
Tax Preparer Assistant
Pathway Certificate
10 Credits | 1 year part time
Ashland*, New Richmond*, Rice Lake*, Superior*, Online
Outreach Centers: Balsam Lake*, Hayward*, Ladysmith*
*Combination of Online, Your Choice or On Site instruction. Select courses available at the Northwood Tech Outreach Centers. Please contact your local campus for specifics.
Begin your accounting education by completing three courses to earn your Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate. Tax Preparers are in high demand. While you continue your education, you will already have the skills that employers are seeking.
Program Overview
When you’ve completed the Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate, you have the basic knowledge to prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Program Outcomes
Tax Preparer Assistant graduates will be able to:
- Process financial transactions throughout the accounting cycle
- Perform income tax accounting tasks
Practice completing and filing individual federal and Wisconsin income tax returns through project-based learning.

Learn by doing.

Real-world applications.

Live your life.
Academics
In the Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate you’re taught accounting principles, including payroll tax principles, special procedures and financial statements, along with how to use accounting software.
Tax Preparer Assistant classes are offered on all campuses (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake and Superior) and outreach centers Balsam Lake, Hayward, Ladysmith. Conveniently take classes in a way that fits your lifestyle: Online, Your Choice or On Site.
Experienced Instructors
Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. The experienced accounting faculty are knowledgeable, approachable, and eager to help. The sizes of your classes will allow for the attention you deserve.
Career Pathways
As a Tax Preparer Assistant student at Northwood Tech, you can add to your credentials! After you complete the Tax Preparer Assistant certificate, continue your education at Northwood Tech to earn the Accounting associate degree.
Current & Relevant
Program courses are current and relevant to today's tax accounting field, and students practice and apply accounting principles in real-world situations.
Curriculum
When you complete the Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate, you’ll be able to process financial transactions throughout the accounting cycle and perform individual and/or organizational tax accounting preparation, reporting and analysis-type tasks.
Featured Tax Preparer Assistant Courses
Tax Preparer Assistant is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Tax Preparer Assistant student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
You can continue your education to advance your skills.
Transfer your credits to earn your bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process. Get started by completing the Online application form.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Learn More About Paying for College
Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*
Tax Preparer Assistant
10 Credits | 1 Year, Part-Time
$1,589
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Tax Preparer Assistant Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate. Continue in your education at Northwood Tech into the Accounting associate degree.

Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.