Tax Intern, State and Local Tax

Job Title: Tax Intern, State and Local Tax - Winter or Summer 2028 (Houston)

About the Role

BDO is seeking energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. As a Tax Intern, State and Local Tax, you will be responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues. You will utilize tax software for basic tax returns and filings, applying your educational background while working with experienced tax professionals who will provide direction and coaching. This role offers hands-on experience with BDO's practices and people, and an opportunity to build critical relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply general understanding of knowledge and application of standards to deliver quality tax services.
• Ensure client compliance with authorities and minimize tax/reporting burdens.
• Ensure compliance with Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (“TQM”).
• Participate in the preparation, filing, and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax, and unclaimed property.
• Draft tax memoranda and other documents on various tax issues.
• Assist in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities.
• Prepare models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis.
• Participate in audit defense of client returns and tax positions.
• Obtain all necessary data for filing requirements and identify missing items.
• Monitor current tax law changes and apply them to assigned tax returns.
• Manage collection and retention of appropriate workpapers.
• Complete basic research on federal and state tax issues.
• Partner with experienced SALT tax professionals to learn the basics of state tax planning.
• Participate in client meetings with experienced tax professionals, as appropriate.
• Establish relationships with Core Tax Services and other Specialized Tax Services client service professionals.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of technical and practical issues and opportunities in one or more areas of taxation.
• Assist in the preparation of tax presentations for client meetings.
• Utilize Caseware, Go Systems, and other tax-related software for basic tax returns with supervision.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Caseware
• Go Systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting, Taxation, Finance or other relevant field, a Juris Doctorate (J.D) program, or a Master of Laws (LLM) program.
• Leadership experience, preferred.
• Prior internship or other work experience within an accounting setting or public accounting, preferred.
• Membership and participation in accounting or finance organizations at the college level, preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a team.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to research taxation topics and communicate or compose written analysis effectively.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and tax theory.
• Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance.
• Ability to prepare simple tax returns and draft other tax-related documents.