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Certificate of Achievement
Income Tax and Payroll

The Income Tax and Payroll Certificate of Achievement is intended for students desiring to enter the tax preparation and/or payroll field with a minimum of course requirements. Students will be able to gain the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to use financial data effectively in preparing a variety of tax returns with specialized training in payroll. Common duties performed include payroll tax reporting, payroll accounting systems maintenance, and posting payroll transactions for journals/ledgers.

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 2023-2024 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
Select one: ACCT 101 / ACCT 101H M4.0
ACCT 101 - Financial Accounting (4.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*) CSU (*students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors.

ACCT 101H - Financial Accounting Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (credit limit*), CSU (Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. .

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:8.0 
2nd Semester
ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program IM1.0
Notes:
This course will be offered in the Winter session.

ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program I (1.0 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 Rio Hondo. The course covers federal and California tax theories and laws appropriate for the current tax year, and students apply their knowledge by taking the IRS exams for VITA volunteers. Upon successful completion of the IRS VITA Basic and Intermediate exams, students will be 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 Rio Hondo. This course will allow students who have successfully passed ACCT 108 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 will learn to use the TaxWise software to accurately file individual federal and state income tax returns within the scope of the VITA program. Students will learn how to develop a system of quality control for actual taxpayer returns as well as develop their communication skills through interviews of taxpayers and explanation of tax return results.

ACCT 103 - Payroll AccountingM3.0
ACCT 103 - Payroll Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory: ACCT 100 or 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course combines basic accounting skills with specialized training in payroll accounting to prepare students for entry-level positions within the payroll segment of accounting. The course is designed for accounting majors and students interested in pursuing an entry-level position within the payroll segment of accounting: it provides a comprehensive overview of federal and state payroll laws and these laws’ effects on payroll records and required government reports.

ACCT 106 - Computerized AccountingM3.0
ACCT 106 - Computerized Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100(Formerly ACCT 090); ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students with a sound basic knowledge of how computerized integrated accounting systems function. Students will be processing accounting data using receivables, payables, inventory, payroll and project modules. This course is designed for accounting majors, those interested in starting a small business, and those interested in pursuing entry-level positions in the field of accounting.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
Total Units for Income Tax and Payroll COA program 16.0 
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

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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