Lydia Garza
Madera,CA
Summary
Business Taxes Compliance Specialist with extensive experience at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Proven expertise in compliance monitoring and investigation techniques, successfully seizing untaxed products and enhancing taxpayer compliance. Adept at training staff and delivering quality documentation, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Fantastic critical thinker with great memory and efficiently organize vast amounts of data. Great at performing internal audits, conducting investigative reporting and transcribing information.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Taxes Compliance Specialist
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
11.2021 - Current
- Work in tandem with my partners and conduct inspections.
- Ensure business has a valid cigarette and tobacco or cannabis license. I observe all areas in the business to locate any areas where cigarettes, tobacco products or cannabis may be stored. I interview the taxpayers for potential information of tax evasion.
- Seize untaxed tobacco products and cannabis products pursuant to the Revenue and Taxation Code and Business and Professions Code.
- Cite noncompliant taxpayers in violation.
- Prepared reports and supporting documentation packets for misdemeanor citations.
- Volunteer in training new inspectors, assisting in reviewing and approving seizure packets and count seized products.
- I have worked to support staff in various offices conducting inspections with supporting agencies such as Code Enforcement, CHP, and Police Departments.
Business Taxes Specialist I
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
12.2020 - 11.2021
- Supported and guided investigators to meet interoffice inspection goals.
- Followed all CDTFA policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success with daily meetings, check-ins and one-on-ones.
- Evaluated staff performance, provided coaching and worked diligently to overcome inefficiencies.
- Conduct inspections, side by side my partners to ensure taxpayer/business compliance and identify tax invasion practices.
- Maintained daily logs, updated inspection information, citations and product seized.
- Oversee inspection documentation of the seizures and citations issued by the investigators to ensure quality work.
- Plan, organize and monitor joint inspections with CHP, Sheriff Departments and other agencies.
- Meet with District Attorneys to discuss accepting misdemeanor citation cases.
Business Taxes Compliance Specialist
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
12.2017 - 12.2020
- Managed quality programs to reduce overdue compliance activities.
- Subject matter expert by advising staff and customers and working directly with external agencies throughout audits or to remedy compliance issues.
- Conduct, observe and inspect all areas in the business to locate any areas where cigarettes, tobacco products or cannabis may be stored.
- Interview taxpayers for potential information of tax evasion.
- Scan cigarettes using the SCIPA state issued scanners and maintain the devices.
- Document random samples of tobacco products to reconcile with the invoices the taxpayer provides to verify all taxes have been paid.
- Seize untaxed tobacco products pursuant to the Revenue and Taxation Code that taxpayers violated.
- Maintain written and prepared reports with supporting documentation packets for misdemeanor citations.
- Prepare inspection packets and check them against the Investigations Tracking System and ITZ database to avoid any active criminal investigation.
- Educate, assist, and provide excellent customer service to taxpayers ensuring compliance with current tax laws.
Business Taxes Representative- Range C
Board Of Equalization
01.2014 - 11.2017
- Developed and maintained positive customer relations and coordinated with team members to properly handle requests and questions.
- Responded to customer questions via telephone and written correspondence regarding insurance benefits, provider contracts, eligibility, and claims.
- Updated job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and maintaining personal networks.
- Diligently work my assigned terminal digits that range from $250 to $35,000 to reduce the outstanding A/R and promote taxpayers compliance.
- Investigate taxpayers accounts to determine the liable party.
- Prepare for prosecution if needed. Utilize skip trace practices to find collection information needed through Lexis, Clear, FTB, DMV, EDD, Internet searches, etc.
- Create official letters to the taxpayer, levies, earnings withhold orders, etc.
- Research, request and review financial information to determine the financial status of a taxpayer. When applicable authorized to write off old uncollectible accounts.
- Conducted field calls for revoked account and served till taps to collect money for outstanding liabilities, including safe deposit boxes.
- Process vehicle tax clearances, place holds on ABC licenses and have seized and successfully held an ABC license auction, sold and received payment from escrow.
- Support Spanish speaking taxpayers, business taxes representatives and technicians alike.
- Assist in tax law knowledge, compliance in assistance for taxpayers for filing or amend returns.
Tax Technician II
Board of Equalization
03.2013 - 01.2014
Tax Technician I - Range B
Board of Equalization
06.2011 - 02.2013
Account Manager
Scott E Dority & Associates
11.2007 - 06.2011
Education
Accounting
Heald College
CAAccounting And Finance
Santa Monica City College
Santa Monica CASkills
- Compliance monitoring
- Legal research
- Investigation techniques
- Information gathering
- Information security
- Training delivery
- Documentation skills
- Corrective actions
- Reporting skills
- Due diligence
- Operations support
- Investigations expertise
- Corrective action plans
- Documentation review
- Research proficiency
- Project management
- Compliance protocols
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Business Taxes Compliance Specialist
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
11.2021 - Current
Business Taxes Specialist I
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
12.2020 - 11.2021
Business Taxes Compliance Specialist
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
12.2017 - 12.2020
Business Taxes Representative- Range C
Board Of Equalization
01.2014 - 11.2017
Tax Technician II
Board of Equalization
03.2013 - 01.2014
Tax Technician I - Range B
Board of Equalization
06.2011 - 02.2013
Account Manager
Scott E Dority & Associates
11.2007 - 06.2011
Accounting
Heald College
Accounting And Finance
Santa Monica City College