Tax Technician III

Job Description and Duties

All applicants will be considered, however SROA/Surplus candidates will be given priority. 

Are you interested in making life better for Californians? Are you looking for a career and not just a job? Do you want to create a meaningful impact in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has a career opportunity waiting for you! California not only needs you, it wants you as part of the growing workforce. New employees, new ideas, and new creative perspectives are needed in all areas at the CDTFA. We value staff and are dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility. To learn more about us, please se e CDTFA Gateway to New Opportunities video

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is seeking ambitious and driven individuals to join us. We offer fulfilling careers and provide a reliable income, stable benefits, work-life balance, paid holidays, and advancement opportunities. CDTFA offers a Career Center that provides assistance with resumes, mock interviews, interview tips and tricks, and other job opportunities within CDTFA and other state agencies.

We are committed to growing the capabilities of our team members with our excellent hands-on training, classroom training, and our mentoring program. We build a community where you can work with diverse individuals to explore ways of being creative and innovative to make processes more efficient.

The Return Analysis Section (RAS) work processes are production oriented so you will immediately recognize the results of your hard work. The position will challenge your organizational, communication, and customer service skills. The Tax Technician (TT) III will learn all facets of the analysis activities within the RAS, including all processes involving:

• Processing and maintaining tax returns, including adjustments and billing stages.

• Reviewing taxpayer accounts and responding to correspondence.

• Researching and resolving suspended or unapplied payments and documents.

• Performing return and payment maintenance activities.

• Providing customer service support by answering taxpayer inquiries.

• Issuing refunds in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

• Interpreting and applying tax laws, regulations, and annotations to ensure taxpayer compliance.

Your analytical skills will be put to the test and strengthened as you are tasked with interpreting and applying various tax laws, regulation, and annotations to ensure compliance from taxpayers.

Additional benefits of working in the RAS include:

• Access to trainers and leads daily to ensure that your transition to our agency/department goes smoothly.

• Many opportunities to take part in projects that help with upward mobility.

• Flexible time off requests. 

Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for partial telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change. 

Currently, per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California Department of Tax and Fee Administration salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California’s Personal Leave Program. 

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin. 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Position may be located in a high-rise building.

• Standard office environment.

• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.

• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone. 
• Telework is partially available.

Special Requirements

• This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to

• Position requires employee to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background investigation. 

• Travel may be required up to five percent (5%) of the time. 

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines. 

• Excellent communication and active listening skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with all levels of CDTFA team members.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Outstanding customer service skills including using proper telephone etiquette, prompt follow up methods, courtesy, and discretion.

• Ability to stay objective/positive under pressure.

Benefits

CDTFA appreciates and proudly celebrates diversity with an emphasis of an inclusive atmosphere in all levels of the organization. CDTFA is a participant in The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Capitol Cohort to advance racial equality and advance opportunities for all in California. Employees of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, gender orientations and personal experiences are welcomed to contribute to the success of CDTFA.

The CDTFA was presented with the Large State Employer of the Year Award for 2018 from The Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED); showcasing CDTFA’s support of employment, promotion, and fair treatment of persons with disabilities.

CDTFA values its staff and is dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility.

Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development. In addition, you can look forward to:

• Nearby (third-party) parking. 
• Convenient to public transportation. 
• Located near multiple eateries and major freeway access.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Instructions for Applicants

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under “Required Application Documents” must be submitted with your application package. Applicants who are relying on additional documentation (e.g. transcripts, copy of degrees, certifications, licenses, etc.) in order to prove that they meet the minimum qualifications listed in the Classification Specification (located on the right under “Additional Documentation) must submit those documents with their application package. Failure to submit these documents may result in your application being disqualified. Applications must include a description of the duties performed for each position held; reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties performed will not be accepted.

Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application . Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission. 

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Certification Section at View email address on us.fitly.work

For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work .

For more information on the recruitment process please email View email address on us.fitly.work

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.