The tax preparer certificate prepares students for entry-level work in tax preparation by building foundational skills in individual, business, nonprofit, and estate taxation, while setting them on the path toward enrolled agent certification. Designed as a flexible, stackable option with online, evening, and virtual classes, it can lead to the one-year enrolled agent certificate, an associate degree in accounting, and career opportunities in taxation, bookkeeping, payroll, and related accounting roles.
Major code: 2017 Business, Engineering, and Information Technologies Division Accounting and Finance Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| ACC231 | Taxation II | 3 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
- 1
Student may elect to take ACC121 Introduction to Accounting prior to taking this course.
- 2
Students can earn QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor certificates upon successful completion of the course
Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ACC231 | Taxation II | 3 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
The classes in this certificate also apply toward the completion of an Enrolled Agent Certificate (2005) and an Accounting – Tax Major Degree (2007).
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations for the purpose of various types of tax reporting, compliance and planning.
- Apply appropriate mathematical concepts to business decisions.