Online Certificate in Taxation with Training Info

Those with bachelor's or master's degrees in accounting can broaden their skills with a graduate certificate in taxation. Tax professionals can enhance their credentials with graduate certificates in specialized areas of taxation.

Taxation Certificate Overview

The curriculum for an online graduate certificate program in taxation is designed to prepare students to advance in careers with CPA firms, corporate tax departments and government revenue departments. Topics include tax law research and interpretation, state and local tax policies and business tax planning. Certificate programs in a specialized taxation field may require students to have some relevant work experience.

Program Information and Requirements

The certificate program consists of 12-15 credit hours and can be completed in less than one year. Courses can be completed online, and students may have the option for campus workshops on specific tax issues. Many courses offered in this program count toward the education requirement needed to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam.
Students access course assignments and threaded class discussions through a virtual classroom application such as CyberCampus. Additional class communication tools include online message centers and chat rooms.

List of Common Taxation Certificate Courses

Coursework material includes readings, case studies and discussions conducted through online communications. Specialized taxation certificates could include courses in international or corporate tax laws. Exams may be taken through the classroom management application, or students may be required to take supervised exams on campus or at local libraries.

Property Taxation Course

This course reviews the definition of capital assets, personal property taxes, at-risk rules and statute of limitations. Students learn administrative processes in audits and record retention.

Tax Timing Advantages Course

Proper timing in allocation of income and deductions to maximize tax benefits is covered in this course. Accounting methods such as accrual, installment and uniform capitalization may be reviewed.

Researching Tax Laws Course

Students examine sources and interpretations of tax law. Research is conducted with tax law books, available both electronically and in print. Assignments include research and development of individual interpretation of primary source materials.

Career Information for Graduates

A graduate certificate in taxation can lead to jobs in the fields of accounting and auditing. Economic growth and the rising need for business accountability are expected to be met with an increased demand for qualified accountants and auditors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage for accountants and auditors of $60,340 in 2009, with the bottom tenth earning less than $37,690 and the top tenth over $104,450 (www.bls.gov).