Chartered Tax Professional with Microsoft Excel (Voucher Included)

Come tax season, chartered tax professionals need to use tools like Microsoft Excel to prepare taxes. This fully online course will teach you how to prepare individual tax returns for almost all U.S. taxpayers and best practices for using Excel. After successfully completing this course, you will be qualified to prepare individual tax returns and be ready to sit for the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). You will also be prepared to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert...

18 Months / 250 Course Hrs

Open Enrollment

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Stephen F. Austin State University

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$2,699USD

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$2,581USD

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Details + Objectives

Course code: GES2094

What you will learn

To create, modify, and manage Excel workbooks
To create pivot tables and charts
Master preparing taxes for individuals, small businesses, partnerships, and sole proprietorships
Prepare for the IRS Enrolled Agent exam
Practice and work as a qualified tax professional
Learn how to prepare tax returns for all individual U.S. taxpayers
Understand the ethical responsibilities of tax professionals
Use AI and Microsoft Copilot in Excel to create columns, analyze data, and import or frame data more efficiently

How you will benefit

Become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert in Excel
Start working and earning money after completing the first two modules of the course
Develop a professional vocabulary and the communication skills required to flourish in the accounting world
Become qualified to prepare taxes for a variety of tax-holders and small companies
Possess the necessary knowledge and skillset required to pass the IRS Enrolled Agent exam
Improve spreadsheet productivity by using AI and Microsoft Copilot to speed up data analysis, support content creation, and streamline common Excel tasks

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
18 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
250 course hours

