your preferred location and click “Search.” - Review the full job announcement
Read every section carefully—duties, qualifications, required documents (transcripts, DD-214 for veterans, etc.), and closing date. - Prepare and submit your application
Click “Apply.” Answer the occupational questionnaire, upload your resume and supporting documents, and certify your application. Review everything before hitting “Submit.” You will receive a confirmation email and can track status in your USAJOBS account. - Set up job alerts
Save your search parameters so you never miss new openings.
Pro Tip: Tailor your resume to the exact language in the job announcement. Federal resumes are longer (3–5 pages) and focus on accomplishments with metrics.
What Happens After You Apply? The IRS Hiring Process
The entire process usually takes 2–4 months:
- Application review — IRS screens for eligibility and qualifications.
- Interview (if required) — Panel, virtual, or phone interview.
- Tentative Job Offer — Complete new-hire tasks, schedule fingerprints, and undergo background/tax checks (2–3 weeks).
- Firm Job Offer — Accept within 3 days; start date is set about 2 weeks later.
You’ll receive regular status updates in USAJOBS and by email.
Special Hiring Programs
- Students & Recent Graduates — Paid internships and the Recent Graduates Program (apply within 2 years of graduation).
- Seasonal/Tax Season Jobs — Entry-level positions that often convert to permanent.
- Veterans — Preference and special authorities.
- Other authorities — Schedule A (disabilities), military spouses, etc.
Tips for Success from IRS Publication 4638 & Current Guidance
- Use exact job series numbers for targeted searches.
- Check “Open to the public” filter.
- Always upload required documents (e.g., college transcripts for professional series).
- Be accurate—errors can disqualify you.
- Apply early; some announcements have cut-off dates.
- Prepare for background checks by ensuring your tax filings are current.
Ready to Apply? Start Today
- Download IRS Publication 4638: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4638.pdf
- Visit the official IRS Careers hub: jobs.irs.gov
- Go directly to open positions: irs.usajobs.gov
Whether you want a seasonal tax examiner role, a full-time IT specialist position, or a long-term career in public service, the IRS offers stable employment with unmatched benefits.
Bookmark this page and Publication 4638, set up job alerts, and take the first step toward your federal career today. New openings are posted weekly—don’t wait!
Questions? Visit IRS Careers or search USAJOBS for the latest announcements. Good luck!
Last updated February 2026 using official IRS sources. Always verify the most current details on IRS.gov and USAJOBS.gov.