Payroll Tax Specialist (Remote)

Sotalent; United States; Remote; USD 34,000 - 68,000; Part time

Job summary

Sotalent in the United States is seeking a Senior Payroll Tax Resolution Specialist to join a virtual expert team. This remote, hourly role offers flexibility with 20–40 hours per week and overtime eligibility for non-exempt status, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

You will manage a high volume of payroll tax cases, resolve notices, prepare amended returns, and mentor junior staff while maintaining your own production queue.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of payroll tax experience focusing on notice resolution and amendments
• Ability to interpret IRS/state agency correspondence and determine resolution steps
• Understanding of federal and multi-state tax laws including FICA and FUTA
• Experience with amended returns and W-2c filings across jurisdictions
• Advanced Excel/Sheets skills for data reconciliation (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables)

Responsibilities

• Handle full cycle payroll tax operations for assigned client accounts
• Research and resolve Federal and State payroll tax notices including deposits and SUI rate changes
• Draft responses to tax agencies and ensure timely documentation submission
• Prepare complex amended payroll tax returns (e.g., Form 941 X) and state equivalents
• Investigate payroll errors to determine tax impacts and maintain audit trails
• Manage personal workload with SLA-based prioritization
• Analyze data trends to improve internal systems and workflows
• Update SOPs and knowledge base articles
• Collaborate across departments and mentor entry-level staff

Skills

Payroll tax expertise

Excel advanced

VLOOKUP

Pivot tables

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor degree

Tools

Salesforce

Payroll platforms

Job description

Senior Payroll Tax Resolution Specialist

Our client, a leader in financial software and services, is seeking a Senior Payroll Tax Processor to join their virtual expert team. This is a remote, hourly position that offers significant flexibility with a minimum requirement of 20 hours per week and the potential to work up to 40 hours based on seasonal demand. As a non-exempt role, this position is eligible for overtime pay and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

In this role, you will be responsible for managing a high volume of payroll tax cases with a focus on accuracy and independent problem solving. You will handle everything from standard payroll runs to complex tax notice resolutions and amended returns. The ideal candidate is a technical expert who can serve as a mentor to junior staff while maintaining their own production queue.

Primary Responsibilities

• Handle the full cycle of payroll tax operations for assigned client accounts.
• Research and resolve intricate Federal and State payroll tax notices including deposit discrepancies and SUI rate changes.
• Draft formal responses to tax agencies and ensure all documentation is submitted within strict deadlines.
• Prepare and oversee complex amended payroll tax returns such as Form 941 X and state equivalents.
• Investigate payroll errors to determine tax impacts and document the full audit trail for corrections.
• Manage a personal workload by prioritizing tasks based on service level agreements.
• Analyze data trends to help improve internal systems and workflows.
• Update standard operating procedures and knowledge base articles.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance and mentor entry level team members.

Candidate Requirements

• At least 2 to 3 years of dedicated payroll tax experience with a heavy emphasis on notice resolution and amendments.
• Strong ability to interpret IRS and state agency correspondence and determine the necessary resolution steps.
• Thorough understanding of federal and multi state tax laws including FICA, FUTA, and reciprocal agreements.
• Practical experience with amended returns and W 2c filings across various jurisdictions, including those with complex local requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, specifically using VLOOKUPs and pivot tables for data reconciliation.
• Comfort using professional case management software like Salesforce and various payroll platforms.
• Excellent written communication skills for professional agency correspondence.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification is required. Candidates with a CPP or those actively pursuing one are highly preferred.
• Prior experience working in a PEO or payroll service bureau environment is a major plus.
• An Associate or Bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business is preferred, though equivalent work experience will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay rate for this position varies by geographic location and experience level. The general range for most states falls between 25.00 and 38.50 per hour, while high cost areas like California may range up to 49.00 per hour.

In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for cash bonuses and equity rewards. Our client provides a robust benefits package designed to support employee well being and professional growth.