Tax Accounting Assistant/Enrolled Agent Prep Cert
Overview
Approved By LWIA: 7
Last Re-Certification Date: 6/1/2026
Program Description
This certificate program provides students with a foundation in financial accounting, individual and business taxation, ethics, tax research, and professional communication.
The certificate prepares students for entry-level positions as tax accounting assistants in CPA firms, accounting practices, and national tax preparation companies.
In addition, the program offers coursework aligned with the IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) Special Enrollment Exam, giving students the opportunity to continue their professional development towards becoming a federally authorized tax practitioner.
Individuals who successfully pass the Enrolled Agent Exam are authorized to prepare federal tax returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Learn more at https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/business/accounting/tax-accounting-assistant-certificate.php
Established in 2026
CIP: 52-0301 Accounting.
Training Program Type
Vocational
Provider Information
Harper College
Associated Job Families and Occupations
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations
Certifying / Licensing / Registering Body
ICCB
Quality Assurance
- North Central Association
- Illinois Community College Board
- Industry Standard: CPA
Education Information
Industry Recognized Certification
32 Weeks ( 227.00 Hours / 17.00 Credit Hours )
| Tuition | $2,565.00 |
| Books | $1,464.00 |
| Fees | $519.00 |
| Total Cost | $4,548.00 |
Financial Aid
- Institutional Scholarships
Application Procedure
WIOA students need to contact the Harper College Workforce Coordinator at (847) 925-6782 or WIOA@harpercollege.edu. A separate book voucher is required for Follett Bookstore #1341 on campus. Books can be shipped if requested for a small fee. Each semester, all Cook County WIOA sending agency case managers must supply the Harper College Workforce Coordinator with a Semester Training Schedule Approval Form that lists the courses the client will be taking that semester, and this must match the client's Harper Educational Plan. The maximum tuition and fees for this occupation is $5000.00
Entry Requirements:
- Other - High School Algebra is highly recommended
Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Disability Provisions Compliance Assurance
- EEO Compliant: Yes
- Disability Accomodation: Yes
Program Offerings
- Full-Time Enrollment
- Part-Time Enrollment
- Classroom Instruction
- Online/E-Learning Instruction
Performance Data
Program: Tax Accounting Assistant/Enrolled Agent Prep Cert
Overview
Approved By LWIA: 7
Last Re-Certification Date: 6/1/2026
Program Description
This certificate program provides students with a foundation in financial accounting, individual and business taxation, ethics, tax research, and professional communication.
The certificate prepares students for entry-level positions as tax accounting assistants in CPA firms, accounting practices, and national tax preparation companies.
In addition, the program offers coursework aligned with the IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) Special Enrollment Exam, giving students the opportunity to continue their professional development towards becoming a federally authorized tax practitioner.
Individuals who successfully pass the Enrolled Agent Exam are authorized to prepare federal tax returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Learn more at https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/business/accounting/tax-accounting-assistant-certificate.php
Established in 2026
CIP: 52-0301 Accounting.
Provider Information
Harper College
Associated Job Families and Occupations
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations
Certifying / Licensing / Registering Body
ICCB
Quality Assurance
- North Central Association
- Illinois Community College Board
- Industry Standard: CPA
Education Information
Industry Recognized Certification
32 Weeks ( 227.00 Hours / 17.00 Credit Hours )
| Tuition | $2,565.00 |
| Books | $1,464.00 |
| Fees | $519.00 |
| Total Cost | $4,548.00 |
Financial Aid
- Institutional Scholarships
Application Procedure
WIOA students need to contact the Harper College Workforce Coordinator at (847) 925-6782 or WIOA@harpercollege.edu. A separate book voucher is required for Follett Bookstore #1341 on campus. Books can be shipped if requested for a small fee. Each semester, all Cook County WIOA sending agency case managers must supply the Harper College Workforce Coordinator with a Semester Training Schedule Approval Form that lists the courses the client will be taking that semester, and this must match the client's Harper Educational Plan. The maximum tuition and fees for this occupation is $5000.00
Entry Requirements:
- Other - High School Algebra is highly recommended
Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Disability Provisions Compliance Assurance
- EEO Compliant: Yes
- Disability Accomodation: Yes
Program Offerings
- Full-Time Enrollment
- Part-Time Enrollment
- Classroom Instruction
- Online/E-Learning Instruction