Hiring Organization: | Internal Revenue Service |
Industry: | Government Administration |
Employment Type: | Government Internships |
Date Posted: | 2025-03-12 |
Closing Date: | 2025-04-28 |
Job Location: | USA |
Are you a student or recent graduate seeking internships that open doors to compelling careers in public service? Look no further than the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)! Through its robust internship program, the IRS offers unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful work in tax compliance, finance, and auditing. For individuals passionate about numbers, law, or accounting, this program serves as a pathway to rewarding jobs in federal service. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity to kick-start your career.
Program Overview:
The IRS is offering internship positions as part of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Employee Plans Division. These roles allow participants to work on analyzing and ensuring compliance with pension, profit-sharing, and benefit plans. Interns contribute to critical work that ensures the tax code is administered fairly and benefits reach the right hands.
Key Responsibilities of Interns:
- Analyze determination letter applications to verify that pension and benefit plans comply with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
- Conduct audits of returns and examine operational compliance of benefit plans, including payroll and control systems checks.
- Perform discrimination analysis to ensure fair benefit distribution among employees.
- Review amendments to existing plans and assist employers with compliance actions.
- Collaborate with internal and external contacts to verify plan adherence to applicable laws.
This position transforms theoretical finance and tax knowledge into practical applications, equipping participants with the tools they need for future success.
Requirements
The IRS internship program welcomes applications from students and professionals with diverse educational backgrounds. However, certain qualifications must be met to apply:
Basic Requirements:
- A Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a bachelor’s degree in accounting with at least 30 semester hours in accounting. Alternatively, students with a degree in another field need a combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years of specialized accounting-related knowledge.
- Proficiency in accounting or auditing, ideally gained in government, tax, or financial environments.
- Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with teams.
Minimum Qualifications Based on Grade Level (GS):
- GS-07: One year of experience in accounting or auditing at the GS-05 level or equivalent, or one full year of graduate education in a relevant field like business, law, or finance.
- GS-09: One year of experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent, or two years of graduate education leading to a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- GS-11: One year of experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent, or three years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in accounting or related field.
- GS-12: One year of progressively responsible, diversified professional accounting or auditing experience at the GS-11 level.
Transcripts or equivalent documentation are required to verify education and qualifications.
Salary and Benefits
One of the most enticing aspects of this internship is its competitive compensation and full-time benefits during the program.
Salary Ranges:
- Federal pay scales are based on General Schedule (GS) levels and adjusted for locality pay. Your final salary depends on your duty location and role grade level.
Additional Benefits Include:
- Eligibility for telework or hybrid work based on duty location.
- Full federal employment benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans for the duration of the program.
- Opportunities for annual promotions with increasing responsibilities based on performance.
This is a paid program designed to support career advancement while allowing participants to develop their technical expertise.
Responsibilities
If selected for this internship, you’ll play an integral role in IRS operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Conducting on-site benefit plan audits and documenting findings.
- Reviewing benefit plan documents and collaborating on corrective actions.
- Interpreting tax law and analyzing data to provide expert guidance to employers.
- Drafting high-quality reports and correspondence about plan compliance findings.
- Using detailed financial insight to support employer corrections to benefit or pension plan operations.
These tasks build proficiency in auditing, tax law, and governmental compliance—all essential skills for a career in public service or the private sector.
Experience and Skills
Interns in this program typically display:
- Strong skills in research and data analysis, especially for legal or financial topics.
- Attention to detail and the ability to apply rigorous methodologies to complex issues.
- Excellent communication, both written and verbal, to convey findings clearly.
- A strong drive to learn and adapt in a collaborative, high-stakes environment.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or building upon prior experience, this internship cultivates skills that stay relevant throughout your career.
How to Apply
Interested in this exciting career opportunity with the IRS? Here’s how you can submit a strong job application:
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Prepare Your Documents:
- Resume: Clearly outline your relevant experience, educational background, and technical skills.
- Transcripts: Upload official transcripts or documentation proving your educational qualifications.
- Questionnaire: Answer all application prompts fully and with precise attention to instructions.
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Meet Key Deadlines:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with specific cutoff dates set throughout the year (e.g., January 15, April 2, July 2, and October 2, 2025). Submitting your application early increases your chances of selection. -
Submit Your Application Online:
Applications must be completed on the IRS job portal. Ensure every section is filled, and double-check your answers for accuracy before submitting. -
Await the Hiring Process:
If you meet the necessary qualifications, you’ll be contacted for further screening, which could include interviews and a background check.
Complete and accurate applications stand out—so invest time in tailoring your resume and responses to reflect your skills and enthusiasm for federal service.
Final Thoughts
The IRS internship program invites students and recent graduates to take the wheel and drive toward a fulfilling career in auditing, finance, or tax law. With its hands-on responsibilities and opportunities for professional development, this program is a significant step toward securing jobs that make a real impact.
If you’re passionate about learning, problem-solving, and public service, this internship offers a valuable launchpad for your future. Apply today to be part of a dedicated team that supports economic stability and fairness nationwide!