JOB PROFILE OF ODISHA TAXATION AND ACCOUNTS SERVICE (OTAS)
Designation
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
- Starting Salary : 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 are entitled to additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), which may vary based on their posting.
- Other Benefits : 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.