Tax Intern Jobs in Illinois
Tax Intern jobs in Illinois are actively posted across public accounting firms, corporate tax departments, and financial services companies, with demand concentrated at every level from first-year undergraduates to graduate students finishing a CPA track. Chicago anchors the market as one of the most active hiring cities in the Midwest, while Downers Grove and Schaumburg also see consistent postings tied to large suburban headquarters. Firms and companies such as Deloitte, Grant Thornton, and Kraft Heinz regularly bring on tax interns in Illinois, with the most sought-after specialties being federal corporate tax, state and local tax, and international tax compliance. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 34+ Tax Intern jobs
Job Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, Core Tax Services will be responsible for utilizing their educational background as well as organizational skills in the service of the firm's client base through the preparation of returns and extensions under the supervision of more experienced Core Tax Services professionals. 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 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”)
- Effectively uses referencing system and workpapers that ties to the return
- Completes tasks and organizes file to minimize rework by reviewer
- Ensures data is collected to comply with filing requirements
- Takes initiative on impending due dates/engagement letters
- Works with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review
- Performs quarterly estimates and prepares extensions
- Assists with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service
- Assists in the projection of year-end filings
- ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) Tax Accruals
- Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM) regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
- Assists with components of income tax provisions
- Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
- Operates online research tools to gather pertinent tax information
- Monitors tax law and client factual developments on a regular basis, daily or weekly but at least bi-weekly
- Develops and communicates to client service team personnel, viewpoints regarding how those developments might affect clients
Other duties as required
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting or other relevant field required
- Pursuing a masters degree in Accounting or other relevant field preferred
Experience:
- Leadership experience preferred
License/Certifications:
- Actively pursuing school credits to become a CPA
Software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance
- Ability to prepare simple tax returns
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: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Virginia Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits.
Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Job Summary:
BDO is a place for energetic self-starters who can think and act like entrepreneurs. The Tax Intern, Core Tax Services will be responsible for utilizing their educational background as well as organizational skills in the service of the firm's client base through the preparation of returns and extensions under the supervision of more experienced Core Tax Services professionals. 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 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”)
- Effectively uses referencing system and workpapers that ties to the return
- Completes tasks and organizes file to minimize rework by reviewer
- Ensures data is collected to comply with filing requirements
- Takes initiative on impending due dates/engagement letters
- Works with tax software applications to complete simple tax returns for review
- Performs quarterly estimates and prepares extensions
- Assists with responses to notices from the Internal Revenue Service
- Assists in the projection of year-end filings
- ASC 740 (FAS 109 and FIN 48) Tax Accruals
- Correctly and proactively applies Firm policies, standards, and the BDO Tax Quality Manual (TQM) regarding FAS 109 and FIN 48
- Assists with components of income tax provisions
- Tax Consulting
- Assists with developing, recommending, and implementing efficient and effective methods to maximize client benefits, especially by decreasing clients’ current and future taxes
- Operates online research tools to gather pertinent tax information
- Monitors tax law and client factual developments on a regular basis, daily or weekly but at least bi-weekly
- Develops and communicates to client service team personnel, viewpoints regarding how those developments might affect clients
Other duties as required
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
- Enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Accounting or other relevant field required
- Pursuing a masters degree in Accounting or other relevant field preferred
Experience:
- Leadership experience preferred
License/Certifications:
- Actively pursuing school credits to become a CPA
Software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Other Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions as directed
- Ability to work effectively in a team setting
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Seeks advice of appropriate superiors regarding issues related to compliance
- Ability to prepare simple tax returns
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: $40.00/hr - $45.00/hr
Colorado Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Illinois Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Maryland Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Massachusetts Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Minnesota Range: $32.00/hr - $36.00/hr
New Jersey Range: $38.00/hr - $42.00/hr
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr
Ohio Range: $33.00/hr - $37.00/hr
Virginia Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington Range: $37.00/hr - $38.00/hr
Washington DC Range: $34.00/hr - $38.00/hr
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits.
Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
See All 34 Tax Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Intern JobsTax Intern Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tax Intern Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- RSM15
- EY7
- BDO1
- ITW1
- Sorren1
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing
- Agriculture & Farming
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tax intern jobs across Illinois.
- Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, finance, or taxation at an Illinois university
- Completed or currently enrolled in federal income tax and corporate tax coursework
- Working toward CPA eligibility under Illinois CPA Society education requirements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and basic financial modeling
- Familiarity with tax research tools such as Thomson Reuters Checkpoint or CCH Axcess
- Strong attention to detail with ability to organize and reconcile large volumes of financial data
Tax Intern Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tax intern in Illinois?
Most tax intern roles in Illinois require active enrollment in an accounting or finance degree program at an Illinois college or university. Employers expect candidates to be progressing toward CPA eligibility, which in Illinois means completing the education requirements set by the Illinois Board of Examiners, including the required accounting and business credit hours. Relevant coursework in federal taxation and corporate accounting is the baseline most firms look for before considering an applicant.
Which companies hire tax interns in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring tax interns in Illinois include RSM, EY, and BDO, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of Big Four offices, national mid-market firms, and Fortune 500 corporate headquarters in and around Chicago means the range of employers runs from large public accounting practices to in-house tax teams at major manufacturers and financial services companies.
Which Illinois cities have the most tax intern jobs?
Chicago, Schaumburg, and Bloomington have the most tax intern openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the majority of postings because it is home to the Illinois offices of the Big Four and most large national accounting firms, while suburban hubs like Downers Grove and Schaumburg attract postings from the corporate tax departments of large employers headquartered in the western and northwestern suburbs.
Are there remote tax intern jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they are more common in this field than in many others. About 91% of tax intern openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based and document-driven nature of tax work. Research, return preparation, and tax provision tasks tend to be the most remote-compatible parts of the internship, while client-facing or onboarding weeks are more likely to require in-office attendance.
How can I get hired as a tax intern in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to the structured internship programs that large Illinois accounting firms run for students completing their first or second year of an accounting degree. Firms such as Plante Moran, RSM, and BDO maintain recruiting pipelines at Illinois universities like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul, and Loyola. Completing the required tax coursework and obtaining a VITA volunteer certification through the IRS program gives candidates a concrete credential that signals readiness even without paid experience.
Where can I find and apply to tax intern jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to tax intern jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated in real time. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your program year, availability, and area of interest, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 34 Tax Intern Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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