US Tax Intern

About the Role

Inkle powers tax and compliance for hundreds of the most innovative US startups. The tax team is our core execution engine — high-volume processing of US tax filings, supported by the best technology and workflow automation tools. We're transforming how global companies handle US tax: faster, more accurate, and always compliant. As we scale, we're growing our tax team and looking for a US Tax Intern to learn the craft of US corporate tax from the ground up. You'll work alongside experienced preparers and reviewers — and directly with US-based startup founders and finance leaders — helping ensure every return and filing is accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Tax return preparation: Assist in preparing federal and state corporate tax returns (Form 1120) and supporting workpapers, ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.
• Compliance & information returns: Support the preparation and filing of 1099s, W-series forms, Franchise Tax, and international information returns — including Forms 5471, 5472, FBAR, and BEA filings — across a range of accounting clients.
• Tax notices: Help draft replies to federal and state tax notices and compile the required documentation, including supporting calls to the IRS and state tax authorities where needed.
• Tax research: Research tax topics on a case-by-case basis, identify potential adjustments arising from changes in tax law, and reflect them in workpapers and returns.
• Client-facing: Communicate directly with US startup founders and finance leaders to gather inputs, resolve queries, and support their day-to-day tax matters.
• Process ownership: Meet client deliverables within scope and on deadline, maintaining the quality of every filing — no delays, no exceptions.
• Proactive follow-ups: Keep clients accountable for providing documents, receipts, and clarifications — no waiting to be asked.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Qualification: CPA or EA qualified (mandatory). Pursuing (or recently completed) a Bachelor's degree in accounting or an equivalent field, with a solid grasp of US tax and accounting concepts.
• Ownership & proactiveness: You'll support filings that clients and their investors rely on — you must be organized and reliable.
• Attention to detail: Accuracy is everything in tax. We need someone who sweats the small stuff.
• Analytical & research skills: Strong analytical ability and a knack for researching complex tax topics and turning your findings into clear conclusions.
• Software proficiency: Comfortable with Excel/Google Sheets and a variety of SaaS tools; exposure to CCH tax preparation software is a plus.
• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal English; clear, concise communication with US founders and internal teams.
• Location & Hours: Based in Bengaluru; ability to work 12 pm – 9 pm IST in-office to sync with US time zones.
• Bonus: Prior internship or hands-on exposure to US corporate tax filings — especially Form 1120 — or to international forms (5471 / 5472 / FBAR).

Benefits

• Competitive salary benchmarked to local norms in Bangalore and San Francisco.
• Stock option scheme.
• Health insurance.
• Relocation allowance for Bangalore office.
• Generous leave policy, including 1 day of Period Leave per month for all female employees.
• 10 work-from-home days per year (pro-rated).
• Comfortable, fun, and safe office environment in the heart of Bangalore with great transport links and eateries nearby.
• Laptops and external monitors provided.