Taxation Courses and Certifications

<p>Relevant coursework in taxation can be studied at various levels through programs in accounting. You can earn an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, each of which could offer unique specialization opportunities and lead to different professional opportunities. Accounting programs commonly offer taxation coursework, especially at the bachelor's and master's levels, and master's degree programs may be available in tax accounting. Specialization in taxation is less common for associate's degrees. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Financial accounting, federal taxation, business law, cost accounting, managerial accounting, investments, international finance, financial reporting, auditing, corporate income taxation, partnership taxation, regulation of tax practice, federal estate and gift taxation, tax-exempt entities, and more</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certificates</b></td><td> Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential usually requires 150 credit hours; accreditation available as an Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) or an Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in accounting; taxation specialization often available for bachelor's and master's degree programs</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCertificateProgramsLike">What Are the Certificate Programs Like?</h3> <p>Income tax certificate programs can focus on the laws and procedures in recording, auditing or planning a person's or a corporation's income taxes. Tax collection certificate programs can teach you how a municipality, state or the federal government collects revenue from individuals or businesses through income, property or other taxes. Certificate programs are typically available to individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesAreCovered">What Courses Are Covered?</h3> <p>Because taxation is covered in a variety of formats at multiple levels, coursework will vary between programs. Fundamental accounting courses through associate degree programs may cover subjects like financial accounting, federal taxation, and business law. Bachelor's degree programs are commonly combined with related disciplines, including finance and business, and can include more advanced courses in taxation, as well as investment, international finance and financial reporting. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAboutTaxationSpecificCourses">What About Taxation-Specific Courses?</h3> <p>In graduate certificate and master's degree programs in taxation or tax accounting, you may have the opportunity to study more specific areas of the field. Coursework could include: </p> <ul><li>Corporate income taxation </li><li>Partnership taxation </li><li>Regulation of tax practice </li><li>Federal estate and gift taxation </li><li>Tax-exempt entities </li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoesCertificationWork">How Does Certification Work?</h3> <p>Certification in a tax-based career depends on what tax-centered occupation you wish to pursue. For example, many jobs at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) require you to hold one of many credentials that show your competency in tax law. An IRS enrolled agent, someone who legally represents a taxpayer in front of the IRS, needs to pass a specialized exam that demonstrates their ability to understand, calculate and interpret taxes and tax laws. </p> <p>Certified Public Accountants (CPA) are typically required to earn 150 credit hours to sit for certification in their state. These individuals may perform duties that are inaccessible to professionals without certification, like interaction with the Securities Exchange Commission. </p> <p>In the private sphere, you may need certification in programs that focuses on the best ways to file taxes and protect clients. The accreditation agency that handles this is the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT). The organization offers two different certification designations: the Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) or an Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP). An ATA usually handles large private estates or businesses while an ATP may help individuals with their tax returns.</p>