College of DuPage accounting program offers new tax preparer certificate

A new Tax Preparer Certificate, which prepares students for entry-level positions preparing income tax and payroll tax returns, is set to launch this spring at College of DuPage.

Students who are interested in tax can use the certificate as a starting point for their careers, beginning with preparing tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

To fulfill certificate requirements, students will take a sequence of courses that represent a progression of post-secondary coursework with academic, career and technical components.

Employment rates for tax preparers are expected to rise, and tax preparers with additional certifications specific to their roles will be offered more job opportunities in the coming years, said accounting professor Mark Yahoudy.

"The Tax Preparer Certificate is a unique opportunity to prepare for a job in a CPA firm tax department or a tax return preparation business without becoming a CPA," he said. "Students will take classes such as Income Tax Preparation, in which they will prepare tax returns for community members as we simulate the tax department of a CPA firm."

The new certificate is the Accounting program's latest offering following last month's announcement of a new 3+1 transfer agreement with Lewis University.

Through that program, students complete their first three years of study through COD, while the fourth year is taught by Lewis faculty at a reduced tuition rate. To be eligible for the program, students must have completed an Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting.

Learn more about the 3+1 Bachelor of Science for Accounting at www.cod.edu/academics/transfer/3plus1.aspx.