TAXPAYER ASST REP

State of careers Rhode Island • Providence, RI

4d • $52,062 - $57,606

About The Position

The Taxpayer Assistance Representative provides assistance and authoritative information about Rhode Island state tax laws to taxpayers and their representatives by telephone, correspondence, or in person. The role interviews taxpayers to understand their tax problems and advises them on appropriate solutions. Work is performed under general supervision, with assignments and some instructions from a supervisor; completed work is reviewed for results and compliance with applicable tax laws, regulations, and procedures. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The representative provides technical assistance on Rhode Island personal income taxes, business corporation taxes, and other state taxes such as sales and use tax. The role also helps taxpayers prepare current, delinquent, and amended returns and supporting documents; explains claims and extension procedures; and helps taxpayers respond to information requests from tax officials. When taxpayer-service workload permits, the representative may perform related duties in collections or audits.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of, and ability to interpret and rapidly recall, state tax laws, regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to meet and deal with taxpayers and their representatives, including in stressful situations involving adverse actions by the Division.
• Ability and judgment to interpret tax laws, regulations, and procedures consistently and equitably for all taxpayers.
• Ability to prepare taxpayers’ returns.
• Familiarity with the basic operation of data retrieval systems related to computer processing and ability to interpret retrieved data.
• Graduation from a college of recognized standing, and experience gained through employment in government or the private sector involving public contact or preparation and filing of tax returns and/or reports for individuals, partnerships, or corporations; or a substantially equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and technical assistance about state tax laws to taxpayers and their representatives by telephone, correspondence, or in person.
• Interview taxpayers and their representatives to identify tax problems and advise on appropriate solutions.
• Assist with Rhode Island personal income tax matters, including residency, filing requirements, estimated taxes, servicemen’s filing requirements, withholding, property tax relief credits, and other tax credits.
• Assist with Rhode Island business corporation taxes, including estimated filing requirements and due dates, and other areas of state taxation such as sales and use tax.
• Prepare or help taxpayers prepare current, delinquent, or amended returns and supporting forms, statements, schedules, affidavits, and explanations.
• Analyze copies of tax returns, schedules, and account transcripts to assist taxpayers.
• Advise taxpayers about their rights to file claims and help them prepare claims effectively.
• Explain extension-of-time-to-file requirements and assist taxpayers with extension applications.
• Help taxpayers respond to tax officials’ requests for information or clarification, particularly to perfect unprocessable returns.
• When taxpayer-service workload permits, perform related collections or audit duties.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• The posting refers applicants to the Office of Employee Benefits website for information about benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees.
• New hires are required to participate in direct deposit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time