Job Description
Job Description
Employment Type: Full Time- Temporary (Hanford, Avenal, & Corcoran)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: I: $18.26- $23.37 in 6 steps
II: $20.15- $25.80 in 6 steps
III: $22.25- $28.48 in 6 steps
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
MISSION STATEMENT:
Join Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO) and make a difference in Kings County, CA as a Tax Preparer I/II/III. KCAO envisions a future where all people in Kings County are able to live with dignity, have access to available resources and have the opportunity, motivation and ability to live economically productive and satisfying lives.
Our Mission: Working as a team, KCAO will seek and provide programs that develop self-sufficiency in individuals, families, and communities within Kings County.
Our Vision: Kings County residents and communities will achieve self-sufficiency through the high quality and client-focused programs of KCAO.
We are a private nonprofit helping people and changing lives in Kings County since 1965. Do you see yourself as part of our team of passionate, committed, and caring people?
JOB SUMMARY:
The VITA Tax Preparer is responsible for providing accurate, confidential, and high-quality federal and state income tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The Tax Preparer follows all IRS VITA/TCE program requirements, quality standards, and organizational policies while providing professional and courteous service to clients. The Tax Preparer is responsible for interviewing clients, reviewing tax documents, preparing tax returns using IRS-approved tax preparation software, and ensuring all services comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) VITA/TCE requirements, Quality Site Requirements, Volunteer Standards of Conduct, and KCAO policies and procedures. This is a seasonal position primarily supporting KCAO's VITA services during the annual tax filing season. The position requires strong attention to detail, customer service skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Successfully complete all required IRS VITA training and certification prior to preparing tax returns.
- Complete and maintain the appropriate IRS certification level required for assigned tax returns, including Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview and Quality Review training.
- Prepare only tax returns that fall within the scope of the VITA program and the employee's current certification level.
- Conduct thorough client interviews using the IRS-required intake and interview process to determine filing status, dependents, income, deductions, credits, and other information necessary to prepare an accurate tax return.
- Review taxpayer documentation for completeness and accuracy, including Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security statements, identification documents, and other applicable tax records.
- Prepare accurate federal and California state income tax returns using IRS-approved VITA tax preparation software.
- Apply applicable federal and state tax laws, deductions, and tax credits to help ensure clients receive all tax benefits for which they are legally eligible.
- Follow all IRS VITA Quality Site Requirements and established KCAO VITA policies and procedures.
- Ensure all completed tax returns receive the required quality review by an appropriately certified Quality Reviewer before returns are finalized or electronically filed.
- Review completed returns with taxpayers and clearly explain refund or balance-due amounts, applicable credits, and the electronic filing process.
- Obtain required taxpayer signatures and authorizations, including Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, when applicable.
- Protect the confidentiality, privacy, and security of taxpayer information and personally identifiable information at all times.
- Maintain accurate client records and assist with required program data collection, tracking, and reporting.
- Recognize tax situations that are outside the scope of the VITA program or beyond the employee's certification level and immediately refer those situations to the VITA Site Coordinator.
- Provide courteous, professional, culturally responsive, and respectful customer service to all taxpayers.
- Assist taxpayers who may have limited knowledge of tax laws or the tax filing process by explaining information in clear and understandable language.
- Assist with client check-in, appointment flow, document organization, and other tax-site operations as needed.
- Participate in community outreach and promotional activities designed to increase awareness and utilization of KCAO's free VITA services.
- Maintain a clean, organized, professional, and secure tax preparation workspace.
- Work collaboratively 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.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
TAX PREPERER I:
- High school diploma or GED / No prior tax-prep experience required / Preparation of simple returns, scheduling, scanning and administrative support
- With the expectation to complete a limited number of tax returns per shift, focusing on accuracy and learning foundational tax-preparation skills.
TAX PREPERER II:
- Associate's degree in accounting, Business, Finance or Related Field
or
- Two (2) years of tax preparation experience
- With the expectations to complete a moderate to high number of tax returns per shift while maintaining accuracy and compliance. Will handle tax returns with multiple income types and proficiency of tax software. Provides guidance to Tier I staff and reviews their work.