Tax Preparer I/II/III

Kings Community Action Organization•Hanford, CA

22d•$18 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The VITA Tax Preparer provides accurate, confidential, high-quality federal and California state income tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families through Kings Community Action Organization’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The role includes interviewing clients, reviewing tax documents, preparing returns using IRS-approved software, and ensuring services comply with IRS VITA/TCE requirements, Quality Site Requirements, Volunteer Standards of Conduct, and KCAO policies. This seasonal position primarily supports VITA services during the annual tax filing season and requires attention to detail, customer service skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. There are three levels. Tax Preparer I handles simple returns and may also provide scheduling, scanning, and administrative support, with an expectation to complete a limited number of returns per shift while developing foundational skills. Tax Preparer II handles a moderate to high volume of returns, including returns with multiple income types, demonstrates tax software proficiency, and provides guidance to Tier I staff and reviews their work. Tax Preparer III handles the highest volume and complex cases, applying advanced tax knowledge and IRS regulations while preparing returns efficiently and with minimal errors. The position is temporary and full-time, based in Hanford, Avenal, and Corcoran, California. Employees must complete required training after hire, be at least 18 to participate in the VITA Program, meet KCAO employment requirements, and have reliable insured transportation, a valid California driver license, and an acceptable motor vehicle record. Frequent travel to communities throughout Kings County, including Corcoran and Avenal, is required. KCAO is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

Tax Preparer I: High school diploma or GED; no prior tax-preparation experience required.
Tax Preparer II: Associate’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field, or two years of tax-preparation experience.
Tax Preparer III: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field, or five years of tax-preparation experience.
Attend required tax-preparation training after hire.
Be at least 18 years old to participate in the VITA Program.
Meet and maintain KCAO employment requirements, including applicable criminal-record clearances through the California Department of Justice, FBI, CACI, NSOPW, and CSAR.
Complete a health examination and obtain tuberculin clearance.
Have reliable, insured transportation and a valid California driver license.
Have a motor vehicle report acceptable to KCAO’s vehicle insurer.
Be able to drive frequently to and from Kings County communities, including Corcoran and Avenal.
Tax Preparer I: Prepare simple returns and support scheduling, scanning, and administrative work; complete a limited number of returns per shift with a focus on accuracy and learning.
Tax Preparer II: Handle a moderate to high number of returns per shift while maintaining accuracy and compliance; work with multiple income types and tax software; guide Tier I staff and review their work.
Tax Preparer III: Handle the highest number of returns and complex cases; apply advanced tax knowledge and understanding of IRS regulations, preparing returns efficiently with minimal errors.

Responsibilities

Complete all required IRS VITA training and certification before preparing returns, and maintain the certification level required for assigned returns.
Prepare only returns within the VITA program scope and the employee’s current certification level.
Interview clients using the IRS-required intake and interview process to determine the information needed for accurate returns.
Review taxpayer documents for completeness and accuracy, including income records, identification, and other applicable tax records.
Prepare accurate federal and California state income tax returns using IRS-approved VITA software.
Apply applicable tax laws, deductions, and credits so clients receive benefits for which they are legally eligible.
Follow IRS VITA Quality Site Requirements and KCAO VITA policies and procedures.
Ensure completed returns receive the required review by an appropriately certified Quality Reviewer before finalization or electronic filing.
Review completed returns with taxpayers and explain refunds or balances due, applicable credits, and electronic filing.
Obtain required taxpayer signatures and authorizations, including Form 8879 when applicable.
Protect taxpayer information and personally identifiable information, and maintain its confidentiality, privacy, and security.
Maintain accurate client records and assist with program data collection, tracking, and reporting.
Refer situations outside the VITA program scope or the employee’s certification level to the VITA Site Coordinator.
Provide courteous, professional, culturally responsive, and respectful service, explaining tax information in clear language when needed.
Assist with client check-in, appointment flow, document organization, and other tax-site operations.
Participate in community outreach and promotional activities for KCAO’s free VITA services.
Maintain a clean, organized, professional, and secure workspace.
Collaborate with the VITA Site Coordinator, Quality Reviewers, tax preparers, volunteers, and other KCAO staff.
Attend required meetings, trainings, tax law updates, and program activities.
Immediately report suspected privacy breaches, security incidents, fraudulent documentation, or other concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the VITA Program and KCAO’s mission.