Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Is the Tax School Office affiliated with a University?
   

   The Tax School is sponsored by University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at Urbana-Champaign.

2. How many years has the Tax School been in business?
   • Since 1940 the University of Illinois has sponsored annual Tax Schools.
   • The program began as basic taxation instruction for farmers who prepared their own taxes.
   • Over the years, it evolved into a professional continuing education program for income tax practitioners, and includes both farm and non-farm taxation content.
   • Annually, approximately 6,000 practitioners attend Illinois Tax Schools. See Tax School History for further history on the Illinois Tax School.
3. I'm in a wheelchair (or have other special needs). How do I arrange for assistance at the seminar?
   

   Individuals who need special accommodations should contact the Tax School Office at (217) 333-0502 at least two weeks prior to the event.

4. Is there a dress code?
   

   There is no dress code. Meeting room temperatures may vary so layered clothing is recommended for comfort.

5. Is smoking permitted in the meeting rooms?
   

   In accordance with Illinois state law, smoking is not permitted in the meeting rooms.

6. I need to be able to take calls while I'm at the seminar. Is there a problem if I bring a cell phone or pager?
   • All electronic devices must be silenced.
   • Participants who need to provide a method for being contacted in an emergency may use the facilities phone number. Facility phone numbers are included on the page for locations.
   • Participants whose electronic devices make noise during instruction will be asked to leave the room.
7. Are my personal belongings safe in the meeting room during lunch breaks and overnight?
   • No. It is best not to leave personal belongings unattended in meeting rooms during lunch breaks or overnight. Tax School will not be held responsible for items left unattended.
   • Participants are encouraged to write their names in the workbook to avoid confusion over workbook ownership.

CPE Credit

University of Illinois Tax School (formerly Univ. of IL at Urbana-Champaign) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsorsthrough its website: www.learningmarket.org.

The Tax School has been approved as an IRS Continuing Education Provider. Tax preparers should always look for IRS approved providers when fulfilling their continuing education requirements.

Visit www.irs.gov/taxpros/ce for more information.

1. When will I receive my Certificate of Attendance for CPE purposes?
   

   Every effort will be made to issue Certificates of Attendance in a timely manner. In most cases, certificates are emailed after the conclusion of all seminars.

2. Why does my CPE certificate contain less than the full amount of hours of credit hours printed on it?
   • The hours shown on your CPE Certificate correspond to the hours scanned on the Verification of Attendance Card turned in at the seminar.
   • Scanned cards record late arrivals and/or early departures, and this is reflected in the total hours of CPE credit awarded.
   • Attendance verification cards left on tables or turned in by people other than the participant are voided and no credit is awarded for that day.
3. I forgot to turn my Verification of Attendance Card in at the school, but I attended the entire day. Can I just send the card to the Tax School Office for CPE credit?
   

   No. In order to maintain the integrity of the CPE process, cards are only accepted at the school location. There are no exceptions to this.

4. Can I purchase the materials only and still get the CPE credit?
   

   Participants who elect to purchase the seminar materials and NOT attend the seminar have not earned CPE credit.

5. I'm an insurance professional with an Illinois license. Will I receive a separate certificate for the Illinois Department of Insurance?
   

   There is no separate Insurance CPE Certificate. Hours for insurance professionals are reported directly to the Illinois Department of Insurance in accordance with their requirements. You may use the CPE certificate that was sent to you to verify attendance at the seminar.

6. I'm an insurance professional with a Missouri license. Will I receive a separate certificate for the Missouri Department of Insurance?
   

   No. The University of Illinois Tax School is no longer registered as a CPE provider with the Missouri Department of Insurance.

7. Why is an extra fee charged for IL Insurance CPE, CFP, and MCLE credit?
   

   Due to additional fees the University of Illinois must pay to the IL Department of Insurance, the CFP Board of Standards, and the MCLE Board, an additional filing fee is charged to offset these expenses. Because these fees are associated with a small percentage of participants, it is appropriate to offset the expenses with filing fees paid by these individuals.

8. I need to renew my PTIN by the end of the year. Will my credits be sent to the IRS so I can renew my PTIN?
   

   Yes. If requested, the University of Illinois Tax School electronically submits credits directly to the IRS within 10 business days of the seminar. You will also receive a CPE certificate emailed to the address associated with your name. You do not need to submit anything to the IRS unless you are asked to verify your credit in an IRS audit.

