ACCELERATED TAX ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Independent Tax Preparer Professional Certificate
Presented by: ISBF Institute & Greb & Co Financial Group
Website: https://Isbfinstitute.com
Format: 8 Weeks • 2 sessions per week • 3 hours per session (total 48 hours)
Delivery Languages: English, French, Spanish (others upon request)
Tuition: $1,499 (includes workbook, software, certification prep, Business-in-a-Box kit)

WHY YOU NEED THIS COURSE

The tax preparation industry is expanding rapidly: IRS data shows over 1.3 million active preparers in the U.S., with demand for seasonal and full-time professionals projected to grow by 14% through 2030. Entry-level tax associates can earn $40–60K annually; experienced professionals managing many clients or owning small practices may reach $80–120K+. This program equips you with the technical skills, ethical foundation, and business startup tools—character, organization, compliance—to enter the market with confidence and integrity.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This intensive program covers technical tax knowledge, IRS code, ethics, professional conduct standards, client communication, and business best practices. Graduates will be fully prepared to pass competency exams (e.g., IRS Annual Filing Season Program or Enrolled Agent track), manage individual and business returns, run a compliant practice, and launch with tools provided in the Business‑in‑a‑Box kit.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Complete training in IRS code, tax preparation, compliance, and ethics

• Hands-on application using industry-standard software

• Full preparation for IRS and professional certification exams

• Access to marketing, onboarding, and software tools for a tax practice

• Personalized support and job placement assistance

• Trainer-led sessions combined with group mentorship and peer support

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Career changers seeking steady, profitable work

• Part-time earners or side-hustlers

• Accountants, bookkeepers, or finance professionals

• Small-business owners adding tax services

• Individuals aiming for Enrolled Agent status

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participants will:

• Prepare and file U.S. individual (1040) and basic business returns

• Understand IRS rules, deadlines, and taxpayer protections

• Apply ethical standards and maintain client confidentiality

• Use major tax software (e.g., Drake, ATX) proficiently

• Manage client interviews, document retention, and case files

• Launch a tax prep business with startup kit and live support

PREREQUISITES

• Basic computer literacy and reliable internet

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• No prior tax or accounting experience necessary

PARTICIPANT TOOLKIT

Includes:

• Tax Associate Workbook & projected practice problems

• Desk copy of major individual and small business tax software

• Access to IRS e-filing tools

• Business-in-a-Box start-up kit by Grebco Financial Group:

  • Configured laptop preloaded with tax software

  • PTIN registration assistance and IRS guidelines

  • Local territory map and client outreach tools

  • Marketing collateral (flyers, social templates, web starter kit)

  • Sample engagement letters, pricing packages, and software license

CERTIFICATION PREPARATION & JOB PLACEMENT

Participants will work through mock IRS-style exams weekly, practicing in software and reviewing answers. At completion, they are fully prepared to:

1. Register and sit for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program or begin EA (Enrolled Agent) track.

2. Access review sessions and mentoring.

3. Receive Placement Support via ISBF Institute’s career services, including resumés, interview prep, and connections to tax firms or employer partners.

WEEK-BY-WEEK MODULES

Each week includes two three-hour sessions: Day 1 and Day 2.

WEEK 1 — INTRODUCTION & INDIVIDUAL RETURNS I

Day 1:

• Course overview, IRS structure, professional ethics & conduct

• Basics of individual tax returns: filing status, dependents, standard vs. itemized deductions

Day 2:

• Income sources: wages, interest, dividends, forms W-2 and 1099

• Using tax software for data entry, error checking, and e-filing

WEEK 2 — INDIVIDUAL RETURNS II & CREDITS

Day 3:

• Deductions & credits: earned income, child tax, education, retirement

• Adjustments such as IRA contribution and student loan interest

Day 4:

• Case studies: married couples, retirees, mixed-income

• Troubleshooting common issues, calculating AGI

WEEK 3 — SMALL BUSINESS & SELF-EMPLOYED RETURNS

Day 5:

• Schedule C basics, home-office deduction, business vs personal expenses

• Asset depreciation, mileage, tracking supplies

Day 6:

• SE tax, quarterly estimates, business structure considerations

WEEK 4 — INVESTMENTS & PROPERTY TAXES

Day 7:

• Reporting capital gains and losses: 1099-B, cost basis, wash sales

• Short vs long-term gain strategies

Day 8:

• Rental income & expenses, 4562 depreciation and Section 179

WEEK 5 — CORPORATE & PASS-THROUGH ENTITIES

Day 9:

• 1120, 1120S, and 1065 forms overview; partnerships and special allocations

Day 10:

• Qualified Business Income deduction; S-corp vs LLC decisions

WEEK 6 — COMPLIANCE, AUDITS & TAX LAW

Day 11:

• IRS notices & letters, common audit flags

• Identity theft protection, penalties, reasonable cause

Day 12:

• Continuing education, keeping compliance and soft skills, client care

WEEK 7 — SOFTWARE MASTERCLASS & MOCK RETURNS

Day 13:

• Advanced software integration: mass-import, error flags, e-file troubleshooting

Day 14:

• Timed mock returns with full scenario for individual, self-employed, rental

WEEK 8 — BUSINESS STARTUP & CERTIFICATION PREP

Day 15:

• Business launch training: entity selection, marketing strategy, fees

• PTIN registration, e-file identification, client engagement documentation

Day 16:

• Final review: exam practice, Q&A, certification roadmap

• Graduation, certificate, and job placement resources unveiled

FOLLOW‑UP SOLUTION: POST-GRADUATION SUPPORT

After completion, graduates receive:

• Monthly Mentorship Calls (6 months) for exam prep and client support

• Access to ISBF job boards and tax firm hiring partners

• Marketing asset updates and local ad campaign support

• Optional software refresh webinars annually

REGISTRATION & EXAM DETAILS

• Cost: $1,499

  • Payment plans and early-bird discounts available

• Includes: Instructor-led classes, software, kit, certification readiness, placement support

• Exam registration: IRS AFS program via ISBF Institute

• Higher credential prep: IRS EA track or equivalent—mentors assigned

• Registration:

  • Online: https://Isbfinstitute.com

  • Email: info@finanpower.com

  • Phone: (678) 921‑2121

On registering, students will receive pre-course materials and a software orientation webinar.