First you need to be a UK citizen. If you have an honours degree (at least 2:1), or a professional qualification in accountancy, you can join HMRC as a graduate trainee. You can join HMRC, if you have good levels of general education as administrative assistant. You need GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English to be considered for the post of administrative assistant. If you have five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, you can join as an assistant officer. You can also get into HMRC through selection tests, even if you don't have these academic qualifications.

Once in the job, you can opt for further training and qualifications. Tax Professional Development Programme is a four-year programme, which qualifies you as a tax inspector. There are also further opportunities in the form of Management Fast Track, which prepares you for advisory or management roles.