Specialty Tax Services Intern, State and Local Tax - Summer 2025 (Grand Rapids)

Job Summary :

BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The STS Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will be responsible for basic research and analysis of state and local tax (SALT) issues, along with utilization of tax software in the completion of basic tax returns and other tax filings and documents.

In this role, the STS Tax Intern, State and Local Tax will have the opportunity to utilize his / her educational background while working side-by-side with more experienced Tax members who will provide direction and coaching related a range of state and local tax laws and resources.

This opportunity will allow you to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s practices and people, as well as beginning to forge the critical relationships that will help maximize your chance for success in your career.

Job Duties :

• Tax Methodology Applies general understanding of knowledge and application of standards to effectively and efficiently deliver quality tax services
• Tax Compliance Ensures both that (a) clients comply with all applicable authorities, while at the same time minimizing their tax and reporting burdens, and (b) self and client service teams comply with all Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual ( TQM ) Participates in the preparation, filing and completion of voluntary disclosure agreements for sales and use tax, income tax and unclaimed property Drafts tax memoranda, and other documents on various tax issues Assists in drafting responses to notices from state taxing authorities Prepares models for tax and unclaimed property exposure analysis Participates in the audit defense of client returns and tax positions Ensures all data needed to comply with filing requirements is obtained and identifies missing items needed to prepare assigned tax returns Monitors current tax law changes and applies appropriately to the preparation of assigned tax returns Manages collection and retention of all appropriate workpapers for assigned clients
• Research Completes basic research on federal and state tax issues
• Tax Consulting Partners with experienced SALT tax professionals to learn the basics of state tax planning Participates in client meetings with experienced tax professionals, as appropriate Establishes relationships with Core Tax Services and other Specialized Tax Services client service professionals
• Tax Specialization Develops an in-depth understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation
• Strategy Development Assists in the preparation of tax presentations for client meetings
• Tax-Related Software Utilizes Caseware, Go Systems, and other tax-related software in the completion of basic tax returns with appropriate supervision, as applicable
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities :

N / A

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Education :

Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting, Taxation, Finance or other relevant field, Juris Doctorate ( program, or Master of Laws (LLM) program, required

Experience :

• 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

License / Certifications :

N / A

Software :

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions as directed
• 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 as well as drafting other tax related documents

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

California Range : $28.00 / hr - $37.00 / hr

NYC / Long Island / Westchester Range : $32.00 / hr - $36.00 / hr

Washington Range : $28.00 / hr - $37.00 / hr