# Income Tax Preparation (Certificate of Competency)

Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Vocational Community Ed (NC)

Source: https://hancockcollege.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/28545/28875/28876/28883/31000

**Award Type:** Certificate of Competency

The Income Tax Preparation Noncredit Certificate of Competency prepares students for entry-level positions in the tax preparation field or to transition into the credit business accounting classes to pursue two-and-four-year degrees. Students learn basic tax concepts, terminology, and software needed to prepare simple federal/state income tax returns under the supervision of a qualified instructor and in coordination with the Tax Assistance Program of the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. The IRS Basic Certificate and the Allan Hancock College Community Education Income Tax Preparation Noncredit Certificate of Competency are granted to those who complete all three courses and pass the IRS certificate exam. Math and computer competency are recommended. Students must enroll in all three courses and attend an orientation session.

Possible careers include: tax preparer or accounting clerk.

**The graduate of the Certificate of Competency in Income Tax Preparation will:**

1.  Prepare basic federal and state income tax returns using applicable tax principles and tax law.
2.  Utilize TaxSlayer software to accurately prepare federal and state income tax returns

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **A total of 67 hours is required for the certificate.** | |  |
| **Required core courses:** | | 67-87 |
| VOCE 7502 | Intro to Tax Preparation | 19 |
| VOCE 7503 | Intro to Tax Prep Software | 8 |
| VOCE 7504 | Income Tax Prep Internship | 40-60 |
| **Total** | | **67-87** |