Tax Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL
Tax Intern jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market corridor across public accounting, financial services, and corporate tax departments. Top employers hiring right now include RSM, EY, and BDO. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Intern JobsTax Intern Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- RSM16
- EY11
- BDO2
- Sorren2
- Andersen2
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing
- Technology & Software
Tax Intern Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a tax intern job in Chicago?
Target Chicago's Loop and River North districts, where the Big Four and regional accounting firms concentrate their intern hiring alongside large corporate headquarters. Candidates with coursework in federal and state taxation, proficiency in Excel, and exposure to tax software like Thomson Reuters or CCH stand out in this market. Applying directly through firm career portals and attending recruiting events at Chicago-area universities also gives you a concrete edge over general applicants.
Which companies hire tax interns in Chicago?
Chicago tax intern roles are posted by RSM, EY, and BDO and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The employer mix in Chicago runs from global professional services firms and multinational corporate tax departments in the Loop to mid-size regional CPA firms serving the city's manufacturing, real estate, and financial services sectors.
Are there remote tax intern jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability is limited since most tax intern work involves reviewing physical documents, working in firm software environments, and collaborating closely with senior staff on-site. About 87% of tax intern openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid schedules more common at larger Loop-based firms. Research and data-entry tasks tend to be the portions most frequently assigned off-site.
How can I get a tax intern job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to structured intern programs at Chicago's regional accounting firms, which routinely hire accounting students one to two years before graduation with no prior tax experience required. Volunteer income tax assistance programs operating across Chicago neighborhoods build real return-preparation experience that local hiring managers recognize. Pursuing an accounting or finance degree at a Chicago-area university also opens direct recruiting pipelines with Loop-based firms that visit campus each fall.
Which industries hire the most tax interns in Chicago?
The sectors hiring the most tax interns in Chicago are Accounting & Auditing and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's density of professional services headquarters, commodity trading firms, and large manufacturing and logistics companies creates consistent intern demand across both public accounting practices and in-house corporate tax teams.
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See All 34 Tax Intern Jobs in Chicago
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