Earn A Tax Preparer Certification!
Become A Professional Tax Preparer And Build A Career In Tax Preparation
Whether you're starting a new career, expanding your accounting or bookkeeping services, or preparing to open your own tax practice, the Chartered Tax Professional (CTP®) Certificate Program provides comprehensive, practical training in federal individual and small business income tax preparation.
Designed for beginners and experienced professionals alike, this nationally recognized online certificate program teaches you how to prepare tax returns with confidence - not just how to use tax software. Benefits include:
- Self-paced online learning
- No prior tax experience required
- Instructor support included
- Learn Individual and Small Business tax preparation
Learn By Preparing Real Tax Returns
One of the biggest advantages of this program is its hands-on approach. Rather than simply reading tax regulations, you'll prepare practice tax returns based on realistic client scenarios.
This practical experience helps you understand:
- Why tax rules apply
- How to identify deductions and credits
- How to analyze different taxpayer situations
- How to prepare accurate returns with confidence
Learning the "why" behind the tax law gives you skills that transfer across tax software platforms and changing tax rules.
Why Choose Our Chartered Tax Professional Program
Learning tax preparation can open the door to seasonal employment, year-round tax careers, or additional income through your existing accounting or bookkeeping business.
Unlike many tax courses that focus only on software, the CTP® program teaches the tax laws and principles behind every return so you can confidently prepare accurate returns regardless of the software used.
By the time you complete the program, you'll understand how to prepare a wide variety of individual and small business tax returns while developing practical, real-world tax preparation skills.
The Course Modules
The program contains five self-paced modules:
- Comprehensive Tax
- Advanced I Tax
- Advanced II Tax
- Small Business I Tax
- Small Business II Tax
What You'll Learn
The program is designed to progressively build your knowledge from foundational tax concepts to advanced tax preparation techniques. Topics include:
- Individual income tax preparation
- Filing status and dependency rules
- Taxable income calculations
- Credits and deductions
- Investment income
- Rental property taxation
- Capital gains and losses
- Sole proprietorship taxation
- Partnership taxation
- S Corporation taxation
- C Corporation taxation
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Small business tax planning
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Practical tax return preparation
Throughout the program you'll complete realistic tax preparation exercises that reinforce the concepts being taught.
Students also have access to forms, worksheets, and publications that they can access and download within their online course during their enrollment term. There also are video lessons that give additional knowledge on some frequently asked topic questions.
Instructor Support When You Need It
Learning tax law can be challenging. That's why instructor email support is included throughout the program.
If you have questions while working through course material, experienced instructors are available to provide guidance and help you better understand difficult concepts.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is ideal if you:
- Want to start a career in tax preparation
- Want to earn seasonal income preparing taxes
- Plan to expand your bookkeeping or accounting services
- Want to prepare both individual and small business tax returns
- Prefer flexible online learning
- Have little or no previous tax experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior tax preparation experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners and starts with foundational tax concepts before progressing to more advanced topics.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the program within the provided enrollment period, but because it's self-paced, your completion time depends on your schedule and study pace.
Can I begin working before completing the entire program?
Yes. Students may be able to begin preparing individual tax returns after successfully completing the first course while continuing through the remaining curriculum.
Is this an online program?
Yes. All coursework is completed online, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it's convenient.
Will I learn tax software?
The emphasis is on understanding tax law and return preparation concepts rather than one specific software platform. This approach helps you adapt to whichever professional software you use in practice.
Is instructor support included?
Yes. Instructor email support is available throughout your enrollment to help answer course-related questions.
How much time should I expect to spend studying?
The complete program requires a significant time commitment. Most students spread their studies over several months while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Will I earn a certificate?
Students who successfully complete all program requirements earn the Chartered Tax Professional (CTP®) Certificate Program credential, subject to the program's published requirements, including the required coursework and experience.
Invest in Skills That Can Benefit You Year After Year
Tax preparation is a profession built on knowledge, accuracy, and trust.
Whether you're looking to launch a new career, expand your current services, or gain practical tax expertise, the Chartered Tax Professional Certificate Program provides comprehensive training designed to help you succeed.
Enroll today and start building your future in tax preparation!
