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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 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.

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Use current technology and software that employers use, such as QuickBooks.

1040 tax documents

Through case studies, business scenarios and real-world problems, you'll learn exactly what will be expected of you in this field.

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Take your classes in a variety of formats including online, Your Choice or in a traditional classroom.


Academics

In the Tax Preparer Assistant pathway certificate you’re taught accounting principles, including income taxes 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.


Required Courses

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.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Tax Preparer Assistant Courses

10101101
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
Complete accounting cycle, special journals, payroll tax principles, special procedures, and financial statements. Accounting applications through practice set approach.
10101123
|
UGRD
| 4 CR
This course will prepare you to complete and file individual federal and Wisconsin income tax returns including the 1040EZ/WIZ, 1040A/1A, and 1040/1 with most common supporting schedules. This course is lecture- and project-based with most returns done manually and some comprehensive problems being computerized.
10101174
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Students will learn the QuickBooks accounting software by performing tasks that involve the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, payroll, and financial statements. Students will be responsible for finding and correcting errors in the QuickBooks program. PREREQUISITE: 10101101 Financial Accounting 1 or 10101176 Financial Accounting 1A.

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.

Pathway Certificate
10 Credits / 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Tax Accounting Clerk, Tax Associate, Tax Preparer Assistant
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Technical Diploma
30 Credits
Potential Careers
Accounting Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Bookkeeper
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You can continue your education to advance your skills.

Associate Degree
60 credits
Potential Careers
Accountant, Bookkeeper, Accounts Receivable Specialist, Accounts Payable Specialist, Payroll Specialist, Cost Accounting Specialist, Tax Accounting Specialist
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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. 

Apply Today!

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.

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Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

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Ready to join Northwood Tech's successful graduates? Easily apply today.

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Finding the class you want to take has never been easier. 

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Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

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New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

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Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.