This is not just a self-study program, although it uses a self-study platform. Few people succeed at going it alone. This is not a “sit in class and tell me everything” program. Our brains don’t hold onto information that way.
This is the kind of program where you commit time each week to go online and read the lesson, take the quiz, and fill out the practice tax form, so that when you come to the weekly class you can ask questions and talk about the parts that are hard to understand.
This is the kind of program that prepares you to be a tax professional.
This is a 10-week program. We use the Zoom meeting format, and classes are taught by a group of experienced Enrolled Agents dedicated to training our students. All classes are taught in English; bilingual assistance may be available.
If you plan to work as a tax preparer in California, you must register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). Among the steps and requirements for CTEC registration are a background check and Live Scan fingerprint procedure. You can learn more about the steps required for CTEC registration here. CSEA will help you understand the requirements and timing for CTEC registration.
If you are not planning to work in California, CSEA’s basic tax program will provide you with a solid foundation for entering the tax profession in any unregulated state.
Additionally, students of the basic tax program are provided with a free CSEA Student Associate membership during the annual membership year they attend classes.