9. When I tried to renew my PTIN, the IRS indicated my credits were not submitted for the seminar I attended. Why?
   

   The University of Illinois Tax School electronically submits credits directly to the IRS within 10 business days of the seminar, as long as you requested that we report your credits. The name that you use to register for a Tax School seminar MUST match the name that is on file with the IRS. There may have been a problem submitting your credits because your PTIN and name did not match with the IRS records. If the IRS has a PTIN name that is different from the name you used to register for the seminar, the credits cannot be recorded. For example, if your PTIN first name is Thomas, and you seminar registration first name is Tom, this would cause a problem with submission. If it has been longer than 10 business days since the seminar date, please call the Tax School Office at 217-333-0502 to determine the cause of the submission problem.

Fees

1. What is included in the price of the seminar?
   • The registration fee includes tuition, reference materials and refreshment breaks.
   • For certain in-depth seminars, lunch is included in the registration fee. For Fall Tax School, lunch is "on your own."
   • Sleeping rooms are not included in the seminar fee. If a sleeping room is desired, contact the hotel/conference center to make reservations. Blocks of rooms are not reserved, but if you mention you are attending the Tax Schools, you may receive priority for reservations.

Refunds

1. I missed the live seminar today. Can I still get a refund?
   • To qualify for a full refund, the Tax School Office must be notified before the early registration deadline or 4 weeks prior to the seminar, whichever is later. No full refunds are provided after that point. Partial refunds of 50% of the registration fee are available up to 10 business days prior to the seminar.
   • If we are still offering the seminar in other locations, you may transfer your registration to another location if space allows.
   • Please see the complete refund policy.
2. Can I get a refund if it snows on the day of a seminar?
   • Seminars are rarely, if ever, cancelled due to inclement weather. If the Tax School Office cancels a seminar because of inclement weather, every effort is made to satisfy registrants.
   • If weather prevents you from attending a seminar, but the seminar is still being held, you may choose one of the following two options:
     
       A.  Transfer to another seminar location on a space available basis, or
     
       B.  Transfer to "materials only."
     
3. I could not log in to my scheduled webinar today. Can I still get a refund?
   • No refunds are provided after 24 hours prior to a webinar's scheduled start time. Log-in and testing information are sent several days prior to the webinar, and it is the participant's responsibility to ensure that their computer and Internet access support the webinar software prior to the start of the webinar.
   • If we are offering the same webinar on a later date, you may transfer as space allows.
   • Please see the complete refund policy.

Registration Process

1. What are the deadlines for receiving a discounted early registration fee?
   

   The date provided on the Tax School website and in our brochures is the deadline date by which a registration must be received:

   1. Online Registration: Online registration payment transactions must be completed no later than 11:59 PM Central Time on the early registration deadline date.
   2. Faxed Registration: Registration forms faxed with a valid credit card number must be received by our fax machine no later than 11:59 PM Central Time on the early registration deadline date.
   3. Mailed Registration: Completed registration forms with complete payment must be postmarked by the early registration deadline date.

   The Tax School is not responsible for any online or fax machine technical errors nor postmark delays; there are no exceptions to this policy.

2. How do I register online for seminars?
   • Click here to register.
   • Payment by credit card is the only payment option for online registration.
3. How do I know your website registration process is secure and safe for using my credit card?
   • In order to assure that your order is handled safely and securely, your web browser must be capable of handling encrypted transactions. You should be using one of the following web browsers: Internet Explorer 8 or above, or FireFox 3.5 or above, Google Chrome, or Safari.
   • When going through checkout, look for the lock symbol in your browser status bar. This means you are in a secure environment.
4. How will I know if my credit card payment was accepted?
   • You will see a confirmation page at the end of registration. Please print this screen if you need a receipt for your records.
   • An email confirmation of the charge to your credit card is sent to the email address you provide in your registration. This confirms that your credit card was charged the registration fee.
5. How will the charge for the seminar appear on my credit card statement?
   

   The charge appears as "UNIV OF ILLINOIS SALE 217-244-8995 IL" on your credit card billing statement.

6. How can I register and pay with a credit card if I don't want to use the online registration?
   

   Complete a paper copy of the registration form, then either fax it to (217) 244-5933 or mail it to the Tax School Office. Please do not mail a registration which has also been faxed because this could result in a duplicate charge to your credit card.

7. I have 10 people from our firm who wish to attend the seminars. Do I need to register each one separately?
   

   Yes. In order to prevent delays in processing your registrations and getting placement in the locations of choice, a separate registration form needs to be completed for each participant whether registering on the website or using the printed registration form in the brochure (photocopies are welcomed).

8. May I register now and send you payment later?
   • No, forms received without payment are not processed.
   • Registration is not complete and seats are not reserved until payment is procssed.
9. The seminar I wish to attend starts in a few days. Can I just pay at the door?
   • Registrations are accepted if space is available.
   • Space for "walk-ins" cannot be guaranteed. Many locations fill to capacity and close.
   • "Walk-in" participants may pay at the door by cash, check or credit card.
   • "Walk-in" participants should arrive early in order to complete the registration process and obtain their materials.
   • No discounts are available at the door.
10. Three people from my office want to attend the 3-day seminar, but each can only attend one day of the seminar. Can these people split a registration, and each get CPE credit?
    

