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Everyone needs to do estate planning. It is more than just planning for death. Estate planning is designing a program for effective wealth building, preservation, and disposition of property at the minimum possible tax cost. This exceptional mini-course surveys wills, living trusts, gifts, marital property, and probate avoidance. Designed to eliminate estate problems and death taxes, the emphasis is on practical solutions that are cost-effective. The text reviews and explains both federal gift and estate… | |
A CPA is challenged in today’s work world to not only serve his/her client or employer but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that there is transparency in financial reporting or there is fair administration of the tax laws. In balancing the two interests, a CPA may find him or herself in an ethical dilemma. This course covers not only basic ethical frameworks, but also specific rules governing CPA practice and responsibilities. It… | |
In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, shows you how to harness the full power of Data Validation to guide data entry and reduce errors in your spreadsheets. David explains how to create standard drop-down lists—including lists for all twelve months and self-expanding lists based on Excel tables—as well as how to craft dependent lists that adapt based on prior selections. You’ll learn how to apply validation for whole numbers, dates… | |
While the nuclear family remains the center point of society, today it is under tremendous economic and social pressure. This mini-course is designed to cover “hot” topics having a direct impact on the practitioner who represents any client with family issues. The emphasis is on using tax solutions to ease family economic concerns permitting the practitioner to be a real tax hero.AssignmentAt the start of the materials, participants should identify the following topics for study:*… | |
We are all (including tax practitioners) getting older, and the need for effective retirement planning has never been greater. This mini-course is essential for participants who wish to attain a comfortable retirement for themselves and their clients by maximizing tax saving strategies. Retirement income needs are analyzed; Social Security benefits are determined, and distribution options from IRAs and retirement plans are explored.AssignmentAt the start of the materials, participants should identify the following topics for study:*… | |
The Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards, also known as the Yellow Book, provides a comprehensive framework for conducting governmental audits with a focus on high quality, integrity, competence, independence, and objectivity. The Yellow Book is used by auditors of government organizations, entities that receive government awards, and any other audit organization performing Yellow Book audits. The Yellow Book outlines all requirements for governmental audit reports, professional qualifications for auditors, and audit organization quality control.This course… | |
This advanced course builds on the foundational principles introduced in Fundamentals of the 1040 – Core Concepts, guiding participants into the complexities of business income taxation and expanded reporting requirements. Learners will gain practical skills for accurately reporting self-employment income and pass-through entity activity on Form 1040. Income and expense reporting on Schedule C and Schedule E will be covered as well as the integration of essential forms such as Form 7203 (S corporation shareholder… | |
This mini-course examines the various ideas, methods, and techniques capable of optimizing the overall compensation package for key employees and principals in small to medium-sized businesses. Qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation, benefit targeting, insurance programs, statutory fringe benefits, interest-free loans, and investment planning are investigated. Consideration is given to indirect compensation in the form of business entertainment, expense accounts, auto use, travel, and transportation. The new field of professional services is probed to provide tax… | |
Designed to make the practitioner comfortable with “high traffic” issues, this program enables participants to discuss and handle business/personal tax essentials. The course examines and explains the practical aspects of individual & corporate planning, bridging the gap between theory and application. Significant new developments are summarized with an emphasis on tax savings ideas. This course examines and explains the practical aspects of using a closely held corporation to maximize after-tax return on business operations. Recent… | |
An installment sale is a sale of property where one or more payments are received after the close of the tax year. This mini-course discusses the particulars of installment sales, including requirements, calculations, and pitfalls. Cross issues such as a combined installment sale and like-kind exchange, the impact of related parties, pledging, repossession and contingent payments are reviewed. Also, the importance of recognizing the dangers of dealer status, inventory, purchase price allocation, and installment note… | |
This course focuses on tax issues affecting the treatment of interest and debt. It covers the definition of bona fide debt, the impact of related parties, the avoidance of equity and lease characterization, and deductible versus nondeductible interest factors. Sticky cross issues such as the impact of at-risk rules under §465, passive loss restrictions of §469, and below-market rate loans under §7278 are examined. In addition, the accounting method treatment of interest, points, prepaid interest… | |
The introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act law fueled rapid growth in the organizational im-portance of internal control systems. Appropriate interpretation and implementation of the inter-nal control framework are vital for every organization. This course incorporates and reflects up-to-date guidance from the PCAOB, the AICPA, the ACFE, and the principles of 2013 the COSO Frame-work as amended. The course not only addresses the theoretical concept of the internal control system but also provides readers with… | |
