Tax Preparation Training

Are you looking to start a new career as a tax preparer? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to prepare for the EA or CPA exams. Maybe you’re a practicing tax professional who would like to enhance your skills through specialization or even by pursuing a degree. Whatever your situation, University of Illinois Tax School can connect you with the right resources. Scroll down to learn more.

Looking to become an Enrolled Agent? The IRS outlines the steps to earn your EA credential — including the exam, application, and background check — on their Become an Enrolled Agent page. You don’t have to wait until you’re enrolled to work with us, though. Whether you’re enrolled in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), or a tax preparer looking to sharpen your skills, our webinars, seminars, and Fall Tax School are a great way to stay current — no credential required. And once you do become an EA, we’re here for the ongoing CPE you’ll need to maintain your status.

Stay up-to-date!

Training & Test Prep – Beginners to Pros

Is it time for a new career? Check out the below programs that will set you up for success as a tax preparer, provided in partnership with Surgent Income Tax School.

Comprehensive Tax Course

An online solution for beginner tax training. Comprehensive Tax Course is a thorough, A to Z guide, providing students with the tools and skills they need to prepare individual tax returns. No prior tax or accounting knowledge is necessary, as this course will teach students how to prepare a tax return from start to finish.

Small Business I Tax Course

This course is designed to educate practitioners about a variety of tax issues experienced by business entities. This course is ideal for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of small business tax issues. Being able to prepare Forms 1065 and 1120S for small businesses operating as pass-through entities brings more varied and lucrative work to the practitioner. This course will enable preparers to be retained for both these pass-through returns and the corresponding personal returns of their owners.

Check out these resources for EA and CPA Exam Prep provided in partnership with Surgent Accounting and Financial Education. Tax School customers get a 20% discount off list price for the below exam prep courses.

EA Exam Prep

Surgent EA Review is an Enrolled Agent exam prep course whose adaptive software creates a fully customized study plan for each candidate, addressing weaker comprehension areas and ultimately reducing study time by 40%.

You will receive a 20% discount off list price of EA Exam Prep courses when registering via above Tax School link.

CPA Exam Prep

Conquer the CPA exam with Surgent CPA Review. Their adaptive learning technology helps you pass the CPA Exam faster and with more confidence. Whether you’re looking for the basics or want every tool at your disposal, they have plans that fit every learning style.

You will receive a 20% discount off list price of CPA Exam Prep courses when registering via above Tax School link.

Enhance Your Skills

Chartered Tax Certificate Programs

Go beyond the Comprehensive Course through Surgent Income Tax school to become a Chartered Tax Consultant or Professional, enhancing your reputation as a trusted tax professional.

- Chartered Tax Consultant (CTC) Certificate Program
  A Chartered Tax Consultant (CTC®) is someone who has completed a specific series of tax courses in individual tax preparation, and completed a 150-hour experience requirement.
- Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) Certificate Program
  A Chartered Tax Professional (CTP®) is someone who has completed a specific series of tax courses in individual tax preparation, and completed a 300-hour experience requirement.

Agriculture Focused Financial Planning Designation (AFFP)

The Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation (AFFP) provides financial service professionals with a body of knowledge to better serve the financial needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities. This designation is great for insurance agents, investment advisers, and bankers. But anyone with interests in financial planning and agriculture will benefit from this professional certificate.

Events with U of I Tax School

Tax School is pleased to offer live educational events online and in-person throughout the year so that tax professionals, financial planners, attorneys, and insurance agents can earn the continuing education credits they need.

- Educational Events

Coursera Course
Alternative Investments and Taxes: Cracking the Code

This 4-week online course, created by our colleagues in the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, & Environmental Sciences, offers a thorough understanding of alternative investments, encompassing their regulatory framework, taxation aspects (including planning strategies), specific investment types, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations. Learners will receive a certificate upon completion.

Degree Programs

Check out University of Illinois programs in accounting, financial planning, and taxation.

Undergraduate

- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Concentration in Agricultural Accountingthrough University of Illinois College of ACES.
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Concentration in Financial Planningthrough University of Illinois College of ACES.
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting through University of Illinois Gies College of Business

Graduate

Both of the below residential accounting graduate programs have an optional Graduate Concentration in Taxation.

- Master of Accounting Science – University of Illinois Gies College of Business. This program is intended for students who already hold a bachelor’s degrees in accountancy.
- Master of Science in Accountancy – University of Illinois Gies College of Business. A bachelor’s degree in accountancy is not required for this program.