Outline

Part 1 - Microsoft Excel Certification Training
1. Unit 1 - Introduction to Microsoft Excel Training
  Lesson 1: Microsoft Office Basics - Quizzes: 0, Assignments: 0
  - Logging in to Microsoft 365
  - Installing Applications
  - Creating New Files and AutoSaving
  - Protected View
  - File Sharing
  - File Collaboration
  - Version History
  - Getting Updates
  - Mac Versions
  Lesson 2: Creating a Microsoft Excel Workbook - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Starting Microsoft Excel
  - Creating a Workbook
  - Saving a Workbook
  - The Status Bar
  - Adding and Deleting Worksheets
  - Copying and Moving Worksheets
  - View Options for the Worksheet
  - Closing a Workbook
  Lesson 3: The Ribbon - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 0
  - Tabs
  - Groups and Commands
  - Microsoft Search Box
  - Customizing the Ribbon
  Lesson 4: The Backstage View (The File Menu) - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 3
  - Introduction to the Backstage View
  - Opening a Workbook
  - New Workbooks and Excel Templates
  - Printing Worksheets
  - Personalizing Microsoft Office
  Lesson 5: The Quick Access Toolbar - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Getting Started
  - Adding Common Commands
  - Adding Additional Commands with the Customize Dialog
  - Adding Ribbon Commands or Groups
  Lesson 6: Entering Data in Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Entering Text
  - Inserting and Deleting Cells
  - Inserting Hyperlinks
  - Inserting WordArt
  - Using AutoComplete
  - Entering Numbers and Dates
  - Using the Fill Handle
  Lesson 7: Formatting Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 4
  - Selecting Ranges of Cells
  - Hiding Worksheets
  - Adding Color to Worksheet Tabs
  - Adding Themes to Workbooks
  - Adding a Watermark
  - The Font Group
  - The Alignment Group
  - The Number Group
  Lesson 8: Editing Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Find
  - Find and Replace
  - Using the Clipboard
  - Moving Columns / Rows
  Lesson 9: Working with Rows and Columns - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Inserting and Deleting Rows, Columns, and Cells
  - Transposing Rows and Columns
  - Row Height and Column Width
  - Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns
  - Freezing Panes
  Lesson 10: Using Formulas in Microsoft Excel - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Math Operators and the Order of Operations
  - Entering Formulas
  - AutoSum (and Other Common Auto-Formulas)
  - Copying Formulas
  - Relative, Absolute, and Mixed Cell References
  Lesson 11: Finalizing Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Setting Margins
  - Setting Page Orientation
  - Setting the Print Area
  - Print Scaling (Fit Sheet on One Page)
  - Repeating Headings
  - Headers and Footers
  Introduction to Microsoft Excel Exam
2. Unit 2 - Intermediate Microsoft Excel Training
  Lesson 1: Common Functions - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 7
  - Using Named Ranges in Formulas
  - Using Formulas That Span Multiple Worksheets
  - Functions: IF and IFS
  - Functions: AND and OR
  - Functions: NOT
  - Functions: SWITCH
  - Functions: COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, and SUMIF
  - Functions: PMT and NPER
  - Functions: TEXTJOIN and CONCAT
  - Text Functions
  - Date and Time Functions
  Lesson 2: Working with Lists - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 4
  - What is a List of Data?
  - Removing Duplicates from a List
  - Sorting Data in a List
  - Filtering Data in a List
  - Adding Subtotals to a List
  Lesson 3: Visualizing Your Data - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Chart Basics
  - Tools for Editing Charts
  - The Format Tool Tab
  - Using the Three Chart Buttons
  - The Format Task Pane
  - Useful Charts
  - Line and Area Charts
  - Hierarchy Charts
  - Statistic Charts
  - Other Charts
  - Combo Charts
  - Using Recommended Charts
  - Sparklines
  - Add and Format Objects
  - Working with Shapes
  - Working with Icons
  - Working with SmartArt
  - Using the Quick Analysis Tool
  Lesson 4: Working with Tables - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Format Data as a Table
  - Table Design Tool Tab
  - Formatting Individual Cells
  - Selecting Table Rows and Columns
  - Structured References
  - Convert a Table to a Range
  Lesson 5: Advanced Formatting - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Cell Styles
  - Conditional Formatting
  - Conditional Formatting: Highlight Cells Rules
  - Conditional Formatting: Top/Bottom Rules
  - Conditional Formatting: Data Bars, Color Scales, and Icon Sets
  - Conditional Formatting: Create a New Rule
  - Removing Conditional Formatting
  Intermediate Microsoft Excel Exam
3. Unit 3 - Advanced Microsoft Excel Training
  Lesson 1: Using PivotTables - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - How PivotTables Work
  - Timeline Filters
  - Inserting Slicers
  - Grouping Data
  - Calculated Fields
  - PivotCharts
  Lesson 2: Advanced Functions - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Function Syntax
  - ROWS, COLUMNS, INDEX, and XMATCH
  - Arrays and Array Formulas
  - SORT, FILTER, and SORTBY
  - Lookup Functions
  - The LET Function
  - The TRANSPOSE Function
  Lesson 3: Auditing Workbooks - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Inspecting a Workbook
  - Tracing Precedents and Dependents
  - Watch Window
  - Evaluating Formulas
  - Error Checking
  Lesson 4: Data Tools - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 5
  - Importing Data from Online Source
  - Converting Text to Columns
  - Importing Files
  - Linking to External Data
  - Controlling Calculation Options
  - Data Validation
  - Consolidating Data
  - What-If Analysis
  Lesson 5: Recording and Using Macros - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2
  - Recording Macros
  - Running Macros
  - Editing Macros
  - Adding Macros to the Quick Access Toolbar
  Lesson 6: Working with Others - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1
  - Comments and Notes
  - Protecting Worksheets and Workbooks
  - Marking a Workbook as Final
  - Other Sharing Concerns
  Advanced Microsoft Excel Exam, Final Microsoft Excel Exam
Part 2 - Chartered Tax Professional
1. Individual Income Tax Preparation
  1. Comprehensive Income Tax Course
  2. Advanced Income Tax Course: Level I
  3. Advanced Income Tax Course: Level II
2. Small Business Income Tax Preparation
  1. Small Business Income Tax Course: Level I
  2. Small Business Income Tax Course: Level II

Instructors & Support

Tracy Berry

Tracy Berry has been a senior graphic designer/programmer, instructor, and consultant since 1993 and has developed hundreds of logos, marketing materials, websites, and multimedia solutions for customers worldwide. She was also involved in several large corporate software rollouts. She has helped many organizations optimize and streamline data solutions. She teaches both onsite and online courses and has her CTT (Certified Technical Trainer) certification. Tracy specializes in teaching graphics, desktop publishing, web design, and reporting/productivity applications.