This course focuses on the fundamentals of individual tax preparation. Participants will learn the essentials of Form 1040, including filing requirements, income reporting, and deductions. The session will also cover preparer responsibilities, due diligence, and taxpayer rights under Circular 230. With a theoretical and practical study of Form 1040, and certain accompanying schedules, this course provides critical discussion of tax preparation. Learners will gain practical skills for accurately reporting self-employment income and pass-through entity activity… | |
This mini-course will teach participants how to apply, implement, and evaluate the strategic tax aspects of marital and financial setbacks. Property transfers, asset divisions, alimony, filing status, exemptions, and child support are examined.The cancellation of indebtedness income inclusion rules are discussed in the context of debt forgiveness and property foreclosure. Emphasis is given to the exceptions from income inclusion contained in §108. The tax treatment of property repossession under §1038 and bad debt treatment under… | |
In this presentation, author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, will guide attendees through essential techniques to streamline and enhance their Excel experience. David begins by showing how to use the F4 key to toggle between absolute and relative references, making formula adjustments quick and efficient. He’ll delve into assigning names to key input cells and demonstrate the “Create Names from Selection” feature to simplify referencing ranges. Next, David will cover the LET and… | |
Taxes aren't taxes – they are dollars in terms of the net return on investment. All tax professionals need to know the tax economics of investing for themselves and their clients. This need is accentuated by the rapid rise of the Internet as a broad-based and effective investment tool.The tax professional is in a special position to detect a client's need for financial planning. Preparing returns discloses assets, savings, business entities, and family members. Knowledge… | |
We may all confront issues that directly impact how much we can deduct. This course is designed for participants who want to explore and examine the tax consequences of medical costs, charitable contributions, and casualty and theft losses, especially in relation to their deductibility. The emphasis is examining a wide variety of situations related to these items and the extent to which they may or may not result in a deduction and what limitations on… | |
While the nuclear family remains the center point of society, today it is under tremendous economic and social pressure. This course is designed to cover “hot” topics that have a direct impact on the practitioner who represents any client with family issues. The emphasis is on using tax solutions to ease family economic concerns permitting the practitioner to be a real tax hero.To complete this course participants need to: Read the material provided and answer… | |
This course examines the various ideas, methods, and techniques capable of optimizing the overall compensation package for key employees and principals in small to medium-sized businesses. Qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation, benefit targeting, insurance programs, statutory fringe benefits, interest-free loans, and investment planning are investigated. Effective pay plans essential to attract, motivate, and retain key people are defined and evaluated. Consideration is given to indirect compensation in the form of business entertainment, expense accounts, auto… | |
The mini-course will examine tax issues relating to the formation and operation of partnerships. Participants will gain familiarity with basic areas of partnership taxation so as to recognize a problem and have at hand some practical knowledge for its solution.AssignmentAt the start of the materials, participants should identify the following topics for study:* Partnership definition* Partnership income* Partnership tax return* Year taxable* Transactions between partner & partnership* Contributions to partnerships* Sales & exchanges of partnership… | |
With the adoption of the passive loss limitation rules, taxpayers are looking to CPAs for guidance related to what deductions are allowed, disallowed, or suspended. Updating practitioners on the practical aspects of §469, this course addresses the needed skill to handle these pragmatic issues. Fundamentals are reviewed, planning opportunities are identified, and creative strategies are discussed and evaluated along with remaining traditional approaches. The goal of this instructive course is to understand and solve client… | |
This course addresses the practical aspects of §469 and the needed skills to handle pragmatic issues. Fundamentals are reviewed, planning opportunities identified, and creative strategies discussed and evaluated along with remaining traditional approaches. The goal of this instructive program is to understand and solve problems under §469, with an emphasis on tax savings ideas. Readers will overview the proper administration of this complex and often cumbersome provision.To complete this course participants need to: Read the… | |
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97), enacted Dec. 22, 2017, created, under §199A, a new deduction for up to 20% of qualified business income (QBI) from partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), S corporations, trusts, estates, and sole proprietorships for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. However, determining the §199A deduction amount and availability is a very complex multi-step process that may phase out some or all of the deduction.In the face of… | |
Tax reform provisions have frequently changed the tax on profits realized from the disposition of real estate. This has forced investors to seek “escape hatches” from fluctuating capital gains taxes. Tax-deferred exchanges permit the disposition of property often with the taxpayer receiving significant cash but without the payment of any tax. Functionally, an exchange is a “bridge” over the normally taxable event of moving from one property to another. This course alerts the practitioner to… | |
