Payroll Tax Specialist

Aston Carter•Columbia, MD

4d•$31 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Tax Specialist manages complex federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and compliance activities and serves 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 partners with internal teams and government agencies to address payroll tax and compliance issues, supports payroll tax operations for Financial Management Services (FMS) programs, and improves accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. The work includes specialized Fiscal/Employer Agent (FEA) scenarios and caregiver payroll programs, including compliance related to Difficulty of Care payments, caregiver payroll tax exemptions, and IRS Notice 2014-7. This is a contract-to-hire position based fully onsite in Columbia, Maryland. The stated pay range is $31.25–$33.65 per hour. Individual compensation depends on factors including qualifications, skills, experience, job knowledge, location, and internal equity. Benefits for eligible temporary-role employees may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage; a 401(k) plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a health spending account; transportation benefits; an employee assistance program; and time off or leave.

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.
Problem-solving skills to address 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 regulatory compliance.
Serve as the 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.
Communicate directly 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 improvements to 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 scenarios.
Ensure compliance with IRS Notice 2014-7 and other applicable federal and state regulations affecting exempt payments and caregiver payroll programs.
Contribute to payroll tax process and compliance strategy development using insights from 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
Voluntary life and AD&D insurance 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, subject to eligibility and applicable terms