2024 Best Online Bachelor of Taxation Degree Programs

Taxes can be complicated, but a bachelor of taxation program can help you develop the skills you need for this line of work.

An undergraduate degree in taxation can help equip you to understand tax codes, manage clients’ tax needs, and check tax returns for accuracy.

These are in-demand skills that the general public doesn’t typically possess. If you’re interested in becoming an experienced tax pro with the skills to serve businesses or individuals, you may want to consider earning one of the accredited online bachelors degrees in taxation offered by some universities.

Universities Offering Online Bachelor’s in Taxation Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capella University

Capella University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business – Accounting. Students must complete 180 quarter credits and a capstone project to graduate. Up to 135 qualifying credits can be transferred into the program. Applicants must be 24 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy for mature students. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. Classes are 5 to 7 weeks long. Those interested in the program must complete an online application and have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Colorado Christian University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers an online Business Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours, achieve a GPA of 2.5 or greater, and satisfy a foreign language requirement.

Applicants may declare their major after being accepted into the school. Either ACT or SAT scores must be submitted to the school.

FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students must complete 123 credits to graduate, with 15 credits dedicated to elective courses. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and a resume with 3 years of work experience.

GGU is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Accounting. The 120 credits needed to graduate can typically be completed in 3.5 years. Each course is 8 weeks long. Those interested in the program must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and need to submit official transcripts when applying.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students may add one of four concentrations to the degree, including Tax Accounting. Each course lasts for 10 weeks. To graduate, students must complete 180 credits. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students must complete 120 credits.

Up to 90 qualifying credits may be transferred into the program. The program also offers an accelerated master’s path, which allows students to work on credits for both their master’s and bachelor’s degree at the same time.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Strayer University

Strayer University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. To graduate, students must complete 40 classes. Each class is 11 weeks long.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid, government-issued photo ID. Both a completed application and an enrollment agreement must be completed and submitted as well.

Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. To graduate, students must complete 120 credits, with 21 units in accounting. Applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wesleyan College

Wesleyan College offers an online Bachelor’s in Accounting. Applicants must submit an online application with transcripts from high school and any post-secondary schools attended.

Students in this program can complete internships or participate in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program to earn work experience. To graduate, students must obtain 120 semester hours. Those interested in a CPA need 150 semester hours.

Wesleyan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Bachelor of Taxation Degrees

Most people dread tax time, but you may feel differently. If you find calculating payments and staying apprised of tax laws interesting, then you may want to get a bachelor degree in taxation.

At most schools, taxation isn’t typically a standalone bachelor’s degree program. Rather, most people at the undergraduate level get started with a degree in accounting.

In an accounting program, you typically study:

• Auditing
• Bookkeeping
• Financial reports
• Income taxes
• Software for accounting
• Tax laws

You might be able to pursue a degree concentration that focuses on issues of taxation. That way, you could take courses topics like advanced taxation issues and corporate taxes.

How can you know whether a bachelor’s in taxation is the right field of study for you? It’s beneficial for accounting and taxation professionals to be organized and detail-oriented. Being skilled with numbers is important as well. Taxation jobs are usually done in office settings, and they often involve a good deal of independent work.

Down the road, if you want more taxation-specific training, you could think about getting a masters degree in taxation. Your accountancy bachelor’s studies can provide good preparation for a graduate program.

Even without graduate studies, having a bachelors degree can help qualify you for many different jobs related to money and taxation. For example, some graduates pursue work as tax accountants or financial analysts. There are also government jobs in taxation, such as the positions of tax collector or examiner.

Tax Accounting Careers & Salaries

Accounting graduates are often qualified to work in tax-related positions. Many tax professionals are employed by government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service. Jobs are often available at the federal, state and local levels.

Tax examiners check people’s tax forms to ensure that they’ve been filled out correctly and that everything appears to be in good standing. More detailed tax documents, such as returns filed by corporations, are evaluated by revenue agents. Tax collectors or revenue officers deal with people who are behind on their payments.

You can also decide to take your career in a more traditional accounting direction. Public accountants  help individuals or businesses prepare their taxes and manage their money. Those who specialize in tax preparation can bill themselves as tax accountants.

