Top 11 Tax Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for tax assistants in the job market because they demonstrate that a person is qualified and knowledgeable about the subject matter. They can show employers that the individual has taken steps to further their education and skills, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can give tax assistants an edge over other applicants, as employers may view them as more reliable and trustworthy. Finally, having certifications can open up new opportunities for tax assistants, as employers may be more likely to hire those with credentials or specialized knowledge.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Tax Assistants and explains how they can help to further a tax assistant's career.

What are Tax Assistant Certifications?

Tax assistant certification is a professional designation given to individuals who have successfully completed a comprehensive course of study in tax preparation, filing, and related topics. The certification is designed to ensure that those who represent clients in filing their taxes have the knowledge and skills necessary to do so accurately and efficiently.

Tax assistant certification can help individuals improve their career prospects by demonstrating their commitment to learning about the tax system and providing quality services. It also allows them to demonstrate a level of competency that employers may not otherwise be able to assess when hiring for tax-related positions. Furthermore, having tax assistant certification may open up new opportunities in the field of taxation, such as working as an independent contractor or consultant for businesses or other organizations.

When representing clients in filing their taxes, having this certification can provide added confidence that your work is being done correctly and compliantly with relevant laws and regulations. It can help create trust between yourself and your clients by showing that you are qualified to handle the complex technical aspects of taxation in an ethical manner. Finally, it provides a valuable credential that may be beneficial when seeking promotions or advancements within the field of taxation.

Pro Tip: To become a certified tax assistant, it is important to take the necessary courses and obtain the relevant certifications. Additionally, gaining experience in the field through internships or volunteer work can help demonstrate your knowledge and provide valuable career experience.

Related: What does a Tax Assistant do?

Top 11 Tax Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Tax Assistants today.

1. Certified Tax Preparer (CTP)

A Certified Tax Preparer (CTP) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have met certain requirements and have demonstrated knowledge in the field of tax preparation. The CTP designation indicates that the individual has passed an exam administered by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

In order to become a CTP, applicants must complete a comprehensive course of study in tax preparation and pass an exam. The course typically takes between six and nine months to complete, depending on the format chosen. The exam covers topics such as federal income taxes, business taxes, estate taxes, trusts, international taxation, and more.

To get certified as a CTP, applicants must first register for the program through NATP's website. After registering for the program, applicants will be required to pay a fee which varies depending on the format chosen (online or in-person). Once registered and paid for, applicants will receive access to online materials including lectures and practice exams. After completing all of the course material and passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will receive their official CTP certification.

The cost of becoming a CTP varies depending on the format chosen; however, it typically ranges from $400-$800 USD.

2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements of their state or jurisdiction. CPAs are licensed by their state boards of accountancy and are authorized to provide a variety of accounting services, including auditing, tax planning and preparation, financial statement preparation, and consulting.

In order to become a CPA, you must meet the education requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. Generally speaking, this includes completing 150 semester hours of college coursework in accounting and related topics such as business law and economics. You must also pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

The amount of time it takes to become a CPA varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to five years to complete all the necessary steps for licensure.

To get your CPA license you must first meet all the education requirements set forth by your state board of accountancy. Once these are completed you will need to apply for licensure with your state board of accountancy and pay any applicable fees associated with the application process. Additionally, you will need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the AICPA before being granted your license.

The cost associated with becoming a CPA varies depending on individual circumstances such as where you live and what type of education program you pursue. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred dollars for application fees up to several thousand dollars for tuition expenses associated with completing an accredited college degree program in accounting or related field.

3. Enrolled Agent (EA)

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and is empowered by the U.S. Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). EAs are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

It generally takes between six months to one year to become an EA. To become an EA, you must pass a three-part comprehensive examination administered by the IRS, which covers individual and business tax returns, representation, ethics and planning. You must also meet certain experience requirements or complete a qualifying degree program.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your state of residence and other factors. Generally, it costs between $100-$200 for each part of the exam plus any applicable fees for study materials or review courses. Additionally, there is an annual fee for maintaining your EA status with the IRS that ranges from $30-$50 per year.

4. Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA)

Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) is a professional designation for tax professionals who have achieved the highest level of certification in the field of taxation. The ATA designation is awarded by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

To become an ATA, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a comprehensive exam, and adhere to a strict code of ethics. The process typically takes two to three years to complete.

In order to obtain the ATA designation, individuals must first complete an approved tax education program that includes courses in individual and business taxation, accounting principles, and legal aspects of taxation. After completing the required education program, candidates must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by NATP. Finally, they must agree to abide by NATP’s Code of Professional Conduct.

The cost for obtaining the ATA designation varies depending on the type of education program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

5. Chartered Tax Professional (CTP)

Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) is an advanced credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise in taxation. It is offered by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam.

To become a CTP, you must have at least three years of full-time tax preparation experience or equivalent part-time work experience, as well as an associate’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field. You must also complete 40 hours of continuing education related to taxation within the last two years prior to applying for the CTP designation.

The CTP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as individual income tax returns; business entity returns; trusts and estates; international taxation; employee benefits; retirement plans; and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any one of NATP's testing centers across the United States.

The cost to take the CTP exam is $495 for members of NATP and $695 for non-members. Once you pass the exam, there is an annual fee of $125 to maintain your credential.

Overall, it typically takes about six months from start to finish to get your CTP designation.

6. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional certification given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). It is a voluntary designation that requires individuals to meet certain education, experience, and ethical requirements. The CFP designation is widely recognized as the highest standard for financial planning professionals.

To become a CFP, an individual must complete an approved educational program, pass the CFP Certification Examination, and meet the CFP Board's ethics and experience requirements. The educational program must include coursework in areas such as insurance planning, investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and financial planning process.

The CFP Certification Examination consists of two parts: Part I consists of multiple-choice questions covering all areas of financial planning; Part II consists of case studies that require candidates to answer questions based on real-life scenarios. Candidates must pass both parts with a score of at least 75%.

It typically takes between one and three years to complete the educational requirements for the CFP designation depending on how quickly you can complete your coursework. After passing the exam, candidates must also fulfill additional experience requirements before they can be certified as a CFP professional.

The cost to become a CFP varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 in total fees including tuition costs for coursework and fees associated with taking the exam.

7. Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS)

A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS) is a professional who has received specialized training and certification in the field of tax resolution. This includes knowledge of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, IRS procedures, and other related topics. A CTRS is qualified to assist taxpayers with resolving their tax problems such as back taxes, liens, levies, audits, installment agreements, offers in compromise, and innocent spouse relief.

The process of becoming a CTRS can take up to two years. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved course of study that covers topics such as IRS regulations and procedures; federal taxation; ethics; and communication skills. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) Certification Examination administered by Prometric Testing Services.

The cost for becoming a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist varies depending on the program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $2,000 - $4,000. This fee typically covers tuition for the coursework and registration fees for taking the certification exam.

Once certified as a CTRS, professionals must maintain their certification status through continuing education credits each year. The ASTPS requires all CTRSs to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to remain certified.

8. Tax Consultant Certification (TCC)

Tax Consultant Certification (TCC) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in taxation and tax consulting. It is awarded by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) after passing an exam and meeting other requirements.

The TCC exam is a comprehensive test covering various aspects of taxation, including federal tax law, state and local taxes, ethics, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. To pass the exam, candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or taxation from an accredited institution; having two years of experience working with taxes; completing 30 hours of continuing education every three years; and passing the TCC exam.

The cost to take the TCC exam varies depending on whether you are an NATP member or non-member. For members, it costs $195 for the first attempt and $95 for each subsequent attempt within one year. For non-members, it costs $295 for the first attempt and $145 for each subsequent attempt within one year.

Once certified, individuals can use their TCC designation to demonstrate their knowledge in taxation and tax consulting to employers or clients.

9. National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is a professional organization that provides tax professionals with education, training and support. It has been in operation since 1979 and currently serves more than 20,000 members across the United States. The NATP offers its members access to a wide range of resources including educational materials, publications, conferences, webinars and networking opportunities.

To become an NATP member, you must have at least two years of experience in tax preparation or accounting. You must also pass a background check and complete the NATP's online application process. Once your application is approved, you will be issued an official membership certificate.

