Tax Intern Jobs in California
Tax Intern jobs in California sit in one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in public accounting, corporate tax departments, and financial services firms that keep large West Coast operations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose account for the bulk of openings, with major employers such as Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG running structured intern programs in California year-round. The most in-demand specialties are federal and state income tax compliance, sales and use tax, and transfer pricing. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 52+ Tax Intern jobs
We strive every day to exemplify our CLA values – curious, collaborative, transparent, inclusive, and reliable. We are looking for individuals who believe in accountability for one’s actions, take the initiative to make their vision a reality and place honesty, professionalism, conscientiousness and trust above all else .
CLA is dedicated to building a culture that welcomes different beliefs and perspectives, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other .
O ur Salinas and Paso Robles locations are seeking Tax/Audit Interns .
The anticipated start date for this role is: January, 2028.
The anticipated end date for this role is: April, 2028.
Come and see for yourself!
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepares individual, corporate, partnership, and other types of tax returns .
Perform s audit, review, compilation, and other assurance services .
Gains experience, exposure, and knowledge of procedures, workpapers and systems .
Supports multiple client engagements on time and within budget, identifying issues and communicating progress .
Expands industry knowledge, through greater exposure to peers, clients, and formal training opportunities .
Completes research and special projects as needed.
Communicates effectively with clients and CLA family members on a regular basis .
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Working towards the achievement of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting , Finance, or related field – Degree in Accounting or Finance strongly preferred .
Achieving credit requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam per state requirements.
General knowledge of accounting principles and reporting of financial data .
Willingness to learn new technologies .
Proficient with Microsoft (MS) Windows and Office products .
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to client sites .
Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.
The compensation range for this position in California is: $30.00 – $35.00
#LI-JL2
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Wellness at CLA
To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.
We strive every day to exemplify our CLA values – curious, collaborative, transparent, inclusive, and reliable. We are looking for individuals who believe in accountability for one’s actions, take the initiative to make their vision a reality and place honesty, professionalism, conscientiousness and trust above all else .
CLA is dedicated to building a culture that welcomes different beliefs and perspectives, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other .
O ur Salinas and Paso Robles locations are seeking Tax/Audit Interns .
The anticipated start date for this role is: January, 2028.
The anticipated end date for this role is: April, 2028.
Come and see for yourself!
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepares individual, corporate, partnership, and other types of tax returns .
Perform s audit, review, compilation, and other assurance services .
Gains experience, exposure, and knowledge of procedures, workpapers and systems .
Supports multiple client engagements on time and within budget, identifying issues and communicating progress .
Expands industry knowledge, through greater exposure to peers, clients, and formal training opportunities .
Completes research and special projects as needed.
Communicates effectively with clients and CLA family members on a regular basis .
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Working towards the achievement of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting , Finance, or related field – Degree in Accounting or Finance strongly preferred .
Achieving credit requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam per state requirements.
General knowledge of accounting principles and reporting of financial data .
Willingness to learn new technologies .
Proficient with Microsoft (MS) Windows and Office products .
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to client sites .
Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.
The compensation range for this position in California is: $30.00 – $35.00
#LI-JL2
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Wellness at CLA
To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.
See All 52 Tax Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Intern JobsTax Intern Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tax Intern Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- RSM14
- BDO8
- CBIZ5
- Andersen3
- Eide Bailly3
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tax intern jobs across California.
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in accounting or taxation
- Completed or actively completing coursework toward meeting California CPA licensing requirements
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
- Familiarity with tax software such as ProSystem fx, GoSystem, or similar platforms
- Strong analytical and written communication skills for preparing workpapers and memos
- Ability to work on-site at California office locations during the internship period
Tax Intern Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tax intern in California?
Most tax intern roles in California require active enrollment in an accredited accounting or finance degree program, ideally with completed coursework in federal taxation and California state tax. California's CPA licensing pathway through the California Board of Accountancy sets the standard recruiters expect, so demonstrating progress toward the education requirements gives candidates a clear edge. Firms also look for students with at least one relevant academic project or accounting club involvement.
Which companies hire tax interns in California?
Employers hiring tax interns in California right now include RSM, BDO, and CBIZ, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology, entertainment, and financial services headquarters means both Big Four accounting firms and large corporate tax departments run recurring intern programs throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most tax intern jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Jose have the most tax intern openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its density of entertainment, real estate, and financial services firms, while San Francisco and San Jose draw volume from technology and venture-backed company headquarters that rely on both Big Four offices and in-house corporate tax teams.
Are there remote tax intern jobs in California?
Yes, and they're more available than in many fields, since tax work is largely document-driven and analytical. About 58% of tax intern openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid schedules being the most common arrangement at accounting firms. Federal and state income tax compliance tasks are the sub-areas most frequently performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a tax intern in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to the campus recruiting programs that Big Four and regional firms such as Grant Thornton and BDO run at California universities. Students who complete Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sessions, available through the California Franchise Tax Board's outreach programs, build practical returns experience that stands out on a resume. Roles in accounts payable or bookkeeping at California companies also serve as lateral entry points that transition naturally into a tax internship the following season.
Where can I find and apply to tax intern jobs in California?
You can find and apply to tax intern jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and availability, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 52 Tax Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Intern Jobs