Thinking about becoming a tax preparer? The first question most people ask is: where do I even start? The answer usually comes down to one thing finding the right training. And when it comes to tax preparation, IRS-approved courses are the gold standard.
Here’s everything you need to know before you enroll.
What Does “IRS-Approved” Actually Mean?
The IRS doesn’t hand out approvals loosely. An IRS-approved tax preparation course meets the standards set by the IRS for continuing education (CE) providers. These programs cover the topics that matter most for tax professionals federal tax law, ethics, filing requirements, and updates to the tax code.
When a course carries IRS approval, it means the content has been reviewed and recognized as meeting professional education standards. For working tax preparers, completing IRS-approved courses is often required to maintain their credentials and stay current with annual tax law changes.
For new students, choosing an IRS-recognized program from the start sets a strong foundation and signals to future clients and employers that your training was legit.
Who Needs IRS-Approved Tax Preparation Courses?
More people than you might think.
New tax preparers who want to register with the IRS and get their PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) benefit enormously from structured, approved training. It gives them the knowledge base to prepare accurate returns and handle client questions with confidence.
Enrolled Agents (EAs) are required to complete 72 hours of IRS-approved continuing education every three years to maintain their status including 6 hours of ethics.
Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) participants must complete a set number of IRS-approved CE hours each year to receive their record of completion and limited representation rights before the IRS.
Existing tax professionals who want to stay sharp and compliant with the latest tax law changes rely on approved courses to keep their skills current.
Even if you’re not required to take these courses, completing IRS-approved tax preparer training shows clients you take your work seriously.
What Topics Do These Courses Cover?
A quality IRS-approved program doesn’t just teach you how to fill out forms. It prepares you to handle the real range of situations that come up in a tax practice. Expect to learn about:
- Federal income tax fundamentals
- Filing statuses and dependent rules
- Deductions, credits, and adjustments
- Self-employment and business income (Schedule C)
- Capital gains, investment income, and retirement distributions
- Tax law updates for the current filing year
- Ethics and professional responsibility
The best tax preparer courses go even deeper covering tax planning strategies so you can advise clients, not just file for them. That shift from preparer to advisor is what helps you build a stronger, more profitable practice.
What to Look for When Choosing a Program
Not all IRS-approved courses are built the same. Here’s what separates the solid programs from the ones that just hand you a certificate:
Real instruction from experienced professionals. You want instructors who’ve worked in tax practice not just people reading from a script. Practical insight from people who’ve handled real client situations is irreplaceable.
Hands-on practice with actual tax scenarios. Reading about tax law is one thing. Working through realistic returns is another. Look for programs that include case studies, sample returns, and software training so you’re ready for day one with a client.
A recognized certification upon completion. Finishing a course should mean something. Programs like the Professional Tax Preparer (PTP)™ certification from Universal Accounting School give you a credential that holds real weight with clients and employers.
Flexible, online delivery. Most people exploring tax preparer training are already working or managing other responsibilities. A program that works around your schedule not the other way around makes it realistic to finish.
Support beyond the course itself. The best programs help you figure out what to do after you’re certified. Whether that’s landing a job, building a client base, or launching your own practice, ongoing support makes a real difference.
Why Universal Accounting School Stands Out
Universal Accounting School has been training accounting and tax professionals for decades. Their Tax Planning & Preparation Services program is built for people who want more than a passing grade they want a real career.
The program covers everything from foundational federal tax law to advanced strategies for small business clients. It prepares students to sit for the IRS PTIN registration, earn the PTP™ certification, and start serving clients with confidence.
And unlike programs that stop at the certificate, Universal Accounting School provides business-building tools, marketing resources, and a support network to help graduates actually grow their practice. If you’re also looking for the best bookkeeping course or want to round out your skills with QuickBooks training, they offer those programs too making it easy to build a complete accounting skill set in one place.
The Bottom Line
IRS-approved tax preparation courses are the right starting point for anyone serious about building a career in tax. They cover what matters, prepare you for real client work, and give your credentials legitimacy in the eyes of both the IRS and your future clients.
Don’t settle for a basic online course that checks a box. Find a program that gives you real training, a respected certification, and the support to turn your education into a career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are IRS-approved tax preparation courses required to become a tax preparer?
They’re not required by law in most states, but they’re strongly recommended. To register with the IRS and receive a PTIN, you don’t need a specific course but taking IRS-approved tax preparer training ensures you actually know what you’re doing. Some credentials, like the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), do require IRS-approved CE hours each year.
Q2. How many CE hours do I need as a tax preparer?
It depends on your credential. Enrolled Agents need 72 hours of IRS-approved CE every three years. AFSP participants need 18 hours per year (including 2 hours of ethics). Non-credentialed preparers have no federal CE requirement, but many states have their own rules so always check your state’s requirements.
Q3. How do I find IRS-approved tax preparation courses?
The IRS maintains a public directory of approved CE providers at irs.gov. You can also look for programs that specifically mention IRS CE approval or recognition. Universal Accounting School’s tax program is structured to meet the professional standards expected of working tax preparers.
Q4. What’s the difference between an IRS-approved course and a general tax course?
An IRS-approved course meets specific content and quality standards set by the IRS for continuing education. A general tax course may cover similar topics but hasn’t gone through that review process. For professional credibility, IRS-approved or IRS-aligned training is always the better choice.
Q5. Can I take IRS-approved tax preparation courses online?
Yes, and most reputable programs today are fully online. This makes it much easier to complete your training while managing work, family, or other commitments. Universal Accounting School’s program is 100% online with a self-paced format so you can study on your own schedule.
Q6. What certification can I earn from a tax preparer training program?
One of the most recognized certifications for independent tax preparers is the Professional Tax Preparer (PTP)™, offered through Universal Accounting School. This certification demonstrates that you’ve completed structured, professional-level training and are ready to handle real client returns.
Q7. Do I need to renew my tax preparer training every year?
If you hold a credential like an EA designation or participate in the AFSP, yes you’ll need to complete IRS-approved CE hours annually or on a three-year cycle. Even if you’re not required to, staying current with annual tax law updates is essential for doing the job well and protecting your clients.
