The IRS Nationwide Tax Forums offers tax preparers an excellent opportunity to network, stay updated on tax law changes, and earn necessary continuing education (CE) credits to maintain their certification. If you cannot attend the in-person forums, you can take advantage of the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Online program. This online program allows you to access seminars from previous years and earn continuing education credits throughout the year.
What is the IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Online?
The IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Online (NTFO) is a virtual self-study program for tax preparers that offers courses based on recorded seminar lectures and presentations from previous forums. You can audit the course for free or purchase to meet your yearly credit requirements.
How to earn CE credits for tax preparers online
To receive credits, you must create a user account at IRS Nationwide Tax Forums Online using your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and email address. Once you create an account, you’ll have access to various courses on a range of topics designed to help you serve individual taxpayers and business entities.
Each continuing education credit costs $29, paid through PayPal. The courses are formatted as 50-minute speaker presentations and include access to the seminar video, PowerPoint, transcript, review questions, and final examination. There is no additional charge for retaking a course, but keep in mind you will not receive extra credit for repeating a seminar.
What CE courses are offered by the Nationwide Tax Forum Online?
NTFO seminars have no prerequisites, allowing you to select courses that align with your specific needs. You’ll find courses on virtual currency and digital assets, the latest changes to Form 1099-K, ethical compliance in your tax practice, and more. Visit the NFTO website for the live list of courses available for CE credits. Here are a few examples of seminars from past forums:
- Advocating for a Client: Correct errors on a return or request an audit reconsideration
- Backup Withholding and Employment Tax Implications
- Dealing with Disasters
- Diligence in Practice before the IRS: Conducting it timely and consistently
- Electronic Filing Identification Number Security Responsibilities
- Learn the Facts about IRS Due Diligence
- Understanding the Circular 230 Disciplinary Process
- Sailing Through the Rules of Refundable Tax Credits
- Taxable Transactions with Digital Assets
- A Potpourri of (Potentially Painful) Tax Professional Problems
- Abusive Tax Avoidance Transactions
- Plenary Session: IRS Strategic Operating Plan and Implementation
- Identity Assurance – Identity Verification for Tax Professionals
- Recent Developments in Foreign Withholding and Information Reporting
- The Taxpayer Experience with IRS Independent Office of Appeals
- What You Need to Know About the Information Returns Intake System
How are CE credits managed for tax preparers?
NTFO uses your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to track and report continuing education credits you’ve completed. When creating your account, verify that your name and PTIN are entered exactly as they are in the IRS PTIN system. This ensures that the IRS Return Preparer Office can accept your course completion certifications and issue the appropriate credits.
You can access your online PTIN account to see the continuing education programs you have completed and reported to the IRS. It’s important to complete email verification for your PTIN account. Email verification will ensure you can access review questions, the final examination, and a record of your CE credits.
More ways to earn CE credits for tax preparers
For a unique, engaging way to earn your CE credits, consider joining us at TaxSlayer Pro’s Annual Seminar. You’ll network with other dynamic, successful tax preparers while learning the latest tax laws and new ways to grow your business.