Heartland adds new programs to fill tax preparer gap

 

[March 27, 2019] 

Heartland Community College is adding a new program to meet a need for tax preparers.

Beginning April 2, registration will be open for the Enrolled Agent program to be offered in the Fall 2019 semester. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed tax professionals who also have rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Heartland will offer two concentrations within the Enrolled Agent program.

Enrolled Agent/Paraprofessional Accountant – Students learn skills needed to work with an experienced tax preparer or commercial tax preparation service and be qualified to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Students will also learn additional accounting skills including write-up work, payroll preparation, payroll tax and sales tax preparation. This program is designed for those seeking year-round employment.

Enrolled Agent Mini Certificate - Students learn skills needed to work with an experienced tax preparer or commercial tax preparation service and be qualified to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The certificate is ideal for someone seeking the seasonal work of income tax preparation.

“Tax preparation companies, CPAs, and attorneys are often looking for Enrolled Agents. Especially during tax season,” said Paul Kelson, CPA and Instructor of Accounting at Heartland Community College. “The number of income tax filings is expected to rise. However, the number of tax preparers has not been keeping pace with that need. These programs will offer a pathway for new or returning students to add a valuable job skill for either full or part time employment with as little as a year of classroom time.”

For more information about the Enrolled Agent program visit www.heartland.edu/ catalog/acct/ or call 309-268-8860.

[Steve Fast
Associate Director of Public Information
Heartland Community College]