Summer Intern - Office of Appeals

Agency Overview

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management.  Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused, and transparent.

Bureau/Division Overview

The Resolution Division works with taxpayers, practitioners, and the other Tax Administration Divisions to address issues that cannot be resolved in the Tax Division or Operations Division. This includes making decisions on abatement claims, resolving disputes, and working with taxpayers on problem cases.

Position Summary

The function of the Office of Appeals is to hear tax disputes in an informal, expeditious and consistent manner, and then to make determinations as to the correct amount of tax that should be paid. Appeals Officers review and analyze taxpayer appeals, conduct conferences and hearings, and negotiate settlements.

Interns will work closely with Appeals Officers on all appeal matters and participate fully in the appeal process.

Core Responsibilities:

•  Attend hearings and conferences

• Assist with drafting settlement recommendations and determination letters

• Conducts legal research, draft legal memoranda

• Interns will be exposed to a variety of tax types (personal income, sales tax, corporate etc.)

• Interns will work full-time in a hybrid environment.  Work will be mainly remote with a minimum of one day in-person in our Boston office. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent legal research and legal writing skills

An external candidate recommended for a position with the Department of Revenue will be subject to a background check that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.