17 Tax Intern Interview Questions and Answers

Are you looking for a summer internship or a full-time job after you graduate? If you’re interested in a career in tax, you’ll need to ace the interview. One of the best ways to prepare is to know what questions to expect and how to answer them.

In this guide, you’ll find several job interview questions for tax internships and full-time positions. We’ll also provide tips on how to answer each question.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to impress your interviewer and land the job you want.

Are you comfortable working with confidential information?

As a tax intern, you may be working with confidential information. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of keeping client information private. In your answer, explain that you are committed to maintaining confidentiality and will only share information with those who need it.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable working with confidential information. I understand how important it is to protect sensitive data. Throughout my career, I have worked in environments where I had access to confidential information. I always made sure to keep all information private. If anyone ever asked me for confidential information, I would verify their identity before sharing anything.”

What are your career goals in the tax field?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for their company. They want to know that you have goals and ambitions in your career, and they may be looking for someone who is willing to stay with them long-term. When answering this question, make sure to mention what you hope to achieve in your tax career.

Example: “My ultimate goal is to become a CPA. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and I plan on taking the exam after I graduate. However, I also enjoy working as an intern, so I would like to continue doing so until I am ready to take the exam.”

How would you describe the relationship between tax law and tax compliance?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the tax industry and how it works. Your answer should include a clear definition of both terms, as well as examples of how they relate to each other.

Example: “Tax law refers to the rules that govern taxes in the United States. Tax compliance is when taxpayers follow these laws by filing their returns correctly. For example, if I were audited for not paying enough taxes last year, my employer would have to file a return on my behalf. If I didn’t pay enough taxes, I would be breaking the law. My employer would also be breaking the law because they are responsible for ensuring I meet all tax requirements.”

What is your experience with tax software?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with tax software programs. This can be an important part of the job, as you will likely use these programs often throughout the internship. To answer this question, you can list which tax software programs you have used in the past and what your experience was like using them.

Example: “I’ve had some experience with tax software programs, but I haven’t used any extensively. In my last internship, we used a program called TaxWise that I found easy to navigate. It took me a few days to get used to it, but once I did, I felt confident working with it. I also understand how to use TurboTax, although I haven’t done so yet.”

Provide an example of how you have helped a client resolve a tax issue.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your skills to solve problems for clients. Use examples from previous work experience that highlight your problem-solving and communication skills.

Example: “In my last internship, I helped a client who was having trouble filing their taxes online because they had too many dependents. They were unsure of what to do, so I researched different tax forms and found one that would be more beneficial for them. We then worked together to fill out the form and submit it by the deadline.”

If a client disagrees with your assessment of their tax liability, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer assess your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with clients. Your answer should demonstrate that you are confident in your work and willing to stand up for it if necessary.

Example: “If a client disagreed with my assessment, I would first try to understand their concerns and address them as best I could. If they still disagree after our conversation, I would ask them to provide me with any additional information or documentation that might help me better understand their situation. Once I had all of the relevant information, I would re-evaluate their tax liability and respond to them within 24 hours.”

What would you do if you made a mistake while completing a client’s tax return?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to learn from mistakes. Your answer should include a specific example of when you made a mistake, how you fixed it and what you learned from the experience.

Example: “When I was in my senior year of college, I had a client who asked me to complete their tax return for the previous five years. When I started entering information into the program, I realized that I had entered the same numbers for each year instead of changing them as they progressed. This meant that I had to redo all five returns. While this was definitely a setback, I learned to always double-check my work before submitting any documents to clients.”

How well do you understand the tax implications of charitable donations?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the tax code and how you apply it. Use examples from past experiences to show that you can understand the tax implications of charitable donations and use them to reduce your taxable income.

Example: “I have a friend who donated $1,000 to a charity but didn’t claim the donation on his taxes because he thought he couldn’t deduct it. I explained to him that he could write off the donation as long as he itemized his deductions. He was happy to learn that he could save money by making the donation.”

Do you have experience preparing tax returns for high-net-worth individuals?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience with complex tax returns. High-net-worth individuals are those who make a lot of money and often have complicated financial situations that require more time to prepare their taxes. Showcase your expertise by describing a situation where you prepared taxes for high-net-worth individuals.

