Program Overview

Individual Tax Professional Certificate of Specialization

Program Overview

The Certificate of Specialization in Individual Tax Professional Program provides students with the knowledge that is essential for being successful in preparation of taxes for individuals and bookkeeping for a small business.

Career Opportunities

This certificate prepares students to start their own tax preparation business or to work as specialized tax preparers in CPA and EA firms.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Understand the relevant concepts and applications of accounting needed to succeed in future accounting classes and in the workplace.
• Demonstrate knowledge of ethical standards established by relevant professional organizations.

Recommended High School Preparation

Coursework in Mathematics, English, and use of microcomputers, including spreadsheet and word processing applications.

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for Business and Accounting for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

Program Requirements

Required Core Courses

• ACTG 100 | Accounting Procedures | 3 units
• ACTG 144 | QuickBooks: Set-up and Service Business | 1.5 units
• ACTG 175 | Volunteer Income Tax Preparation | 2.5 units
• ACTG 181 | Taxation of Individuals Using Tax Software | 4 units
• ACTG 262 | Depreciation, Business & Repair Expenses | 0.5 units
• ACTG 263 | Taxation of Small Business | 0.5 units
• ACTG 264 | Lacerte Tax Software Basics | 0.5 units
• ACTG 265 | Taxation of Rental Real Estate | 1 unit
• ACTG 276 | VITA Intermediate | 1 unit

It is recommended that students take ACTG 181 prior to or concurrently with the other courses in this certificate.

Required Selective Courses

• ACTG 277 | VITA Advanced | 1 unit
• OR
  • ACTG 261 | Tax Research & IRS Representation | 0.5 units
  • ACTG 266 | Tackling K-1s and Common Tax Deductions/Credits | 0.5 units

Total Required Units

15.5 units