16 Tax Intern Skills for Your Career and Resume
Learn about the most important Tax Intern skills, how you can utilize them in the workplace, and what to list on your resume.
Tax interns work with tax preparers and tax professionals to help with the tax preparation process. They learn about tax law and tax preparation software while gaining experience in the field. If you’re interested in a career in tax, learning about the skills that tax interns need can give you a better understanding of what to expect in this field.
Tax Intern Skills
Problem Solving
Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a tax intern, you may encounter challenges while completing your work. It’s important to be able to think critically and find solutions that satisfy your supervisor and meet company standards. For example, if you notice an error in one of your calculations, you can use problem-solving skills to correct it.
IRS Regulations
The Internal Revenue Service has a set of regulations that tax professionals must follow when preparing taxes. These regulations include the laws and rules for filing taxes, how to calculate different types of taxes and what forms are required for each type of tax. A tax intern should be familiar with these regulations so they can prepare accurate and complete tax returns.
Time Management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As a tax intern, you may be tasked with completing multiple projects simultaneously. Having strong time-management skills can help you stay on track and meet your deadlines. It’s also important to manage your time wisely when working independently so that you can complete all of your work thoroughly.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a software program that allows you to manage your company’s finances. As a tax intern, it’s important for you to have knowledge of this software so you can accurately complete the tasks assigned to you. You may also use QuickBooks when preparing taxes for clients and employers.
Creative Solutions Tax Software
A tax intern should be able to think creatively when solving problems. This is because the job of a tax professional often involves finding solutions for unique situations that may not have been encountered before. For example, an employer might ask you to find a way to reduce their taxes while also complying with certain regulations. In this case, your ability to come up with creative solutions could help you solve the problem and impress your supervisor.
ProSeries Tax Software
Tax interns should have basic knowledge of tax software, such as ProSeries. This is a program that allows you to input data and receive information about taxes owed or received. It’s important for an intern to know how to use this type of software because it can help them complete their work more efficiently. You may also be able to find free versions of the software online so you don’t need to pay for it.
Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are the ability to examine data and make logical conclusions. As a tax intern, you may be tasked with examining financial records or other documents that contain information about taxes. You need to be able to read through these documents and understand what they mean in order to complete your work accurately. This is also an important skill for any career in finance because it allows you to analyze data and make informed decisions.
H&R Block Tax Software
H&R Block is a popular tax software program that many companies use to process their taxes. As an intern, you may be tasked with using this software to complete your company’s taxes. Having knowledge of how to use H&R Block can help you become more valuable in the workplace and increase your chances of getting hired full-time after graduation.
Lacerte Tax Software
Lacerte tax software is a computer program that helps prepare and file taxes. It’s important for tax interns to know how to use this software because it allows them to complete their work faster and more accurately. Most companies require employees to be able to do their own taxes, so learning lacerte tax software can help you advance in your career.
Accounting
Accounting skills are important for tax interns to have, as they can help you understand the financial records of a company or organization. You may use accounting skills when researching information about taxes and how companies file them. Accounting also includes understanding basic bookkeeping methods, such as debits and credits, which can be helpful in preparing taxes.
ATX Tax Software
Tax software is a necessary skill for tax interns to have, as it allows them to complete their work accurately and efficiently. Tax software can include programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets that allow you to input data into columns and rows, which can help you organize your information and make it easier to find when you need it later.
Excel
Excel is a spreadsheet program that can be used to create and manage data. Tax interns often use Excel to organize their work, so it’s important for them to have strong skills in this software. Interns may also use Excel to calculate taxes and other financial information. Having advanced knowledge of Excel can help tax interns complete their tasks more efficiently.
Tax Preparation
Tax preparation is a large part of the duties of a tax intern. You may be responsible for preparing taxes for individuals and businesses, so it’s important to have strong skills in this area. As a tax preparer, you need to know how to use software programs that can help you calculate taxes accurately. It’s also helpful to understand the different types of taxes and what information you need from your clients to complete their taxes correctly.
Communication
Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. As a tax intern, you may work with people who don’t have any knowledge of taxes and financial records. You need excellent communication skills to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner. Communication also includes listening to what someone else has to say and responding appropriately.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a skill that can be useful in almost any job. As a tax intern, you may need to review and analyze large amounts of data. Having attention to detail means you can accurately process the information and provide accurate recommendations or conclusions. It’s also important to have attention to detail when entering data into computer systems so it can be properly stored and retrieved later.
Organization
Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and files. As a tax intern, you may be responsible for organizing your manager’s work space or files. This can include creating folders on their computer system, labeling documents with dates and keeping track of receipts and other financial records. Being organized can help you stay focused on completing your duties and ensure that you submit accurate information to clients.
How Can I Learn These Tax Intern Skills?
There are a few ways to learn the necessary skills for a tax intern position. Many of the skills, such as problem solving, time management, and attention to detail, can be learned through on-the-job experience. However, some of the software skills, such as QuickBooks, ProSeries, and ATX, can be learned through online courses or through certification programs. Additionally, many accounting and tax preparation programs offer internships that can give students the opportunity to learn the necessary skills while working under the supervision of a licensed accountant or tax preparer.