Course Features

All CTEC Registered Tax Preparers are required to complete 20 Hours of CTEC Continuing Education annually, by October 31st. Our 20 hour continuing education course is fully updated with all of the latest federal and state tax laws. The course is 100% done online at your own pace. Upon completion, we will report your 20 hours of C.E. to the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

1. Basic Tax Overview

This course – one of our “Understanding the Principles of Individual Taxation” series – will cover the fundamental principles of individual taxation, and to explain the concepts behind the structure of the tax system. This course covers explanations and clarifications of terms as well as an overview of the forms contained in the 1040 Series of returns. This will cover terms used throughout the history of the tax law, including pre- and post-Act passage of the TCJA for TY2019 / TY2020, as well as years prior

2. Income Explained

This course – one in our “Understanding the Principles of Individual Taxation” series – will cover the explanation and taxability of income in individual tax returns as they apply to TY2020. Special emphasis will be placed on taxable and nontaxable income categories as well as explanations of differing tax requirements with all types of income.

3. Income Forms & Reporting

This course – one of our “Understanding the Principles of Individual Taxation” series – will cover the various reporting forms used to indicate to the taxpayer and the IRS what type and amount of income is contained within the taxpayer’s records as it pertains to TY2020 returns. Example forms will be provided, along with explanations of the necessary subordinate reporting forms and schedules needed to place the income properly on a tax return.

4. Filing Statuses & Requirements

This course – one in our “Understanding the Principals of Individual Taxation” series – will cover the various rules and exceptions to the rules in regards to the filing requirements and filing statuses for Form 1040 series returns. In addition to covering the basics of who needs to file and how they need to file; extra care will be given to the “exceptions to the rule” and what income/tax requirements may trigger a need to file versus when a return is not required. This topic will cover TY2020 tax law, but can be almost universally applied to any tax year currently under normal statutory limits.

5. Dependents

This course – one of our “Understanding the Principles of Individual Taxation” series – will cover claiming dependents and will highlight the numerous effects of dependents on the return, from intersectionality with filing status to the numerous credits available. This course covers TY2020 law, with some discussion on prior year tax treatment.

6. Recordkeeping

This course – one of our “Understanding the Principles of Individual Taxation” series – will cover the rules and requirements for recordkeeping while operating as a tax practitioner. This will touch on both general IRS rules and specific rules outlined in Circular 230.2018.

1. ​Calendar Dates, COVID-19 Laws, and Stimulus Payments

The emergence of the international response to the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as Corona Virus Disease 2019 or COVID-19, has worldwide impact, especially in the United States. Within the US, a national emergency was declared under the Stafford Act on March 13th, 2020. In this webinar, we will highlight the legal impacts in regards to filing and due dates, changes or additions to existing tax and enforcement law, and – finally – the much-anticipated “stimulus” payments recently authorized in the CARES Act of 2020 which was signed into law on March 27th, 2020. This webinar is worth one (1) credit in the Federal Tax Law Updates category and is considered at the Overview / Beginner level in difficulty.

2. Tax Year 2020

This course covers updates and changes to the tax law for the upcoming TY2020 tax season as outlined mainly inside Rev. Procedures 2019-44 and 2019-46. While some attention is given to discussion of the IRS’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic; this course primarily covers content prior to the adoption of COVID-19-related tax law changes.

​1. Digestible Circular 230

This course will cover Treasury Circular No. 230; The comprehensive guide to identifying who can practice before the IRS and in what capacity. It will also cover how to operate with due diligence individually and for your firm as well as how to avoid practitioner penalties. We will also touch on how to properly maintain your license to practice. This lesson will break down the important topics covered in Circular 230 into easy to understandable language and use practical examples to make application of the topics relevant to you and your practice.

1. ​In-Depth Schedule CA and More

This course covers California and Federal tax law conformity. Expansive discussion and illustration of topics covering the completion of the Schedule CA.