Enrolled agent certificate
Start with a one-year enrolled agent certificate and pave the way toward a rewarding career in accounting.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Certificate
PROGRAM FORMAT
Online*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
3 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
*Please note: While this certificate can be completed completely online, some of the courses may offer the option of attending or logging in to synchronous (live) sessions using web conferencing tools. Contact the department chair for more information.
Program overview
Preparing tax returns is becoming more and more complicated, creating a need for qualified tax preparers.
Only three professions – attorney, certified public accountant and enrolled agent – can represent a taxpayer before the IRS.
If you want to prepare tax returns without taking all the additional courses required to become an attorney or a certified public accountant, earning this certificate and passing the Enrolled Agent Exam administered by the IRS, satisfies that need.
Program details
Your curriculum will cover individual tax, corporate and business taxes, non-profit taxation, and estate and income tax planning. When you complete the program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Enrolled Agent Exam.
You can start with a tax preparer certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the enrolled agent certificate. Taking enrolled agent certificate classes also directly apply to the associate degree in accounting – tax:
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. www.acbsp.org
Careers and outcomes
FAQs
No. Accounting relies primarily on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with fundamental math abilities. So, if you can add, subtract, multiply, divide, perform basic algebra and think analytically, you can succeed in this field.
Because our classes are rigorous, we advise you to take a part-time course load if you work full time, typically no more than two classes per semester.
Absolutely. We have numerous internship opportunities with local employers that offer competitive pay and valuable professional experience. Each spring semester, we provide a service-learning opportunity where you can help prepare real tax returns for community members.
Absolutely. We have numerous internship opportunities with local employers that offer competitive pay and valuable professional experience. Each spring semester, we provide a service-learning opportunity where you can help prepare real tax returns for community members.
You have access to free tutoring both in-person and online. Full-time faculty maintain ten office hours a week, including dedicated tutoring time. Our career services team also assists with resume preparation and helps you post your credentials on Handshake to connect with potential employers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly handling routine, repetitive tasks, which historically made up many entry-level positions. This shift is creating more opportunities for professionals to focus on higher-level analytical, strategic and decision-making work – the rewarding aspects of accounting and finance.
Yes. With foundational skills in accounting, tax, QuickBooks, payroll and Excel, you may qualify for well-paid positions in companies, CPA firms, small businesses or even operate your own business.
Yes. All courses within applicable certificates apply toward one or more of our degree programs. Each certificate webpage includes links showing which degree(s) it applies to.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Jonathan Mitchell
Department Chair, Accounting and Finance
330-494-6170 ext. 4350
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Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.