Payroll Tax Specialist

About the role

TriNet is seeking a US Payroll Tax Specialist to ensure accurate payroll tax setup, processing, and compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions. You will work closely with internal teams, external agencies, and clients to resolve tax issues and maintain audit‑ready documentation.

Key responsibilities

• Manage federal, state, and local payroll tax setup, maintenance, and validation.
• Process tax updates such as SUI rates, tax elections, and agency requirement changes.
• Handle tax notices, discrepancies, amendments, and correspondence with tax agencies.
• Ensure timely tax filings, deposits, and responses for quarterly and annual obligations.
• Support quarter‑end and year‑end activities, including W‑2/W‑3, 940/941, and other statutory submissions.
• Maintain employer tax accounts (FEIN, SUI, SIT) and assist with new jurisdiction registrations.
• Perform tax reconciliations, variance analysis, and root‑cause investigations.
• Collaborate with Payroll, HRIS, CDCM, and Compliance teams to resolve tax‑related issues.
• Document SOPs, audit logs, and evidence for all tax responsibilities.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.
• Experience managing payroll tax registrations, filings, and agency communications.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to produce audit‑ready documentation.
• Excellent analytical skills for variance analysis and root‑cause investigations.
• Effective communication skills for internal and external stakeholder collaboration.

Required skills

• Payroll tax software
• HRIS systems
• CDCM platforms