06/16/1999 00008

REVENUE FIELD OFFICE CLERK

DEFINITION: This is limited term clerical work in a Department of Revenue District Field Office.

An employee in this class provides assistance to senior citizens and other taxpayers in the completion of Personal Income Tax returns and schedules and Property Tax/Rent Rebate Claims. Work includes assisting in the completion of these forms by filling in information provided by the taxpayer; performing simple arithmetic calculations in accordance with tax return instructions to compute income tax amounts due the Commonwealth and refunds due the taxpayer; and calculating total income and locating the corresponding rebate due on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate calculation table to identify the amount of Property Tax/Rent Rebate due claimants. Work may also include travelling to remote or satellite offices to provide these services. Work is initially reviewed closely, and close supervision is received when new work processes or procedures are introduced, however, employees are expected to perform with limited guidance after the work process is learned and on routine assignments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Aids senior citizens, taxpayers and claimants in the completion of Personal Income Tax returns and Property Tax/Rent Rebate claims by filling in information provided by the taxpayer.

Performs simple arithmetic calculations in accordance with tax return instructions to determine the amount of tax due the Commonwealth or refund due the taxpayer.

Determines the amount of Property Tax/Rent Rebate due the claimant by adding the total income and locating the corresponding rebate due by referencing a prescribed Property Tax/Rent Rebate calculation table.

Greets senior citizens, taxpayers and claimants and provides copies of returns, claim forms and schedules upon request. Mails or faxes tax and rebate forms and instructions in response to telephone requests.

Answers general questions either in person or over the telephone from senior citizens, taxpayers and claimants on basic filing procedures by reviewing instructions contained in tax instruction booklets, a reference manual or by consulting with higher level staff.

Refers technical and non-routine questions and problems requiring an interpretation of tax laws, rules, regulations or policies to higher level staff for resolution.

Ascertains the status of tax refunds and rebate claims by entering the taxpayer's Social Security number into an automated system and informing the taxpayer whether the refund/claim has been processed.

Travels to remote or satellite offices as required.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the English alphabet, Arabic numbering system, and chronological sequences by day, month and year.

Ability to work effectively with the public through direct contact and through the use of a telephone.

Ability to perform within prescribed office procedures, maintain harmonious working relationships and function according to standard work practices and conduct.

Ability to read sentences or phrases written in the English language and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to understand and follow instructions provided in tax booklets, rebate claim instructions and reference guides and accurately communicate that information to the public.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations such as the adding and subtracting of whole numbers and decimals; and multiplying and dividing by whole numbers or decimals.

Ability to learn to retrieve information from a personal computer.

Ability to file and retrieve materials by matching the item category to the appropriate file heading.

Ability to keep categorical log records on such information as the amount, type or disposition of resources.

Ability to learn the operation of office machines such as the typewriter, fax machine photo copier and postage meter.

Sufficient physical dexterity to allow performance of clerical work such as filing, sorting papers and opening mail.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Possession of the required knowledge and abilities.