Other professionals in the field work as a company’s management or cost accountant. They keep track of financial information, set budgets, and help the organization plan for the future.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations related to business and finance pay a median annual salary of $72,250.

A bachelor degree is often sufficient preparation for the above jobs, but some agencies or companies may have more stringent requirements.

An accounting background can be useful for finance jobs as well. Common finance positions include financial analyst, budget analyst, and financial examiner. If you want to work one on one with individuals, you might be interested in becoming a personal financial advisor.

Beginning with entry-level clerking jobs may give you the experience needed to move into more advanced taxation, accounting, and finance roles. The work of a bookkeeper or a billing, payroll, or records clerk can directly relate to your accounting training.

Those who have gained plenty of experience and worked their way up through the ranks may pursue the position of financial manager. This management position heads up accounting and finance staff.

Bachelor’s in Taxation Curriculum & Courses

For your taxation studies, you’ll take courses about business, accounting, and tax practices. Here are some of the courses you may come across:

• Advanced Accounting: A basic understanding of accounting practices may not be enough when you’re dealing with complicated business arrangements, so this class will explore advanced issues that may arise.
• Auditing: In this course, you’ll learn what auditors do and get an introduction to their practices.
• Business Law: In addition to learning about government regulations that affect businesses, you may also talk about workplace ethics.
• Corporate Taxes: This class will cover IRS requirements for C corporations and S corporations.
• Federal Tax Concepts: In an introductory taxation course, you’ll learn about IRS tax codes for individuals and simple businesses.
• Finance: A basic finance course will cover capital, investments, and financial analysis.
• Information Systems for Accounting: This course will introduce you to software and technology that can help you be an accurate and organized tax professional.
• Intermediate Accounting: As you become more familiar with basic accounting practices, you may learn about assets, liabilities, and investments.
• Introduction to Accounting: This class will provide the basics of the accounting profession, including an overview of the accounting cycle.
• Management Principles: Your time in this course can prepare you for leadership roles in a business or accounting setting.

A tax accountancy bachelor’s degree program usually consists of 120 credit hours.

Admissions Requirements

The first step to earning a taxation degree is being admitted to a bachelors program. In addition to the application form, your admissions packet will likely require the following materials:

• Personal essay. A personal essay showcases your writing ability while giving insight into who you are.
• Letters of recommendation. Reference letters from professional or academic leaders may be required.
• Official transcripts. Schools generally request transcripts from high school and any college courses you’ve taken.

Colleges may also ask to see your ACT or SAT scores, but these aren’t always required for today’s bachelor degree programs.

Program Accreditation

If you choose to attend a regionally accredited school, you can know you’re getting a good education and being thoroughly prepared for the workforce.

Regional accrediting agencies determine whether colleges qualify for accreditation. Schools can only receive this designation after going through an intense evaluation process, and becoming regionally accredited strengthens a college’s reputation.

Accredited coursework can be easier to transfer to another university. A degree from an accredited school can help you qualify for masters degree programs, and it will also lend credence to your resume during a job hunt.

Taxation Certifications

You can demonstrate your knowledge to clients or hiring committees by adding certifications to your resume. Certifications may build trust, improve your chances of getting hired, or lead to pay raises.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers several accountancy certifications. The Tax Certification may be highly relevant to your career goals.

Many people hire certified public accountants (CPA) to prepare their taxes each year. Depending on your state, qualifying for the credentialing exam may require a bachelors or masters degree in accounting. As a tax professional, you can also apply for enrolled agent status with the IRS.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When you’re getting ready for college, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine your eligibility for federal assistance. It can be influential in securing other tuition help as well.

You may qualify for help from both your state government and the federal government. Loans are among the most common forms of government aid, and government loans usually have lower interest rates than private ones.

Grants are another form of government student aid. Unlike loans, these need-based gifts don’t have to be repaid after school.

For another form of tuition help that you won’t need to repay, you can look into scholarships. Most scholarships are awarded based on merit. Your school may have scholarships to distribute, or you can apply with outside organizations.

If you’re currently working, you can even ask your workplace whether there is tuition assistance for employees.