Example: “I’ve worked on many different types of tax returns, but I do enjoy working with high-net-worth individuals because it gives me an opportunity to learn about new investment strategies and other ways they’re managing their finances. In my last internship, I had the opportunity to work with several high-net-worth individuals. One client was looking for a way to reduce his taxable income while still maintaining his portfolio. After researching various options, we decided he would benefit most from contributing to a Roth IRA.”

When is the appropriate time to seek professional advice from a tax attorney?

As a tax intern, you may be responsible for researching and answering questions about tax law. However, there are some situations where it’s important to seek advice from an attorney. This question helps the interviewer understand your decision-making process when working on tax projects. Use examples from your past experience to explain how you decide whether or not to consult with a tax attorney.

Example: “In my last internship, I was tasked with helping clients file their taxes online. One client had several complicated business transactions that required me to ask my supervisor for help. My supervisor reviewed the client’s information and determined that they needed to speak with a tax attorney before filing their taxes. The attorney helped the client complete their taxes while also ensuring they were following all IRS guidelines.”

We want to encourage our clients to be more aware of their tax obligations. How would you encourage tax awareness among our client base?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your communication skills and how you can help their company achieve its goals. In your answer, demonstrate that you understand the importance of tax awareness and explain how you would encourage it among clients.

Example: “I think it’s important for taxpayers to be aware of their tax obligations because it helps them avoid penalties and stay on top of their finances. I would use social media to promote our company’s blog posts about tax-related topics. For example, I could create a Facebook ad campaign to target people who are interested in learning more about taxes. This strategy has helped me reach new audiences in the past, so I know it can be an effective way to raise awareness.”

Describe your process for double-checking your work to ensure accuracy.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your attention to detail and commitment to quality work. Your answer should include a specific process you use for double-checking your work, such as using software or other tools that help you ensure accuracy.

Example: “I always make sure to check my math twice before submitting my tax returns. I first do a quick calculation in my head to make sure the numbers add up correctly. Then, I enter the same information into two different online tax preparation programs to compare the results. If both programs show the same amount of taxes due or refund due, then I know it’s accurate.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a tax internship with our firm?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for this internship. Think about what skills you have that will help you succeed in this role. You might also consider mentioning any relevant experience or education you have.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this tax internship because I have extensive knowledge of tax preparation software. In my previous accounting internship, I learned how to use several different programs to complete taxes. I am confident that I could do this on my own as an intern with your firm. I am also highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me a great fit for this position. I would be able to work independently while still communicating with my team members.”

Which areas of tax do you want to learn more about during your internship?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in tax and how much you already know about it. It also helps them understand what areas you might want to focus on during your internship. When answering this question, try to be as specific as possible about which topics you’re interested in learning more about and why.

Example: “I’m very interested in learning more about international tax law. I’ve always been fascinated by how different countries handle taxes differently. I think it would be interesting to learn more about how we can work with other countries to create a better system for everyone.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of a tax internship?

This question can help the interviewer understand what you expect from your internship and how you plan to overcome any challenges. Your answer should show that you are prepared for this role by outlining a specific skill or experience that will help you succeed in tax accounting.

Example: “The most challenging part of my internship so far has been learning all of the different tax codes, forms and regulations. I have found that taking notes during meetings and reviewing them later is one of the best ways for me to retain information. In addition, I am always available to ask questions if I need clarification on anything.”

How often do you update your knowledge of tax law and regulations?

Employers want to know that you are committed to learning more about tax law and regulations. They also want to see if you have a passion for the field. Show them your dedication by explaining how often you read up on new information. You can even mention specific resources you use to learn more about taxes.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge of tax law and regulations. I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs that provide tips and advice on filing taxes. I also take online courses through the IRS website. I find these resources very helpful when it comes time to file clients’ taxes.”

There is a new tax law that impacts how you complete tax returns. What will you do to stay up to date on the new legislation?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you will keep up with changes in tax law. This can be an important part of the job, as new legislation can change how you complete returns and file them. Your answer should show that you are committed to learning about any changes in tax law and ensuring your clients receive accurate information.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my knowledge of tax law. I have a subscription to several tax-related publications so I can stay up to date on any changes. If there is a major change in tax law, I would make sure to learn all I could about it before filing taxes.”