2026 Tax Preparation Course
New to tax preparation? This course is for you. Start from the basics and build the skills you need to confidently prepare Form 1040 from start to finish. No experience required — just the drive to learn and grow your tax career.
This self-study course covers everything a beginner tax preparer needs to know, from understanding income and deductions to navigating credits, capital gains, depreciation, and small business schedules. You'll also walk away up to date on the latest 2026 tax law changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
📚 What is a Self-Study Course?
Take as long as you need. No deadlines, no rush — just progress on your schedule.
Enroll today and begin immediately. No waiting for a class to open or a session to start.
All materials are included. You study independently through readings, lessons, and a final exam.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Identify the correct filing status and determine qualifying dependents
- Apply standard and itemized deductions accurately
- Report income, adjustments, and capital gains and losses
- Complete Schedule C, Schedule E, and Schedule 2
- Calculate payments, tax credits, and taxpayer penalties
- Handle extensions, amendments, and e-filing
- Safeguard taxpayer documents and information
- Apply ethical standards in your tax practice
Course Chapters
Get familiar with the main individual tax return form — its structure, sections, and how it all fits together.
Learn how to determine the right filing status, who qualifies as a dependent, and how to choose between standard and itemized deductions.
Understand all types of taxable income — wages, tips, interest, dividends, and more — and where they go on the return.
Discover above-the-line deductions like student loan interest and IRA contributions that can reduce taxable income.
Learn about additional taxes like self-employment tax and the penalties taxpayers may face for underpayment or late filing.
Explore how withholding, estimated payments, and valuable credits like the Child Tax Credit and EIC reduce what a taxpayer owes.
Dive into Schedule A deductions including mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
Learn how to report profits and losses from selling stocks, real estate, and other assets — and how tax rates apply.
Understand how to deduct the cost of business assets over time using methods like Section 179 and bonus depreciation.
Used for self-employed individuals and sole proprietors to report business income and expenses on their personal return.
Covers supplemental income from rental properties, partnerships, S corporations, and trusts.
Learn how to file Form 4868 for an extension, correct a return with Form 1040-X, and navigate e-filing options.
Covers the professional standards and responsibilities tax preparers must follow, including Circular 230 guidelines.
Test your knowledge across all chapters to earn your CE credits.
Course Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Field of Study | Federal Tax Law — 10 hrsBehavioral Ethics — 2 hrs |
| Course Level | Basic |
| Prerequisite | None |
| Delivery Method | Self-Study |
| CE Credit Deadline | May 31, 2027 |
| Upon Completion | 🎓 Certificate of Completion |
| IRS Credit Reporting | CE credits reported directly to the IRS for tax preparers with a valid PTIN |
* This course does not qualify for California Continuing Education hours.

Self Study
Learn at your own pace, read or watch the lessons, pass the exams.
Mobile Friendly
Learn on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Bilingual
All our courses are available in English y español.
Career Paths
No matter where you’re at in your career, we have courses for you.
Simple Learner Experiences
Prendo365 gives you access to your course anytime, anywhere, on desktop, tablet, or mobile device. You're able to easily navigate through your course and receive your certificate of completion.
Why choose us
Over 35+ years tax preparation experience
We know what tax preparers need to succeed in their office
7+ EA’s and tax preparers on staff
Our team does extensive research to ensure you receive the best education
Bilingual live support
Having technical issues? We're ready to help you get started and complete your course.