Job Profile OT&AS
The Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service (OT&AS) under the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is a prestigious career in the civil services of Odisha.
Job Profile
Designation
Initially, Officers typically start their careers as Taxation Officers or Assistant Accounts Officers .
Responsibilities
- Tax Administration : Overseeing the assessment, collection, and management of various state taxes, including sales tax, value added tax (VAT), and excise duties.
- Financial Accounting : Maintaining accurate financial records and accounts for government transactions, including receipts and expenditures.
- Audit and Compliance : Conducting audits to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations and identifying discrepancies in tax collections.
- Policy Implementation : Assisting in the formulation and implementation of taxation policies and reforms.
- Public Service Delivery : Facilitating services related to tax registration, filing, and payment to the public.
Pay Structure
- Initial Pay : The starting salary for an OTAS officer is in Pay Level 10 under the 7th Pay Commission, with a basic pay of approximately ₹44,900 per month, exclusive of allowances.
- Allowances : Officers receive additional allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), which vary based on their posting location and other factors.
- OTAS officers enjoy benefits like medical facilities, official accommodations, and retirement benefits, including pension schemes.
Work Responsibilities
- Tax Assessment and Collection : Conducting assessments for various taxes and ensuring timely collection from taxpayers.
- Accounting and Record Maintenance : Maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions, including tax payments and refunds.
- Enforcement of Tax Laws : Ensuring compliance with tax regulations and taking necessary action against tax evasion.
- Facilitating Taxpayer Services : Providing assistance to taxpayers regarding tax filing, payments, and compliance.
- Collaboration with Other Departments : Working with other government departments to implement tax policies and share financial information.
Promotional Hierarchy
The Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service has a well defined promotional structure, allowing for career advancement based on experience, performance, and seniority:
- Taxation Officer / Assistant Accounts Officer : Entry level position responsible for basic taxation and accounting duties.
- Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes : Promotion typically occurs after 5 7 years, with increased responsibilities in managing tax administration at the regional level.
- Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes : After about 10 12 years, officers may be promoted to oversee multiple districts and handle specialized tax issues.
- Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes : Senior position involving policy formulation and strategic oversight of tax administration.
- Commissioner of Commercial Taxes : The highest position in the Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service, responsible for overall tax administration and revenue generation for the state.
The Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service provides significant opportunities for career growth while allowing officers to play a vital role in enhancing the state’s revenue generation, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and managing the financial resources of Odisha.