Taxation Professional Organizations

You can enhance your schooling and your career with membership in a professional organization. These groups provide a wealth of networking opportunities, such as conferences, meetings, discussion boards, and job listings.

• National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
• National Society of Accountants (NSA)
• National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP)

Belonging to an industry organization may also put you on the group’s newsletter list and give you discounts on continuing education classes or certification programs.

What Is Taxation as a Course?

A taxation course is a college class that focuses on the tax code and its implications for individual and business income taxes. Topics covered in a taxation course can include cost accounting, adjusted gross income, deductions, credits, and public finance. You may also practice how to research tax laws.

College tax classes often address the federal tax code and the Internal Revenue Service. There may be some lessons on international, state, or local taxation, but the topic of federal taxes is more likely to be relevant to all students in a class.

Is Taxation Hard to Study?

Taxation may be a good fit for you if you’re savvy with numbers. There’s a lot of arithmetic involved, but you won’t necessarily be doing advanced calculus. You will likely take many classes on maintaining financial records.

In addition to being able to handle numbers, you may find working with financial statements and tax documents easier if you’re detail-oriented and organized. These skills can also be useful as you study tax codes.

You may also find your studies more doable if you’re good with computers. In a class that covers accounting information systems, you’ll learn to use accounting software programs.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Taxation?

A degree in tax accountancy can prepare you for a variety of tax-specific accounting jobs. Some tax professionals work for the government.

Tax examiners or revenue agents evaluate the accuracy of tax returns, and tax collectors are responsible for tracking down tax payments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs like these often pay between $33,180 to $105,430 per year.

There are also accountants who specialize in tax services for businesses or individuals. With experience, professionals may pursue the role of financial manager.

What Is a Tax Accountant?

A tax accountant is an accounting professional who specializes in tax services for individuals or businesses.

In this position, you might work for many different clients. They could be individuals, businesses, or a mix of the two. Professionals may also be employed by a single company so they can focus solely on its tax needs. There are some credentialing options for tax accountants that you might want to consider.

Some tax accountants are certified public accountants, or CPAs. They’ve earned many college accounting credits and have passed a certification exam. Others have been approved as IRS enrolled agents.

What Does a Tax Accountant Do?

Tax accountants work on behalf of individuals or businesses to handle all of their taxation needs.

Preparing clients’ tax returns and filing them with the correct government departments is only one part of this job. Tax accountants also look for ways to reduce how much a client owes. Another part of the job is dealing with tax audits when they arise.

Some tax accountants are employed by organizations to handle all of their tax needs in-house. Others are self-employed or work for tax firms, serving many different clients.

What’s the Difference Between a Tax Accountant vs. CPA?

Tax accountants are often certified public accountants (CPAs), but not always. Here are the basics about these two titles.

Overall, while you can do tax work as a non-CPA, getting certified is a strategic way to demonstrate your expertise and increase your career opportunities.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Taxation Online?

A bachelors degree usually takes 4 years to complete if you enroll full-time at a school with traditional 16 week semesters. Part-time schooling can extend the length of your program. If you want to get through school more quickly, the fastest online bachelor degree courses may hold the answer.

Online colleges often use accelerated calendars that can help students complete their courses in less time. These classes, which often last about 8 weeks each, may be offered back-to-back throughout the year. Transferring in previously earned college credits may speed up the process even more.

Is a Bachelor of Taxation Worth It?

Yes, a taxation bachelor is worth it for many students. Taxes are a fact of life, and tax codes can be difficult to understand. People and businesses often depend on the expertise of trained accountants to handle their tax matters. With a bachelor’s in taxation, your services may always be in demand.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for accountants and auditors are expected to grow at a 4% rate over the next decade. Positions for financial managers are expected to grow at a 15% rate.

Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree in Taxation Online

The world needs tax experts, and an undergraduate degree in taxation can provide the necessary foundation for opportunities in this growing field. You can learn advanced accounting skills and how to manage tax responsibilities for businesses and individuals.

Online courses can be a convenient way to pursue your degree in taxation. Accredited online universities offer reputable degrees, such as an online bachelors or an online masters in taxation, that can demonstrate your skill set to hiring committees and clients alike.

You can start your journey toward a career in taxation by checking out accredited programs today.