We are all (including tax practitioners) getting older, and the need for effective retirement planning has never been greater. This course is essential for participants who wish to attain a comfortable retirement for themselves and their clients by maximizing tax-saving strategies. Designed to improve the quality of services to clients and the profitability of engagements, this presentation integrates federal taxation with retirement planning. The emphasis is on practical simplicity in dealing with the self-employed and… | |
In this course, the intricacies of setting up and terminating an S corporation are detailed and taxation is discussed. The numerous advantages and disadvantages of this entity are identified to help practitioners determine whether the S corporation is most suitable for their clients. Eligible domestic corporations can avoid double taxation by electing to be treated as an S corporation under the rules of Subchapter S. Subchapter S provides an optional method of corporate taxation and… | |
This seminar offers a practical and in-depth exploration of IRS Schedule K-1, a critical reporting document issued to taxpayers with interests in pass-through entities such as Partnerships, S Corporations, and Estates or Trusts. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to interpret and accurately report Schedule K-1 data on Form 1040, with emphasis on common income, deduction, and credit items. The course also demystifies the Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction, including eligibility criteria, reporting… | |
Business expenses are the costs of carrying on a trade or business, and they are usually deductible if the business is operated to make a profit. This mini-course reviews various expenses that businesses may deduct and the requirements that must be met for those expenses to qualify for deduction. Furthermore, practitioners can use this as a guide to determine which of their clients’ taxes are deductible as business expenses.ASSIGNMENTAt the start of the materials, participants… | |
How can you help your clients protect their assets? What is the best way for your client to “go bankrupt”? How can you help your client avoid the tax trap when going through a divorce? This course addresses all of these and many other, critical legal issues for the tax practitioner in a quick and effective potpourri of legal topics and their tax impact. The emphasis is on the tax consequences of common legal issues… | |
This book is designed to survey selected “hot” topics having a direct impact on the property owner and investor. The emphasis is on problem areas where the unwary beginner and expert alike can be trapped. You will learn to identify dangers involving installment sales, imputed interest, exchanging, equity participation, condemnation, passive loss rules, and transactions with foreign investors.To complete this course participants need to: Read the material provided and answer chapter review questions, successfully complete… | |
Spreadsheet work can present what seems like unavoidable data entry tasks, but thankfully there are often ways to avoid or at least minimize drudgery. In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, empowers you to work smarter rather than harder. You'll learn how to use AI in Excel to convert pictures or PDF into editable data, and to combine or separate data into columns. David will show how to use worksheet functions… | |
This presentation integrates federal taxation with retirement planning. The course will examine tax and savings strategies related to determining retirement income needs, wealth building, capital preservation, and estate distribution. The result is a unified explanation of tax economics that will permit the tax professional to locate, analyze, and solve the financial aspects of retirement. Designed to improve the quality of services to clients and the profitability of engagements, this program projects the accountant into the… | |
Congress is on the cusp of passing the most consequential tax legislation in many years and the well-informed tax practitioner will want to stay abreast of these developments! This course will start with a short overview of the legislative process that is taken by the House and the Senate before the bill is ready to be signed by the President. We will then review the provisions in the House bill passed on May 22, 2025… | |
This course explores many tax issues that arise from filing for bankruptcy. Also addressed are asset protection for the tax practitioner and medical costs covered under §213. There is an examination of property settlements and other transfers incident to divorce. A tax surprise for many taxpayers is the taxability of debt cancellation and repossessing property sold on the installment method can also be taxable. Finally, practitioners are brought up-to-date information on tax issues affecting estate… | |
Test the treacherous (and shark-infested) waters of tax, bankruptcy, and financial problems. This course will teach participants how to apply, implement, and evaluate the strategic tax aspects of bankruptcy, property settlements, debt cancellation, and foreclosure. Current perspectives on asset protection, repossession, and bad debts are examined with an emphasis on planning considerations. The cancellation of indebtedness income inclusion rules are examined in the context of debt forgiveness and property foreclosure. Emphasis is given to the… | |
The program will examine tax issues relating to the formation and operation of partnerships. Participants will gain familiarity with basic areas of partnership taxation so as to recognize a problem and have at hand some practical knowledge for its solution. This course is presented in four practical segments: (1) the formation of partnerships, (2) the basic day-to-day operations of partnerships, (3) the distributions of assets to partners, and (4) the termination of partnership affairs.To complete… | |
We are all (including tax practitioners) getting older, and the need for effective retirement planning has never been greater. This course is essential for participants who wish to attain a comfortable retirement for themselves and their clients by maximizing tax-saving strategies. This presentation integrates federal taxation with retirement planning. The course will examine tax and savings strategies related to determining retirement income needs, wealth building, capital preservation, and estate distribution. The result is a unified… | |
