The Tax Preparation & Small Business Foundations Program (2027) equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to meet IRS requirements, prepare accurate federal tax returns, and build a successful tax or bookkeeping business. Delivered by accredited school partners, the program provides line‑by‑line instruction for Form 1040, hands‑on Practice Tax Returns (PTRs), and interactive assessments through a proprietary online training system. Learners also complete the 2027 Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) and develop a clear, actionable business plan to support entrepreneurial success.
Module 1: Foundations of Federal Tax Preparation (Form 1040)
Overview of IRS requirements, filing status, dependents, and basic tax principles.
Module 2: Income and Adjustments (Form 1040 Line‑by‑Line)
Wages, interest, self‑employment income, adjustments to income, and supporting schedules.
Module 3: Credits, Deductions, and Tax Computation
Standard vs. itemized deductions, tax credits, tax calculations, and payments.
Module 4: Practice Tax Returns and Application
Hands‑on Practice Tax Returns (PTRs) with review questions to reinforce learning.
Module 5: Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) – 2027 Updates
New tax law and recent updates, general review of federal tax topics, and preparation for the upcoming filing season.
Module 6: Practices, Procedures, and Professional Responsibility
IRS standards, ethical practices, due diligence, recordkeeping, and client communication.
Module 7: Starting Your Own Tax or Bookkeeping Business
Entrepreneurial mindset, identifying opportunities, and defining your business vision.
Module 8: Business Planning and Operations
Business plans, legal structure, branding, pricing, marketing, and long‑term growth strategies.
All content updated for the 2027 tax year filing cycle
By completing this program, the learner will be able to:
Prepare federal individual tax returns accurately using Form 1040
Apply current federal tax laws and recent updates relevant to the filing season
Demonstrate compliance with IRS practices, procedures, and professional responsibility standards
Complete practice tax returns and analyze results to improve accuracy and confidence
Explain ethical responsibilities and due diligence expectations for tax professionals
Develop a comprehensive business plan for starting or growing an independent tax or bookkeeping practice
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.