Tax Assistant – Refunds

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County seeks a Property Tax Refunds Deputy Specialist I to handle refund applications, verify eligibility, and ensure compliance with policies. You will support taxpayers by answering inquiries, returning calls, and guiding through the refund process.

The role requires strong organization and attention to detail, with in-office work and occasional high-volume periods. Utilize MS Office and databases to keep accurate records and enable timely processing.

Qualifications

• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Excellent customer service and clear communication in person and on the phone.
• Accurate data entry and review of financial documents.
• Ability to work under interruptions and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Process refund applications for litigation refunds with accuracy.
• Verify completeness and correctness of refund submissions.
• Respond to taxpayer inquiries and provide processing status updates.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database software

Job description

Job Summary

The Property Tax Refunds Deputy Specialist I is responsible for processing refund applications, ensuring compliance with policies, and providing exceptional customer service to taxpayers. This role involves gathering and reviewing documentation for litigation refunds, researching applications, and verifying eligibility to prevent processing delays. The Property Tax Refunds Specialist will also assist customers by answering inquiries, returning voicemail messages, and providing guidance through the property tax call line.

Additionally, this position requires scanning and updating applications in the database to maintain accurate records and facilitate efficient processing. This role requires possessing strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment. This is a full-time, in‑office position. Remote work is not available unless specifically authorized based on operational needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Refund Processing & Documentation

• Gather, review, and prepare necessary documentation for litigation refunds.
• Verify and process refund applications to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Research discrepancies and resolve issues before mailing refund checks.

Customer Assistance & Communication

• Respond to customer inquiries regarding refund applications and processing status.
• Answer incoming calls on the property tax call line and provide accurate information.
• Return voicemail calls to assist customers in completing applications correctly and avoiding delays.

Application Management & Database Updates

• Scan and organize refund applications received via mail or email.
• Update and maintain the refund database, ensuring all applications are properly logged.
• Track application progress and ensure proper documentation is retained for auditing and compliance.

Coordination & Compliance

• Collaborate with internal departments to resolve refund application discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures in processing refunds.
• Maintain accurate records and generate reports as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

Special Accommodations

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

Criminal History Check

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution within the U.S.
• Associate’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in customer service, administrative support, finance, or refund processing.
• Experience working with property tax systems, appraisal district data, or local government operations.
• Familiarity with document scanning and database management
• Experience in handling and processing financial transactions or tax-related inquiries is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional attendance and punctuality.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to handle inquiries professionally.
• Ability to accurately process and review financial documents.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer and phone throughout the day.
• Ability to work in an office environment with occasional high-volume periods.
• Knowledge of refund application processes, documentation requirements, and property tax policies (preferred).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks accurately.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a customer service mindset.
• Ability to research discrepancies, analyze information, and solve problems efficiently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database software.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in document review and data entry.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong adaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work independently and function effectively in a team-oriented environment.

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.
• Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Regular application of basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand tools, eye/hand coordination).

Physical Demands

• Minor physical effort required, which may involve long periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, climbing, lifting less than 30 lbs. or similar activities (e.g., filing, delivering, sorting).

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.