Tax Compliance Internship

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch, Iowa Department of Revenue, Tax Compliance Division, is offering an internship for Spring and Summer 2027 to help individuals and businesses understand and meet tax obligations. The internship is non-merit and designed to gain exposure to tax processing, permits, and alcohol regulation across Iowa.

A typical day includes reviewing tax documents, communicating with taxpayers and staff, calculating taxes and penalties, and learning about the different bureaus

Qualifications

• Applicants must be currently enrolled students in a degree program.

Responsibilities

• Examine tax returns and related documents to determine completeness, accuracy, and compliance with tax laws.
• Correspond with taxpayers and field staff to address discrepancies or incomplete items.
• Compute tax, interest, and penalties on current and delinquent accounts.
• Consult with taxpayers; respond to questions and explain applicable rules and regulations.
• Issue billing notices, refund requests, liens, and releases from tax liability obligations.
• Identify individuals delinquent on submitting tax returns and payments.
• Learn about the Department’s Tax Management Division's Compliance, Operations, and Collections Bureaus.

Education

Enrolled student in degree program

Job description

Job Description

This is a non-merit, internship position.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The Iowa Department of Revenue’s Tax Compliance Division is seeking interns for Spring and Summer of 2027 to assist individuals and businesses in understanding and meeting their tax obligations. The Compliance Division oversees all facets of tax processing, issuances of business permits, and alcohol regulation throughout the state. From the receipt of individual and business tax returns and payments, audits and collections, to routine compliance inspections and regulatory verification of alcohol-licensed establishments, this division is tasked with upholding, enforcing and educating taxpayers and licensees on Iowa’s laws and regulations.

A typical day for an intern can include any of the following:

• Examine tax returns and related documents to determine the completeness, accuracy, and compliance with specific tax laws and regulations
• Correspond with taxpayers and field staff to address discrepancies or incomplete items
• Compute tax, interest, and penalties on current and delinquent accounts
• Consult with taxpayers; respond to questions and explain applicable rules and regulations
• Issue billing request notices, refund requests, liens, and releases from tax liability obligations
• Identify individuals who are delinquent on submitting tax returns and payments
• Learn more about the various roles in the Department’s Tax Management Division, which includes Compliance Bureau, Operations Bureau, and Collections Bureau

Hours

Part-time during semester approximately 12-16 hours per week. Full-time during summer or semester break approximately 40 hours per week.

Location

Interns are required to attend onboarding and initial training at the Hoover State Office Building, located on the State Capitol Complex in Des Moines. Following the training period, remote work is an option if specific qualifications are met.

About The Department Of Revenue

The mission of the Iowa Department of Revenue is to serve Iowans through the responsible collection and generation of revenue to support the public good. If you’re looking for a career with an organization that values its employees and customers, you’ve come to the right place.

Applicants must live within the State of Iowa to qualify for this position.

A background check, including a criminal history check, fingerprint and Iowa tax filing check, will be conducted on the final candidate.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.