Enrolled Agent: Tax Specialist Certificate of Achievement

The Business Administration Department has created a Pathway to Enrolled Agent program to meet the needs of local employers and enable students to enter the workforce with unlimited earning potential. Enrolled Agents (EA) are tax practitioners with an unlimited right to represent taxpayers before the administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service, including appeals, collections and audits. Only Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys share the same unlimited right. Unlike Certified Public Accountants and Attorneys, EAs are licensed by the federal government. As such, Enrollment Agents can represent taxpayers from any state. There is no degree required to become an EA, and the wide variety of employment options make it an excellent professional designation for students seeking a rewarding career.

10-15

The Business Administration Department has created a Pathway to Enrolled Agent program to meet the needs of local employers and enable students to enter the workforce with unlimited earning potential. Work-based learning through job shadowing, volunteer opportunities and internships will provide students with professional experience necessary to succeed in the workforce. We will pursue partnerships with local tax preparation firms, accounting firms and non-profit agencies to provide Pathway students with valuable professional experience. Enrolled Agent (EA) status is the highest credential awarded by the Department of the Treasury. Obtaining EA status significantly enhances the professional credibility of a tax practitioner. Changes to the tax code create consistent demand for skilled, competent tax professionals. EAs provide valuable service to businesses, individuals and the government. Creating the Pathway and the accompanying certificate will support ELAC’s commitment to prepare students to successfully complete workforce development programs. Major outcomes for this pathway include developing an educational ecosystem in which ELAC students gain both the academic skills and the professional skills necessary to provide flexibility, social mobility and significant earning potential. Partner organizations will be have ELAC student interns to help them serve customers and achieve their operational goals. Partner organizations will work with and mentor ELAC student interns, increase awareness of the value of ELAC as a driving force in developing talent for the local workforce. ELAC students have the opportunity to obtain experience and develop a career that does not require a degree.

Courses to be included in the certificate include: Accounting 1 (5 units), Accounting 15 (3 units), Accounting 16 (3 units), Accounting 19 (3 units), Law 1 (3 units) and an elective of new courses to be developed.

Business Department

Passkey EA Review indicates the following local colleges offer an Enrolled Agent Certificate: • UCLA Extension • Valencia College • Golden West College • Santa Ana College • UC Riverside Extension

20-30