The Income Tax School

Instructor support is provided through email by experienced practicing tax professionals employed by Peoples Income Tax, Inc., a sister company of The Income Tax School.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite for this course. Accounting and specific math skills aren't required, just the aptitude to work with numbers and people and to read and interpret the tax laws.

Requirements for Starting a Career in Taxation:

Complete the Comprehensive Tax Course (included in this course)
Register with the IRS and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
Begin preparing tax returns as a tax preparer
Note: Continuing education requirements begin once your PTIN is issued
Earn the Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) certificate by completing all CTP modules with an average grade of 80% or higher and documenting 500 hours of qualifying experience

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
Microsoft Office 365, 2021 or 2019 (not included in enrollment). While you can use an older version of Microsoft Office, if you do, there will be some differences between your version and what you see in the course.
Microsoft Word or an equivalent word-processing program.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following materials will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in the Chartered Tax Professional:

Federal Forms
Federal Worksheets
Instructions
Publication
Tax Preparer Resources

More About

Please note that your continuing education requirements will begin once your PTIN has been issued.

About Certification: Income Tax School (ITS)

The Income Tax School (ITS) is a national leader in tax preparation programs and training. ITS publishes educational materials as well as management manuals and webinars. The school also offers numerous tax training courses, such as continuing education seminars and tax certificate programs. Its Chartered Tax Certificate Program can help you master complicated tax preparation concepts and will give you a competitive advantage with any employer—and you can prepare for it through a certified course with us.

FAQ

Yes, you will be prepared for the Microsoft Office Specialist MOS Excel Expert Certification exam.

Once you've successfully completed each course (and your final exam has been graded), you'll need to fill out the Request for Certificate of Completion. Your instructor will then provide you with a certificate of completion by mail. Your CTP certificate will be issued after you've completed all courses with an average grade of 80% or more and have documented the 500 hours experience needed to qualify for the CTP designation.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

After you register, you will receive 18 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

Yes. The Income Tax School is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit:

The California CTP course is approved by CTEC as a qualifying course for California. There are additional requirements to become a tax preparer in California. Please visit the CTEC website for more information.

The Income Tax School is approved by the Office of Professional Responsibility at the Internal Revenue Service as a provider of qualifying continuing education for AFSP Certificate of Completion, Registered Tax Return Preparers (RTRPs) and Enrolled Agents (EAs). We are also registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. In addition, The Income Tax School, Inc., has been approved by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) to offer qualifying education, which satisfies the "qualifying education" requirements imposed by the State of California for individuals seeking to become CTEC Registered Tax Preparers. We are also certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Our school teaches students how to prepare tax returns manually, and we provide expert instructor support by email. Practical application by preparing actual tax returns results in the tax preparation knowledge being internalized, and our quizzes and exams also serve to confirm student learning. You learn how to prepare returns without using tax preparation software with our comprehensive online tax courses. By preparing practice tax returns manually instead of having tax software do it for you, you will learn the tax laws and be prepared to prepare tax returns correctly. The tax returns that you are preparing are based on real-life scenarios. That enables you to internalize the knowledge and gives you a solid foundation you can continue to build on. We follow up with quizzes and an exam to make sure that the knowledge is sinking in. You can download the quizzes and the exam beforehand and prepare them and input your answers online at your own pace when you are confident with your answers.

The Income Tax School teaches tax preparation—not tax preparation to one particular software. This way, you can learn the art of tax preparation and apply it critically to different types of software. Remember: Software is only as good as the operator who is using—if you don't have the knowledge, you won't know if you are asking the right questions.

Chartered Tax Professional with Microsoft Excel (Voucher Included)

Stephen F. Austin State University