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Know enough to show intent
Understand the firm's tax practice, your coursework, why tax interests you, and the accounting foundation you already have.
First tax internship
Tax Internship Interview With No Tax Experience
They saw your résumé before inviting you. An internship does not require you to arrive already trained.
Practice More QuestionsWhat you should know
What the firm's tax practice does
What kinds of clients the office serves
Basic concepts from your coursework
Why tax interests you
Your accounting foundation
What you do not need to pretend
You know every tax form
You understand every entity structure
You can prepare complex returns independently
You have professional experience you do not have
Strong answer
“I do not have professional tax experience yet, which is one reason I am interested in the internship. My exposure so far has mainly been through coursework, and I liked the combination of structured rules and applying them to specific situations. I would be coming in with an accounting foundation and a willingness to learn the firm's actual process.”
Transferable experience
Customer service
Excel
Accounting coursework
Research
Team projects
Deadlines
Attention to detail
Professional communication
If they ask a tax question you do not know
Do not bluff. Explain what you understand and how you would approach figuring out the rest.
Intern means learning
Show that you understand the path, have a foundation, and are worth training.
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