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Tax Compliance & Planning Certificate

Be prepared for the Tax Compliance and Planning discipline section in the CPA Exam.

Unlock your potential in tax compliance and planning with our graduate certificate offered online or on campus.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
9 months
Credit hours:
9
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • How to Apply

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Why pursue a Tax Compliance & Planning graduate certificate?

 

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As a CPA candidate, you must select one of the three discipline sections in addition to all three core exam sections. The discipline exams focus on the knowledge and in-demand skills that CPAs need for their careers.

The Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP) discipline of the CPA Exam is one of three discipline options CPA candidates can choose from. TCP is a strong choice because tax skills will always be in demand. The TCP CPA Exam includes four areas:

  1. Tax compliance and planning for individuals and personal financial planning
  2. Entity tax compliance
  3. Entity tax planning
  4. Property transactions (disposition of assets)

Who should earn a certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning?

The Tax Compliance & Planning graduate certificate serves all types of CPA professionals:

  • Recent CPA graduates: Tailored for professionals embarking on their CPA journey, this graduate certificate provides comprehensive training in modern tax compliance and tax laws. Designed for those without prior courses or training in the field, it offers proven methods essential for navigating the complexities of contemporary tax practices.
  • Accounting and tax professionals: Elevate your career trajectory by honing your skills and expertise in tax. This specialized certificate program offers targeted insights and advanced knowledge in tax compliance and planning.
  • Established tax professionals seeking credit hours: This graduate certificate in Tax Planning & Compliance serves as a valuable resource to acquire extra credit hours to maintain your CPA license. Stay current and competitive in the ever changing field of tax.

Tax Compliance & Planning Graduate Certificate at UND

  • Be involved and join the Accounting Club, Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi. These professional organizations allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom.

  • Receive personalized career support through the Pancratz Career Development Center. The center is dedicated exclusively to career development for online and on-campus Nistler College of Business & Public Administration students.

  • Get access to excellent placement opportunities at the top CPA firms in the nation.

Careers with a Tax Compliance & Planning Graduate Certificate

95K

Median salary for personal financial advisors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

136K

Annual job openings for accountants and auditors in the U.S.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Those who pursue the Tax Compliance & Planning graduate certificate have opportunities to work for the tax department within a company, a public accounting firm, the government, banks, hedge funds or even manage their own tax practice.

CPAs have many career-path options, but those who specialize in tax will be uniquely positioned to excel in the following accounting careers:

  • Financial advisor: Navigate the intricacies of financial planning and investment strategies, providing clients with valuable insights and guidance.
  • Financial analyst: Analyze financial data, trends, and market conditions to help organizations make informed decisions about investments, budgets, and financial strategies.
  • Senior accountant: Take on a leadership role in managing and overseeing financial records, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and providing strategic financial guidance.
  • Tax accountant: Specialize in tax-related matters, including compliance, planning, and advising clients on optimal tax strategies to minimize liabilities.
  • Tax auditor: Conduct detailed examinations of financial records to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, identifying any discrepancies or potential issues.
  • Tax consultant: Offer expert advice on complex tax matters, helping businesses and individuals navigate the ever-changing landscape of tax regulations.
  • Tax manager: Assume a managerial role overseeing tax-related activities within an organization, ensuring compliance and implementing effective tax strategies.
  • Tax preparer: Assist individuals and businesses in preparing and filing their tax returns, ensuring accuracy and adherence to relevant tax codes.
  • Wealth manager: Guide individuals in managing their financial portfolios, providing comprehensive wealth management solutions.

Those interested in the Tax Compliance & Planning graduate certificate may also consider pursuing UND's Master’s of Accountancy.

Firms Hiring Tax Professionals

Accounting graduates from UND are often placed in entry level and internship positions at:

  • EY
  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • Eide Bailey
  • Brady Martz
  • Copeland Buhl
  • Baker Tilley

Tax Compliance & Planning Graduate Certificate Courses

ACCT 511. Federal Taxation 1. 3 Credits.

This graduate-level course is a first course in federal taxation, covering both federal taxation of individuals and businesses. Prerequisite: Permission of MAcc Director. F,S.

ACCT 514. Federal Taxation 2. 3 Credits.

This graduate-level course covers intermediate and advanced-level topics in federal taxation of both individuals and business entities. This course emphasizes the advanced federal taxation topics tested in the "Tax Compliance and Planning" section of the 2024 CPA exam. Prerequisite: ACCT 411 or ACCT 511, Permission of MAcc Director. F.

ACCT 517. Graduate Service Learning in Accounting with VITA. 1-3 Credits.

Uncompensated graduate service learning experience preparing income tax returns, under supervision of an accountancy faculty member, for taxpayers qualifying for the IRS VITA program. Students will research technical taxation issues, as they arise, in the IRS tax code. Students must also complete IRS individual tax return preparation training and pass a related IRS exam. Students will have opportunities to pursue advanced training including preparation of tax returns for international students. Students may take on leadership roles in the VITA tax preparation site operation. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S.

ACCT 597. Graduate Accounting Internship. 1-6 Credits.

Compensated work experience in various areas of accounting. Must follow processes and meet internship requirements of the Department of Accountancy and CoBPA. Prerequisite: Permission of MAcc Director. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

Tax Compliance & Planning Certificate Online

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

How Tax Compliance & Planning Certificate Courses Are Offered

The graduate certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning has flexible online courses. You will take a mix of asynchronous (ACCT511, 517 and 597) and live synchronous (ACCT514) online classes.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Request Information

Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar graduate certificates.

  • Herr School of Accountancy
  • Find Similar Graduate Certificates
Department Contact
Brynne Wischer
Academic Advisor
brynne.c.wischer@UND.edu

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