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Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Certificate of Skill Proficiency
Income Tax Preparer

This certificate is designed for individuals desiring to enter the tax preparation field with a minimum of course requirements. Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will possess the knowledge and practical experience necessary to prepare personal income taxes effectively. By completing the tax course, students will receive the qualifying education required by the California Tax Education Council to become a California Registered Tax Preparer.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ACCT 105 - Income Tax AccountingM4.0
ACCT 105 - Income Tax Accounting (4.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers federal and California State income tax laws and preparation as they relate to individuals and small business entities. Emphasis is placed upon income inclusion, exclusion, exemptions, capital gains and losses, and business and individual deductions. Students who successfully complete the course with at least a “C” grade will be certified by the California Tax Education Council as fulfilling the state’s 60-hour qualifying education requirement (45 federal hours and 15 California hours) to become a registered tax preparer.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
2nd Semester
ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program IM2.0
Notes:
This course will be offered in the Winter.

ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program I (2.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 105
Transfers to:CSU

This is the first course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to be a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. The course covers federal and California tax theories and laws appropriate for the current tax year, and students apply their knowledge by taking the I.R.S. exams for VITA volunteers. Upon successful completion of the I.R.S. VITA Basic and Intermediate exams, students are able to assist low-income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year.

ACCT 109 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program IIM1.0
ACCT 109 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 108
Transfers to:CSU

This is the second course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to volunteer in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. This course allows students who have successfully passed ACCT108 to apply their tax knowledge by assisting low income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year. Students learn to use the tax software (e.g., TaxWise) to file individual federal and state income tax returns accurately within the scope of the VITA program. Students learn how to develop a system of quality control for actual taxpayer returns, and develop communication skills through interviews with taxpayers and in explaining tax return results. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:3.0 
Total Units for Income Tax Preparer COSP program 7.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will analyze and explain the federal and California state tax structures as they apply to individuals and small businesses.


2

Students will prepare federal and state income tax returns for individuals and small businesses.


3

Students will gather, identify, examine, sort, and classify information required for filing individual income tax returns.


4

Students will apply basic tax law and determine filing requirements for actual tax returns.


5

Students will use TaxWise software to accurately file individual federal and state income tax returns within the scope of the VITA program.


6

Students will develop a system of quality control for the tax preparation process.


7

Students will communicate effectively with taxpayers when explaining tax return results.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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