  The multiplet structure induced by the Coulomb interactions in C$_{60}^{n-}$
($n = 1 - 12$) is analyzed. The partially ocuppied LUMO gives rise to a set of
levels which fill a relatively wide band ( $\approx 2-3$ eV ). A large ($\sim
1$ eV) intramolecular effective repulsion is found. The anions are also shown
to be highly polarizable. The optical absorption and photoemission spectra are
calculated. The probability of exciting the molecule upon the addition or
removal of one electron is shown to be significant, and this effect may give
rise to the insulating behavior of K$_4$C$_{60}$. The role of intermolecular
interactions in suppressing the net repulsion within the C$_{60}$ molecules is
discussed.
