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Self-Study Courses

Tax Basis 101

2 CPE Credits $41.00/credit hour
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Understanding tax basis is foundational to accurate tax compliance and effective client advising. Basis directly impacts depreciation, amortization, casualty losses, and the calculation of gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, or disposition of property. Because errors in basis calculations can lead to overstated gains, missed deductions, or increased audit exposure, tax and accounting professionals must understand both the fundamentals and the common exceptions to the cost basis rules. This course provides a clear, practical introduction to tax basis concepts and their real world application.

Led by Susan Harper, Certified Fraud Examiner and retired IRS Internal Revenue Agent, this course walks participants through the determination of cost basis and adjusted basis for a variety of assets, including securities, real property, and business assets. Attendees will explore situations where basis is not equal to cost, such as non taxable exchanges, property received by gift or inheritance, and assets converted from personal to business or rental use. Through examples and scenarios, participants gain the confidence to compute basis accurately and advise clients effectively.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 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

Publication Date: August 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for professionals who advise clients on transactions involving the acquisition, disposition, or conversion of property.

Topics Covered

  • Definition and importance of cost basis
  • Adjusted basis calculations
  • Basis other than cost
  • Non‑taxable and like‑kind exchanges
  • Property received by gift or inheritance
  • Conversion of personal property to business or rental use
  • Common basis errors and compliance risks

Learning Objectives

  • Determine the cost basis of common assets, including securities, real property, and business assets
  • Calculate adjusted basis prior to determining gain or loss on the disposition of property
  • Identify situations in which basis is other than cost
  • Explain the tax treatment of non‑taxable exchanges
  • Apply basis rules to property received by gift or inheritance
  • Evaluate basis considerations when property is converted from personal to business or rental use

Level
Intermediate

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Tax practitioners at all levels who provide advice and return preparation involving sales of property.

Advance Preparation
None

Instructor

Susan Harper

Susan Harper, CFE, is a veteran tax authority, credentialed Certified Fraud Examiner, and educator who dedicated nearly four decades to federal tax administration and compliance. She began her distinguished career with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 1988 as an Internal Revenue Agent. Over the next 37 years, she became a foundational figure in the agency's specialized enforcement and technical analytics initiatives.

In 2002, Ms. Harper was selected to join the IRS’s very first Abusive Tax Avoidance Transaction group spearheading complex investigations into high-level tax evasion schemes. Building on this specialized background, she transitioned in 2008 to the Office of Fraud Enforcement, serving for 13 years as a Fraud Technical Advisor. In this critical role, she leveraged her forensic expertise to provide advanced technical guidance on high-risk, fraudulent tax compliance issues nationwide.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Ms. Harper joined the Research, Applied Analytics, & Statistics (RAAS) division in 2021 to continue developing a cutting-edge strategic research tool for frontline compliance employees. Her technical prowess and strategic vision quickly elevated her to the role of Technical Advisor to the Chief of RAAS, and ultimately, Technical Advisor to the IRS’s Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Harper officially retired from federal service in September 2025, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and enhanced financial enforcement.
Beyond her investigative and strategic achievements, Ms. Harper is a deeply committed educator. Since 2000, she has been sharing her vast knowledge by instructing federal income tax seminars and, more recently, interactive webinars. She thrives on the dynamic interaction with her students and looks forward to shaping the next generation of tax and fraud professionals through teaching for many years to come.
$82.00 / 2 CPE
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