Computer Science and Taxation??

Hi everyone,

I currently work in the IT field creating and implementing tax related programs. I don't have much knowledge regarding taxation laws and formulas. There are people over me who are familar with taxation laws and tell me what needs to be done and I do my best to get it done for them. I want to move up to a higher position and I know that having some type of tax or accounting related degree or certificate will allow me to move up to my desired position (or higher :-D )... I have a BS in computer science and will have my MS in computer science in December of this year.... Both from B&M universities.

Anyone have any knowledge of an accredited online program where I can get some sort of certificate or degree for federal taxation? I know I would have to probably look locally to gain knowledge about local tax laws --Or do I?--....

 

If you are talking specifically about TAXATION, and not general accounting, an EXCELLENT option is to get your Enrolled Agent Credential from the US department of Treasury. It gives you essentially all of the same powers regarding taxation as a CPA (e.g. filling returns, representing clients at audits, etc).

Best of all it is only 2 exams and there is no experience or educational requirement. I have heard from people who have taken both the CPA exam and the Enrolled Agent exam, that the EA exam goes into much more depth regarding tax law than the tax portion of the CPA exam.

Here is more information about the Enrolled Agent program from the IRS website:
Enrolled Agent Information

 

Great suggestion. The Enrolled Agent credential is not an academic degree, it's more like a professional license. The IRS recognizes three types of tax professionals: state-licensed attorneys, state-licensed CPAs, and federally-licensed Enrolled Agents. If you have one of these titles, the IRS accepts that you are a tax authority and can legally represent clients who have IRS issues. Frankly, it's probably a more valuable and respected qualification than a tax-related academic degree, and it's probably less expensive to earn as well. There are professional study guides and courses for the EA exams.

If you ever want a second job, your local CPA would probably be happy to hire an EA on a temporary basis during tax season.