1040 Preparation and Planning 1: Fundamentals (2026)
Author: Greg White, Barbara Weltman
| CPE Credit: |
2 hours for CPAs
2 hours Federal Tax Related for EAs and OTRPs
2 hours Federal Tax Law for CTEC |
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card
This two-hour course, the first in the 1040 Preparation and Planning series, provides an overview of Form 1040 and 1040-SR, including the different sections of the forms and major schedules. It also covers in general, gross income, exclusions, tax liability, tax credits, and tax payments.
Tax developments reflected in this course include the extensive changes effective for 2025 that were created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) and other tax legislation, as well as IRS pronouncements, and court decisions. They impact 2025 tax year returns that will be filed during the 2026 filing season and refund opportunities for earlier, open years; as well as point the way to strategic planning in 2026 and beyond. This course brings the tax preparer "up-to-speed" in preparing 2025 tax returns for the 2026 filing season.
Publication Date: September 2025
Topics Covered
- Basic income tax structure and parts of income tax return
- Filing requirements
- Payment options for taxes owed
- Tax year and accounting methods
Learning Objectives
- Describe the basic federal income tax structure
- Identify who is required to file a return
- Describe the basic parts of the income tax return and major schedules
- Explain the difference between deductions and tax credits
- Describe payment options for taxes owed
- Describe the concepts of tax year and accounting method
Level
Basic
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
