Payroll Tax Specialist
About The Position
The Payroll Tax Specialist manages complex federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and compliance activities, serving as a subject matter expert on payroll tax regulations and reporting. The role resolves tax notices, audits, discrepancies, and agency inquiries; establishes and maintains payroll tax accounts and registrations; and supports year-end processing, including W-2s, W-2Cs, and tax reconciliations. The specialist works with internal teams and government agencies, supports payroll tax operations for Financial Management Services (FMS) programs, and improves accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across multi-state payroll tax operations. Responsibilities include specialized Fiscal/Employer Agent (FEA) scenarios and caregiver payroll programs. The position is based in Columbia, Maryland. For the first 90 days, it is fully onsite; afterward, the schedule transitions to three days onsite and two days remote per week. The role is described as contract to hire. The listed pay range is $31.25–$33.65 per hour. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with emphasis on accuracy, regulatory compliance, and professional development.
Requirements
- At least 4 years of payroll tax experience.
- Strong knowledge of payroll processing and payroll tax principles.
- Hands-on experience with multi-state payroll tax compliance and operations.
- Experience managing payroll tax filings, responding to notices, supporting audits, and handling agency communications.
- Solid understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations related to payroll.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex tax rules and data.
- Effective problem-solving skills for addressing discrepancies and complex tax scenarios.
- Clear, professional communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external agencies.
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Experience with ADP and/or Cyma payroll systems.
- Experience supporting Financial Management Services (FMS), Fiscal/Employer Agent (FEA), or third-party payroll administration programs.
- Knowledge of W-2 corrections, payroll tax exemptions, and refund processes.
- Familiarity with specialized caregiver payroll programs and Difficulty of Care payments.
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
Responsibilities
- Manage federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll tax regulations, reporting requirements, and best practices.
- Research and resolve payroll tax notices, audits, discrepancies, and inquiries from tax agencies.
- Establish, maintain, and update payroll tax accounts and registrations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Support year-end payroll tax processing, including preparation and review of W-2s, W-2Cs, and tax reconciliations.
- Partner with internal teams to identify, investigate, and resolve payroll tax and compliance issues.
- Work with state and federal agencies regarding filings, registrations, and payroll tax matters.
- Support payroll tax operations for Financial Management Services (FMS) programs and related services.
- Identify and implement process improvements that increase payroll tax accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
- Manage payroll tax compliance for Fiscal/Employer Agent (FEA) programs, including Difficulty of Care payments, family caregiver payroll tax exemptions, tax adjustments and refunds, and other specialized payroll tax scenarios.
- Ensure compliance with IRS Notice 2014-7 and other applicable federal and state regulations affecting exempt payments and caregiver payroll programs.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of payroll tax processes and compliance strategies, providing insights based on multi-state payroll tax operations.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Voluntary life insurance and AD&D coverage for employees and dependents
- Short- and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave (eligibility and terms apply)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
