Tax preparers will be responsible for providing free basic tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers in Adams County and surrounding areas. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of tax services to the community.
Hosted by the Adams County Health Department under the Tax Help Colorado Campaign, the site will serve various locations, including Westminster and Commerce City, with potential expansion to neighboring counties. Tax preparers will be preparing and filing taxes for low to middle-income families and individuals in the area, while working directly with the Tax Site Coordinator for supervision and coordination.
The ideal candidate must provide strong customer service to families and individuals to ensure quality tax filing services and a trustworthy environment for the taxpayer. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience in basic tax assistance.
No prior tax preparation experience required. Training will be provided as part of the onboarding process.
Position classificationOnsite -- Job duties and expectations require employee to be regularly scheduled onsite.
This is a temporary position expected to end April 2025. - Ability to demonstrate learning of IRS required training and certification (See Training Resources and Requirements)
- Follows the IRS VITA quality site requirements during service
- Exceptional customer service skills including:
- Great organizational skills, including time management, interpersonal and strategic thinking
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results
- Demonstrated passion for helping low- or middle-income families and individuals build assets
- Ability to stay calm in stressful situations
- Be a quick and avid learner
- Attentive listening skills
- Ensure accurate tax preparation and quality review of tax returns
- Promotion and outreach of the free tax preparation site across different establishments ie. Non-profits, small local businesses, etc.
Hours, Location, Travel: - Hours: Typical work hours are 8am – 4pm December 2024 – Mid April 2024 ~25-30 hours per week
- Location: This is an on-site position that is based out of the Adams County Human Services Center in Westminster, CO
- On site – Adams County Human Services, Anythink Commerce City, and other location(s) in neighboring counties
- Travel: This position should expect to travel up to 60% of the time between Adams County Human Services Center and other Adams County sites.
- A Drivers License is not required, however must have access to reliable transportation for travel.
Training Resources and Requirements Adams County will support tax preparers in training and provide further resources for certification and preparation, by January 24th, 2025.
There are various options available for completing the tax preparer training. However, partner-led training sessions will be provided during the week of January 22nd, 2025.
- Staff must pass the following exams:
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam
- Intake/interview & Quality Review Training Exam
- Advanced VITA Exam
- Gain thorough understanding of the following documents:
- Publication 4961, Volunteer Standards of Conduct - Ethics Training
- Publication 5101, Intake/interview & Quality Review Training
- Publication 4012, VITA Volunteer Resource Guide
Responsibility to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Must commit to a learning mindset and continuous improvement regarding the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work within Adams County and The Department of Public Health including management style, work style, training, communication, and evaluation.
- Performs both internal and external work in a way that is equitably inclusive and effective within the diverse communities we serve.
- Prioritizes transparency and supports an open-door culture.
- Integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into internal and external goal setting.
- Experience: no experience required, but prior tax filing experience preferred
- Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must pass background check
- Bilingual Spanish or other language speaking preferred
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 10 pounds.
Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.