Updating practitioners on current developments, this core program examines and explains the practical aspects of travel and entertainment deductions. Fundamentals are reviewed and planning opportunities are identified. Creative strategies are discussed and evaluated along with traditional approaches. Taxpayers are once again looking to their tax professionals for guidance and planning related to travel and entertainment expenses. The goal of this course is to understand and solve problems. Participants will learn to master the proper administration… | |
This mini-course examines key individual, business, retirement, and estate tax provisions recently enacted or indexed for inflation in an overview format that is easy to reference. The emphasis is on quick access to major tax changes having special meaning to the tax practitioner and return preparer. The course is a great resource and a way for professionals and staff alike to easily get the “big chunks” and bring their professional knowledge up to speed.As a… | |
In this presentation, author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA will showcase 10 powerful Excel features that can help accountants work more efficiently, including tools like XLOOKUP, SUMIF, PivotTables, and AutoRecover. You’ll see how to streamline tasks by using structured tables, filter data instantly with keyboard shortcuts, and enhance clarity with conditional formatting. David also shares clever ways to simplify your interface—like adding a Clear Filter button—and explains how to recover from common mistakes… | |
A CPA is challenged in today’s work world to not only serve his/her client or employer but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that there is transparency in financial reporting or there is fair administration of the tax laws. In balancing the two interests, a CPA may find him or herself in an ethical dilemma. This course covers not only basic ethical frameworks, but also specific rules governing CPA practice and responsibilities. It… | |
Description: This seminar will review situations in which a CPA or accounting professional may have be in danger of being sued. We will cover common law causes of action, such as negligence, and the relevant standards and case law defining what constitutes reasonable practitioner behavior.This course is ideal for lawyers, CPAs, EAs, tax preparers, accountants and insurance personnel.Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, the participant will be able to:1. Define the elements of… | |
This course covers the authoritative GAAP for construction contractors as found in FASB ASC 910 along with the guidance contained in the AICPA Guide for Construction Contractors. In this course, Jeff will cover the unique aspects of accounting in the construction industry and how the standards and guidance address those issues.The course will also include many examples to aid in understanding. In addition to the exceptional material, Jeff will include his signature video parodies, which… | |
This seminar examines recent events involving the theft of company or public money and the circumstances that allowed the fraud to occur. We will be looking at a variety of case studies to illustrate these points. This course is ideal for CPAs, government finance personnel, all Internal Auditors, lawyers, governance professionals, accountants and human resource personnel.To complete this course participants need to: Answer polling questions to meet NASBA / IRS / State Board of Accountancies… | |
Description: This seminar examines recent events involving the theft of company or public money and the circumstances that allowed the fraud to occur. We will be looking at a variety of case studies to illustrate these points. This course is ideal for CPAs, government finance personnel, all Internal Auditors, lawyers, governance professionals, accountants and human resource personnel.Program Content:· Reasons why fraud occurs.· Case studies of situations where embezzlement occurred.· Red flags indicating that an organization is at risk… | |
In this presentation author and Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, helps you expand your Excel toolbox by comparing the INDEX/MATCH functions to the XLOOKUP worksheet function in Excel 2021 and Excel for Microsoft 365. You'll also see how to transform ugly reports exported from accounting software and other platforms into analysis ready formats by using Power Query. David will also show you how to use Excel's Solver feature to identify the combination of amounts from… | |
In this presentation, author and Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, teaches you how to create resilient and easy-to-maintain budget spreadsheets. David will contrast assigning names to cells, which both simplify formula writing and review, as well as spreadsheet navigation with the Table features, which offers similar benefits. You'll see how the Use In Formula command streamlines formula writing, and how the VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and SUMIF functions minimize formula maintenance.Learning Objectives:•••To complete this course participants need… | |
As long as invoices remain a staple of the B2B billing and payment process, smart companies will do everything they can to reduce the number of headaches associated with them. What is interesting as we go through the list is that there are ways to greatly reduce or eliminate some of them. Companies just have to decide to do so and then stick to the regimen. Those routines are spelled out in this paper.In this… | |
In this presentation, author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, will empower you with techniques that make for efficient spreadsheet design and data analysis. Learn how to streamline your Excel worksheets by placing titles in a single row, thereby eliminating clutter and improving readability. Discover the power of referencing source data cells directly and creating settings tables for easy configuration and review. Enhance your calculations by assigning names to key input cells, writing smarter… | |
Excel is fraught with nuances, especially when working with dates or times. In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA covers the gamut of date and time related functions and features in Excel. He'll explain common frustrations that arise when entering dates in Excel spreadsheets, along with date and time keyboard shortcuts. David will compare the nuances of the NOW function versus the TODAY function, along with techniques such as using TEXT… |