Training & Test Prep – Beginners to Pros

Is it time for a new career? Check out the below program for beginners that will set you up for success as a tax preparer.

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.

*Provided in partnership with Surgent Income Tax School

Check out these resources for EA and CPA Exam Prep provided in partnership with Surgent Income Tax School. 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 and/or CPA Exam Prep courses when registering via above Tax School links.

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.

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. We also have an ever-growing library of self-study courses so that you can learn at your own pace.

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 Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Concentration in Financial Planning
- 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.

Tax Preparation Training