It typically takes up to two weeks for your application to be processed and approved by the NATP. After that, you can begin taking advantage of all the benefits associated with being an NATP member.

The cost of joining the NATP varies depending on your membership type. Individual memberships start at $99 per year while business memberships start at $299 per year. Additional fees may apply for additional services such as continuing education courses or other special programs offered by the NATP.

10. IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer

IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer is a program that allows individuals to become certified tax preparers. The program is administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and requires applicants to pass an exam and meet certain educational requirements.

It typically takes about two months for an individual to complete the process of becoming an IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer. To get started, individuals must first register with the IRS online or by mail. After registering, individuals must then pass the competency exam which covers topics such as federal income tax law, filing requirements, and ethics. Once the exam is passed, applicants must obtain a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Finally, applicants must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

The cost for becoming an IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer varies depending on the type of preparation services offered and whether or not additional training is required. Generally speaking, it costs between $50-$200 to become certified as a tax preparer.

11. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Personal Financial Specialist (PFS).

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential is a professional designation awarded to CPAs who have demonstrated expertise in providing personal financial planning services. The PFS credential is designed to recognize CPAs who specialize in helping individuals and families plan for their financial future.

To qualify for the PFS credential, applicants must meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements. Applicants must have a valid CPA license from any U.S. jurisdiction, at least five years of full-time equivalent experience in personal financial planning, and must pass the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning exam.

The AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning exam covers topics such as investments, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning, and debt management. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section consists of 100 questions that must be completed within three hours; the essay section consists of four essays that must be completed within two hours.

The cost to apply for the PFS credential is $1,100; this fee includes the cost of the exam and application materials. Additionally, applicants are required to pay an annual renewal fee of $150 to maintain their certification status.

Once all requirements are met and the application is approved by the AICPA Board of Examiners, applicants will receive their PFS designation within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

Do You Really Need a Tax Assistant Certificate?

When it comes to filing taxes, many people find the process daunting and overwhelming. It can be difficult to understand complex tax laws and regulations, and even more challenging to ensure that all of your returns are accurate and up-to-date. This is why some people choose to pursue a Tax Assistant Certificate in order to gain the knowledge they need to complete their taxes with confidence.

A Tax Assistant Certificate is designed to give you the skills necessary to become a professional tax preparer. The certificate program typically covers topics such as federal tax law, accounting principles, ethics in taxation, and income tax preparation. This comprehensive coursework will equip you with the knowledge needed to accurately prepare taxes for yourself or others. With this certification, you can help individuals and businesses with their taxes while also building a lucrative career in the field of taxation.

In addition to providing an understanding of taxation laws and regulations, earning a Tax Assistant Certificate can also help you stand out from other job applicants when seeking employment in the field. Possessing this specialized knowledge can give you an edge over those who do not have any qualifications related to taxation. Furthermore, having this certificate may make it easier for you to secure jobs with reputable companies or organizations that specialize in taxation services.

Overall, if you are looking for a career in taxation or just want additional knowledge on how best to handle your own finances then obtaining a Tax Assistant Certificate could be worth your time and money. With this certification, you will learn about current tax laws and gain insight into how best to manage your finances as well as those of others.

Related: Tax Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Tax Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a Tax Assistant Certification?

Answer: The requirements to become a Tax Assistant Certification vary by state, but typically include passing an exam, completing continuing education courses and having at least two years of experience in tax preparation.

2. How long does it take to obtain a Tax Assistant Certification?

Answer: It can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to obtain a Tax Assistant Certification, depending on the state and type of certification.

3. How much does it cost to get a Tax Assistant Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Tax Assistant Certification will vary based on the state and type of certification. Generally, fees range from $50-$500.

4. What is the scope of practice for a Tax Assistant Certified Professional?

Answer: A Tax Assistant Certified Professional is able to prepare basic individual income tax returns and provide advice related to taxes for individuals or businesses under the supervision of an enrolled agent or certified public accountant (CPA).

5. Is there any additional training required after getting a Tax Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require that tax professionals complete continuing education courses each year in order to maintain their certification status.