Tax Preparer Microcredential
Stackable to Degree Program
The Tax Preparer microcredential aligns with the Business A.A.S. should students choose to continue their education after obtaining the microcredential.
Microcredential
This curriculum was designed and approved by faculty in the Business and Accounting department and with feedback from the advisory board. Upon completion of this microcredential, students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of individual taxation including small businesses, the use of spreadsheets in a simulated business environment, the diversity and professional expectations of the workplace.
The Tax Preparer microcredential can be taken either as college credits or as a non-credit professional development program.
This microcredential is comprised of the following courses.
Credit Path
ACCT 1100 Federal Income Tax
Current federal income tax law and its application to the individual taxpayer. Inclusions and exclusions to gross income, deductions, capital gains and losses and preparation of individual returns. (3 cr. hrs.) (ASN).
BUSN 1055 Professionalism
Understanding of individual and workplace needs as they relate to professionalism, team building, and career growth. Topic areas include human relations, business ethics, business etiquette, team building concepts, and career enrichment. (3 cr. hrs.) (Fall, Spring). Discussion, participation, and role-playing exercises. May be taught in a simulated work environment.
Non-Credit Path
Excel Level 1 (non-credit, 7 hours)
This course will focus on basic skills for Microsoft Excel. Students will learn common spreadsheet vocabulary, how to navigate a file system, and how to use Office Help for Excel. Via hands-on training, students will be taught essential skills, such as entering data into a worksheet, entering and editing formulas, working with pictures and saving and updating a workbook. Students will also learn to format data in cells, rows, columns, use AutoSum, and other common functions, including creating simple charts with Excel and the basics of formatting charts. They will also obtain additional skills in manipulating large spreadsheets for easier navigation.
Excel Level 2 (non-credit, 7 hours)
This course will provide the Excel user with more advanced Microsoft skills. Students will learn to create and manipulate data, to display data using graphs and charts, to consolidate data, and to create advanced pivot tables and charts. Some other topics covered include:
- Creating cell ranges
- Tracking changes
- Workbook sharing
- Formatting
- Auditing
- Migrating Word with Excel
- Using hyperlinks and web pages
- Using templates
Excel Level 3 (non-credit, 7 hours)
This advanced-level course is designed for users to build upon their foundational and intermediate knowledge and to become even more productive and efficient in working with large amounts of data. Students will be shown how to expand their knowledge of Excel data analysis tools, consolidation tools, advanced functions, and PivotTables. They will also be introduced to high-end features, such as collaborating with others and automating complex or repetitive tasks. Other topics covered include:
- Importing & exporting data
- Formatting numbers
- Working with ranges
- Working with macros
- Using data analysis tools
- Summarizing data
- Analyzing data
- Workgroup collaboration
Careers
| Job Title | Degree Needed | Regional/State Job Outlook | Regional/State Average Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Preparer | High School Diploma or equivalent | Very Favorable / - | $38,400 / $48,040 |
Source: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
According to the New York State Department of Labor’s Long-Term Occupational Employment Projections, 2018-2028, NYS openings for tax preparers are expected to grow by 17% and, in the Southern Tier by 12.5%. Based on employer feedback an industry certification is not necessary. However, future growth opportunities would require a tax preparer to obtain the Enrolled Agent credential through the IRS. This microcredential starts the process prepare students to earn this credential.
Our Faculty
Department Chair, Business: Jennifer O'Hara
Contact
Deborah Beall, ADI Professional Studies beall@corning-cc.edu
*Students taking this microcredential may be eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. Click here for additional information.