Tax Technician

City of Fairfax•Va 22030, VA

About The Position

The City of Fairfax is hiring a Personal Property Tax Specialist to support accurate tax assessments, fair abatements, and reliable review of state income tax returns. The position performs technical and administrative work involving personal property tax assessments, abatements, and examination of state income tax returns. Work requires independent judgment within applicable laws and regulations. Employees routinely verify one another’s assessment calculations, and the work is subject to audit. The position operates under the general supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Revenue and involves significant public contact.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED equivalent.
Specialized courses or training equivalent to completion of one year of college in office administration or a closely related field.
Six months of clerical work or closely related experience.
Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, and rules concerning personal property assessment, other taxes, and state income tax reporting requirements.
Knowledge of techniques used to appraise personal property for tax purposes.
Knowledge of tax records and tax collection procedures and methods.
Ability to maintain records and develop office reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Required certifications: Department of Taxation certification, DMV security awareness training certification, and FEMA emergency management certification.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in clerical office work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

Establish personal property valuations for tax purposes and determine taxpayer liability or exemptions under applicable laws and regulations.
Process DMV transactions, including titles, registrations, renewals, address changes, surrendered plates, and related refunds.
Enter and maintain personal property tax and vehicle information in databases, including the PCI database.
Assess vehicles that have not been assessed automatically by NADA.
Research taxpayer information, verify residence, military status, ownership dates, and supporting records, and apply the appropriate tax formula.
Review state income tax returns, correct mathematical errors, and contact taxpayers for clarification or supporting information.
Assist taxpayers by telephone, correspondence, and in person with personal property taxes, income taxes, assessments, exemptions, billing, and abatements.
Receive assessment complaints, determine abatements based on updated information or errors, and initiate refunds or credits.
Answer telephone, walk-in, and mail inquiries about state income taxes and act as a liaison between taxpayers and the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Prepare state estimated tax vouchers; calculate taxes credited, paid, or due; verify information; and enter it into databases.
Research files to determine tax liability; prepare bulk mailings; purge files; enter data; compare printouts with source documents; and file paperwork.
Assist the Commissioner with personal property tax reports and supplements, balance accounts, and help ensure assessment accuracy.
Attend professional seminars and meetings to stay informed about federal and state tax revisions.
Perform related duties as assigned.