Become a Confident,
Skilled Tax Professional
Eight weeks of practical, hands-on instruction in preparing individual tax returns, serving clients, remaining compliant, and building a profitable tax business. Attend each session in person or live on Zoom.
In-Person + Live on Zoom
Built to make you job-ready.
Learn by doing
Practice tax returns and real-world scenarios, plus hands-on tax software demonstrations — so you build real skill, not just theory.
A real-world curriculum
Eight weeks that take you from entering the industry to growing your own tax business: PTIN requirements, filing status, income documents, credits and deductions, Schedule C, software, and office operations.
Built-in support
A private student support community, direct instructor access, and downloadable materials keep you guided from week one through completion.
Hybrid flexibility
Attend in person in Durham, NC or join live on Zoom — with recordings available for every session so you never fall behind.
Every Thursday. In person or live.
Cadence
Every Thursday Evening
Hours
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Duration
Eight Weeks of Training
1804 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway,
Suite 111, Durham, NC 27707
Live via ZoomRecordings available for every session.
The next cohort begins Thursday, September 17, 2026, continuing weekly until completed, skipping holidays.
Everything you need to start preparing taxes.
A complete toolkit — instruction, software, materials, community, and a certificate — designed to take you from beginner to confident professional.
An eight-week journey to mastery.
Each week builds on the last — from entering the industry to growing your own tax business. Tap any week to reveal the full syllabus.
Understanding the role of a professional tax preparer
PTIN, EFIN, and business registration requirements
Choosing a business structure
Ethics, confidentiality, and professional responsibility
Understanding preparer penalties and due diligence
Setting up a professional tax office
Filing status requirements
Qualifying children and qualifying relatives
Head of Household rules
Dependent eligibility
Client interviews and document collection
Identifying missing or inconsistent information
Completing a thorough tax return intake
Form W-2
Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, and 1099-R
Interest and dividend income
Unemployment and Social Security income
Retirement distributions
Identifying taxable and nontaxable income
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Additional Child Tax Credit
American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Standard versus itemized deductions
Form 8867 and paid-preparer due diligence
Avoiding common credit-related mistakes
Understanding independent contractor income
Schedule C income and expenses
Business-use-of-home deductions
Vehicle and mileage deductions
Cost of goods sold
Depreciation basics
Self-employment tax
Recordkeeping requirements
Preparing returns for gig workers and small-business owners
Setting up a client inside the tax software
Entering income, deductions, dependents, and credits
Reading software diagnostics
Reviewing federal and state returns
Identifying errors before filing
Electronic signatures and required disclosures
E-filing and monitoring acknowledgments
Reject codes and return corrections
Setting service prices
Creating engagement agreements
Collecting payments professionally
Protecting taxpayer information
Secure document collection and storage
Managing difficult client situations
Communicating delays, balances, and rejected returns
Creating an organized tax-season workflow
Branding and marketing your tax business
Attracting and retaining clients
Creating referral programs
Offering year-round tax services
Understanding bank products and service bureau fees
Building a compliant tax team
Final practice return
Knowledge assessment
Graduation and certificate presentation
Built for the driven and the curious.
This training is ideal for anyone ready to turn tax knowledge into a real career or business.
Aspiring tax professionals
New tax preparers
Current preparers who need a stronger foundation
Bookkeepers and business consultants
Entrepreneurs who want to open a tax office
Tax professionals preparing to hire or train a team
Two ways to show up.
In-PersonIn-Person Students
Attend live Thursday evening classes, participate in hands-on exercises, ask questions, and receive direct instructor support at our Durham, NC location.
Virtual Students
Join every class live through Zoom, participate in discussions and demonstrations, and receive access to the same materials and support provided to in-person students.
Students who cannot attend a live session will receive access to the class recording — so you never fall behind.
Earn your Certificate of Completion.
- Attend or watch all eight sessions
- Complete assigned practice returns
- Participate in weekly knowledge checks
- Complete the final assessment
- Demonstrate an understanding of tax-preparation ethics and due diligence
Important Notice
Completion of this program does not replace IRS registration requirements. Students are responsible for securing or maintaining their own PTIN and completing any additional federal or state requirements that apply to paid tax preparers.
Answers before you enroll.
Still have questions? Reach out anytime — we're happy to help you decide if this cohort is the right fit.
No prior tax experience is required. The program is built for aspiring tax professionals and new preparers — anyone ready to turn tax knowledge into a real career or business. Each week builds on the last, taking you from the basics to running your own tax office.
Students who cannot attend a live session receive access to the class recording, so you never fall behind. You can review every Thursday evening session on your own time.
No — you do not need a PTIN to enroll. Week one covers PTIN, EFIN, and business registration requirements so you understand the process. You are responsible for securing or maintaining your own PTIN and completing any additional federal or state requirements that apply to paid tax preparers.
You will get hands-on tax software demonstrations and a full software orientation. Week six covers setting up a client inside the software, entering income and deductions, reading diagnostics, reviewing returns, e-filing, and handling reject codes — skills that transfer across professional tax preparation platforms.
Yes. The training is fully hybrid — attend in person at our Durham, NC location or join live on Zoom. Recordings of every session are also available, so you can choose the format that works for you.
You will earn a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to join the Tax School Dropout professional network. Week eight focuses on building and growing your tax business — branding, marketing, attracting clients, and offering year-round services — so you leave ready to start preparing returns.
Marquisha Williams
Lead Instructor
Learn from Marquisha Williams.
Marquisha Williams is an experienced tax-business owner who has managed 475 clients, led a team of 42 professionals, and trained more than 125 tax professionals. She brings real-world expertise from running a successful tax practice directly into the classroom — so you learn the practical skills, client management, and business strategies that actually work in the field.
475
Clients managed
42
Professionals led
125+
Tax pros trained
Your tax career can begin right here.
Whether you plan to prepare taxes as a side business, build your own tax office, or strengthen your current skills — reserve your seat today. Space is limited for in-person attendance.
Choose Your Investment
Two flexible ways to pay.
8 weekly sessions
All materials & recordings
Certificate of Completion