Title: Tax Policy Intern
State Role Title: Unpaid Intern
Hiring Range: Unpaid
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Department of Taxation
Location: Main Street Center
Agency Website: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/work-with-us
Recruitment Type: General Public – G
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Taxation’s Office of Tax Policy is seeking students to bring their knowledge, creative thinking, and skills to the agency to solve real world business challenges. Tax Policy internship participants will have an opportunity to grow their skillsets while gaining hands-on experience with the development and application of tax policy.
At Virginia Tax:
We are dedicated, resourceful individuals who strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. Not only do we serve the public, we are the public. We are a part of a community that cares about and celebrates each other, who promote opportunities for growth within a stable environment, and support a healthy work-life balance.
What we do matters. So do you.
Students interested in learning about the development and application of state government tax policy are encouraged to apply to this internship and learn from established professionals in the field. If you have a passion for public policy and law, have strong verbal and written communication skills and would like to gain experience with researching, analyzing and interpreting local, state, and federal tax law – we want you to work with us!
Internship Program Goals:
• Gain experience in policy development and appeals and rulings within the Office of Tax Policy
• Gain understanding and real-world experience by participating in team meetings and collaborative projects
Internship Structure:
• Orientation
• Mentorship and training
• Special projects
• Immersion in day to day, real world experience with trained professionals
Mentorship:
• Assigned mentors who are experts in respective fields
• Open communication and regular check-ins between interns and mentors
• Mentors will train interns on relevant tools, technologies, and best practices
Working with Appeals & Rulings, you will:
• Gain knowledge of federal, state and local taxation principles and practices
• Gain experience analyzing complex factual and legal issues
• Gain knowledge and experience with drafting appeals determinations, rulings, and other technical documents
• Gain experience communicating complex legal issues
Working with Policy Development, you will:
• Gain greater understanding and knowledge of legislative principles such as how a bill becomes a law, how to draft legislation and craft talking points
• Gain experience drafting technical documents
• Gain knowledge and experience in major tax areas such as sales tax, income tax, and local tax
Minimum Qualifications
• Those enrolled in a bachelor or advanced degree program in the field of public policy, law, public administration, political science or other related fields
• Has basic knowledge and a desire to grow and learn in the area of tax policy and tax law
• Team player, self-starter and passion for public policy
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Organization skills and attention to detail
Additional Considerations
All education, work history and experiences will be taken into account during intern selection process.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Page Up provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your Page Up account to check the status of your application for this position.
All Virginia Department of Taxation employees must be current with filing their Virginia state tax returns ensuring they were filed in compliance with established laws, rules and regulations.
Selected candidate(s) will be required to consent to and successfully pass a background investigation which includes fingerprint-based criminal history, tax compliance, and DMV driving record (if applicable) checks.
The selected candidate will be prohibited from performing tax or accounting services for compensation during or outside business hours.
Virginia Tax is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, genetics, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed, please contact Human Resources at (804) 786-3608.
Virginia Tax participates in E-verify.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
Contact Information
Name: Virginia Tax Talent Acquisition Team
Phone: 804-786-3608
Email: hroffice@tax.virginia.gov
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer