Tax Assistant

Job Summary

The Tax Assistant supports the operations of the Special Inventory Tax Section within the Harris County Tax Office. This role is responsible for processing tax-related filings, providing customer service to various types of dealers, maintaining accurate records, and supporting interdepartmental requests. The Tax Assistant ensures compliance with applicable tax laws, confidentiality requirements, and departmental policies while contributing to the efficient administration of special inventory tax functions.

Essential Duties

• Process current and prior year Declarations, Monthly Statements, and/or payments received from various types of dealers.
• Process amended Monthly Statements and/or Declarations per dealer request.
• Write and mail various letters of correspondence to the dealers.
• Research return mail.
• Absorb dealers over the phone, email, fax, and in-person.
• Adhere to strict confidentiality laws regarding dealer records.
• Assist other departments within the Tax Office, County Attorney’s Office and the Harris County Appraisal District with requests using the Special Inventory Tax system.
• Research historical documents and appear in court as required by court subpoenas (as needed).

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited U.S. institution.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in clerical and/or administrative experience in tax, finance, or accounting-related role. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in handling customer service inquiries.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of special inventory tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Advanced understanding of tax records management and reporting procedures.
• Strong knowledge of open records request processing and legal guidelines.
• Customer service principles and conflict resolution strategies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and tax-related software systems.
• Leadership and team coordination skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficient in handling sensitive information with confidentiality.

Preferences

• Up to one (1) year of specialized or technical training beyond high school.

General Information

• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office setting subject to frequent interruptions with extensive work at a computer workstation. This is a full-time, in-office position. Remote work is not available unless specifically authorized based on operational needs.
• Sedentary role with light physical effort required, however, it may at times involve long periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, climbing, lifting up to 30 lbs. or similar activities (e.g., filing, delivering, sorting).
• A frequent volume of work and deadlines impose strain on a routine basis. The position may occasionally require extended hours during peak tax periods or special projects.
• Regular application of basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand tools, eye/hand coordination).

Physical Demands

• This role is a standard office role that requires remaining stationary for long periods of time. At times, boxes or equipment must be transported weighing up to 30 lbs.