Tax Specialist, Tax Department (2nd Floor), Bartow FL

Position Summary :

The Tax Specialist is responsible for providing the public with courteous, accurate, and timely customer service in the process of current, delinquent, ad valorem, and non-ad valorem tax payments. This person facilitates changes and corrections to the current property tax roll and investigates customer inquiries and responds either in-person, by phone, mail, or email. The Tax Specialist determines the customers’ needs and acts as an advocate to guarantee their transaction is completed within Florida Statutes, Department of Revenue (DOR) rules and regulations and Polk County ordinances.

The most essential skill is attitude and includes the following: positive interaction & cooperation with co-workers, responding politely to customers, working as a team member, function under intense time pressure and responding in a positive manner to supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Note: May perform other related duties and task, as required.

• Answer incoming calls, property tax (Tax), business tax (BT) and tourist development tax (TDT).

• Process:

• Payments for Tax, BT, and TDT.

• Applications for BT and TDT.

• Refunds for processing, Tax, BT and TDT.

• Tax deed application redemptions, (Tax).

• Partial payments, including bankruptcy.

• Transfer of certificates and purchase of tax certificates.

• Credit card transactions for Tax, BT and TDT transactions.

• Certificate of corrections to the Tax roll.

• Homestead Back Assessment taxes.

• Pro-rations and Orders of Taking (eminent domain) in taxes.

• ISF (bad) checks.

• Online Payments.

• Comment cards.

• Accounting Desk – Balance for all tills

• Assist with corrections, Tax, BT and TDT

• Return incorrect customer payments, Tax, BT and TDT

• Prepare the installment tax roll, Tax.

• Update address changes, Tax, BT and TDT.

• Customer inquiries, correspondence including email.

• Roll Maintenance – Tax, BT, TDT including status code changes, coding and verifying partial payment affidavits.

• Perform tax searches.

• Research the internet regarding address changes, Tax, BT and TDT.

• Send new property owner letters.

• Investigate tax payments that are received without a corresponding tax bill.

• Assist with opening mail, Tax, BT, and TDT.

• Send tax deed warning letters.

• Tracking and distribution of overnight mail including Fed Ex, UPS or other.

• Mortgage company processing.

• Records retention tracking for Taxes.

• Purchasing.

• Assist in Service Centers. This may require additional training.

• Assist with Courier Run.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or general education degree and one year customer service experience.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Florida driver’s license or be able to obtain one at time of employment.

• Board of County Commissioner’s defensive driving certificate obtained upon employment, if needed.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.

• Must possess strong problem solving skills.

• Ability to prepare reports, projects and documents.

• Skilled in researching, collecting and interpreting data.

• Strong mathematical skills.

• Must display a positive and helpful attitude.

• Must be highly dependable and motivated.

• Must have the ability to effectively manage multiple projects at the same time.

• Must be able to provide the public with competent, courteous and accurate customer service.

• Strong time management skills – timely processing of current, delinquent, ad valorem, and non-ad valorem taxes.

• Displays a good working knowledge of the published procedures and regulations governing the TCPC.

• Provide excellent customer service while handling a large number of complex customer transactions.

Working Conditions:

• Climate controlled environment with a moderate noise level.

Physical Demands:

• Lift 25 pounds

• Stand, squat or walk

• Sit for long periods

• Manual dexterity

• Hear at normal level or with accommodation

• Vision at normal range or with accommodation

ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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