Payroll Tax Specialist

Homebase (YC W21)

. Review incoming payroll tax notices, investigate root causes, and determine next steps .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $68,600 - $80,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in payroll tax processes, including compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, while effectively communicating with customers and managing multiple cases. Proficient in using AI tools to enhance research and documentation workflows.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Payroll Tax ExpertiseAttention To DetailStrong Communication SkillsExperience With Tax NoticesAbility To Use AI Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll Tax ComplianceTax Notice ResolutionQuarterly FilingsW-2/W-2C CorrectionsData AnalysisCase DocumentationProblem SolvingResearch SkillsOperational Work

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationCustomer InteractionJudgmentCuriosityTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Ticketing SystemSpreadsheetsReporting ToolsAI ToolsDocumentation Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CPPFPC

Industry Keywords

Payroll OperationsAccounting OperationsFUTASUICompliance DocumentationAgency RegistrationTax Filing RequirementsPayroll SaaS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Review incoming payroll tax notices, investigate root causes, and determine next steps
Cross-reference notices with customer tax profiles, payroll history, and filing records
Resolve standard and moderately complex notice scenarios independently
Escalate novel, higher-risk, or high-dollar cases with clear summaries and recommendations
Communicate with customers about investigations, required information, and next steps
Partner with Payroll Operations and internal teams to resolve tax issues
Track notices, communications, actions, and resolution timelines in the ticketing system
Draft agency correspondence and penalty abatement requests
Maintain case documentation and update templates and guidance
Flag recurring issues and patterns for process or product improvements
Help customers prepare for quarterly filings and resolve filing blockers
Review accounts for missing agency IDs, tax rates, TPA/POA information, and other filing requirements
Support quarter-end filing and variance questions
Conduct year-end account reviews and flag missing or inconsistent information
Research federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements using approved sources
Explain agency registration requirements, deadlines, and filing processes using established guidance
Help maintain compliance documentation and calendars
Escalate questions outside established guidance rather than providing tax or legal advice
Review customer accounts for blocked accounts, missing agency information, outdated tax rates, and unresolved filing issues
Share recurring questions, friction points, and customer feedback
Help newer teammates learn established processes
Use AI and automation to improve research, documentation, customer communication, and resolution times

Requirements

What you’ll need

2 to 3 years of experience in payroll, payroll tax, accounting operations, or a related field, ideally at a payroll provider or payroll SaaS company
Working understanding of payroll and payroll taxes, including withholding, FUTA/SUI, quarterly and annual filings, and W-2/W-2C corrections
Hands-on experience with tax notices, payroll corrections, registrations, or similar operational work
Strong attention to detail and ability to work through structured processes accurately
Ability to find reliable information and solve problems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable communicating directly with customers
Ability to manage multiple open cases, keep accurate records, and follow through on commitments
Comfortable working with spreadsheets and learning payroll, ticketing, reporting, and other operational tools
Good judgment about when to work independently and when to escalate
Interest in deepening payroll tax expertise
Curiosity about AI and automation, with examples of improving workflows
CPP or FPC certification is a plus, but not required
Ability to use approved AI tools for research, documentation, case summaries, and customer communications
Ability to verify important information using payroll tax expertise, trusted sources, and human judgment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Stock options
401(k) with 4% match
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
FSA options
Flexible PTO
Company holidays
Designated focus periods
Access to paid AI tools with minimal restrictions
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 6 months of service
Life insurance
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Work From Anywhere Month
Meeting-free weeks yearly
Meals provided
Commuter benefits
Team offsites
Customer Days