Tax Specialist

Tax Specialist I

Tax Specialist I performs skilled technical clerical work assisting Commissioner of Revenue customers with tax and relief program questions, as well as the preparation and maintenance of fiscal related records. Works under general supervision and depending on assignment, reports to either the State Income Tax/Relief Programs Supervisor, Business Tax Supervisor, or Personal Property Supervisor.

The preferred hiring wage for this position is between $21.07 - $24.35 per hour ($43,825.60 - $50,648.00 annually). This full‑time, non‑exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.

• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan:Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5‑year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan:Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees.

• Serves as primary point of contact for taxpayers arriving in person, via telephone, and through written correspondence.
• Works to resolve problems or questions from customers relating to personal property, State Income taxes, business license, and/or relief programs.
• Performs work in assigned area(s) which may include but not limited to:
  • Business Taxes:
    • Addresses inquiries regarding local tax programs, new business tax account set up and correct business license classification; assist in processing fiduciary tax returns; review of asset listings for business tangible property tax.
    • Assists taxpayers on how to file and pay business taxes using online filling/payment system.
  • Personal Property:
    • Addresses inquiries regarding personal property assessments and/or billing issues; updates tax account information.
    • Verifies information for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) database; processes reports received from DMV to determine taxable status of vehicles within City limits.
  • Tax Relief/State Income Tax:
    • Addresses inquiries and obtains appropriate documentation to determine eligibility related to Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled;
      Rental Relief for the Elderly & Disabled; and Charlottesville Housing Affordability Program.
    • Assists taxpayers with filling Virginia Income Tax Returns.
• Enters and retrieves data with accuracy from a variety of databases and systems.
• Reviews all related filing information and data sources to ensure accuracy prior to entering information into the appropriate database.
• Examines and investigates documents to ensure compliance with City ordinances and State laws.
• Assists with general office/administrative duties, assists with incoming mail, and bulk mailings of information to citizens.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The City and Commissioner of the Revenue retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

• High School diploma or GED AND 1 year of related administrative…