    No. Registrations may not be split. Each person who attends a University of Illinois Tax School seminar must be a fully paid registrant.

Instructors

1. How can I find out which instructors will be teaching at which locations?
   Check seminar Locations and Instructors.
   
   
2. I am interested in becoming a Tax School Instructor. How do I go about letting you know?
   Please contact us.

School Locations

1. Why isn't the seminar location I wish to attend shown on the location drop-down list?
   • Registrants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the seminar site has reached capacity. When a location does not appear on the drop-down list, it has filled to capacity.
   • You will need to choose another location.
2. I attended a location last year that isn't listed this year. Why is that?
   

   Based upon participant feedback regarding certain facilities, and/or scheduling conflicts, the Tax School has selected other facilities and locations.

3. How will I be notified of the location to which I have been assigned?
   • A confirmation notice of the seminar name, date and location for which you are scheduled will be sent provided your enrollment is received two weeks or more in advance of the seminar.
   • You will receive notification via email if you provided an email address in your registration.
4. How do I change my seminar location?
   

   Contact us to determine whether it is possible to change your seminar location. Every effort will be made to accommodate changes.

School Materials

1. I registered several weeks ago and have not received my materials. When will they be mailed?
   • The Federal Tax Workbook is no longer shipped before seminars.
   • Materials for all seminars are obtained at the seminar location. Please arrive early to pick up your materials.
2. I registered late. How will I get my Tax School Workbook?
   

   You can pick up your materials at the seminar by checking in with the Workshop Leader.

3. I was unable to attend my scheduled seminar. What do I need to do to receive the materials?
   

   Please contact the Tax School Office at (217) 333-0502 or email a request to have your registration changed to "Materials Only." Your materials will be shipped to you after the conclusion of the Fall Tax School season. Usually materials are shipped by the second week of January.

4. What resource materials will I receive if I attended the Fall Tax School and when will I receive them?
   • Participants will receive a workbook for each seminar they attend. The workbook is provided at check-in.
   • Registrants will also receive a link to a digital version of the workbook, approximately 2-3 days before their seminar, in case they wish to download the workbook to a notebook or other electronic device for use during the seminar.
   • Corrections to the workbook are available on the downloads page.
   • IRS publications are readily available on the Internet for those who would like a copy. The IRS website address is www.irs.gov.
   • The What's New Supplement is available by late January on the Tax School website. This document includes the workbook errata, as well as any newly enacted legislation and rulings and cases since the workbook went to press the previous August.

Webinars

1. What is a webinar?
   

   Webinars are seminars held via the Internet. Usually webinars are one- or two-hour sessions on a specific topic. During a webinar, you will see a screen of content on your computer and hear a presenter through your computer speakers. Webinars are interactive in that they allow participants to ask questions through a live chat feature (sort of like texting or instant messaging).

2. What type of computer connection do I need in order to participate in a webinar?
   

   In order to have the best webinar experience, your computer should be connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection (DSL, cable modem, FIOS). Dial-up service will most likely be too slow for webinar purposes.

3. I signed up for a webinar... now what?
   • It is very important that we have a current email address for you so that we can send you important information to access the webinar. Without an email address on file, you will not be able to attend the webinar.
   • Several days prior to the session, you will receive a link (URL) to the webinar along with a username and password. University of Illinois webinars are hosted on a site named "Blackboard Collaborate." When we send you the link, you are directed to test your computer system prior to the webinar. In this testing period, you will download Blackboard Collaborate software. Some systems take longer than others to test, so you'll want to do this well in advance of the webinar. Full testing instructions can be found on this page.
4. What if I have problems getting into the webinar?
   

   Elluminate provides assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Go to the Blackboard Collaborate Support website. This is a self-help support site and it has a live chat feature. Additionally, you may always call the Blackboard Collaborate help desk at 866-388-8674, option #2 if you prefer to speak to someone over the phone.

5. What if I can't hear the speaker?
   

   Sometimes the settings on your computer aren't right. In the top menu bar, revisit Tools > Audio > Audio Set-Up Wizard to ensure that settings haven't changed in your computer since your original set up. If using the set-up wizard does not result in improved sound quality, call the Elluminate help desk at 866-388-8674, option #2, to speak to someone about options specific to your computer.

6. Will I earn CPE credit for attending a webinar?
   • Free webinars do not provide CPE. For paid webinars, you will earn one CPE credit based on being present in the session for a minimum of 50 minutes, and answering two out of three questions per hour. Don't panic about the quiz. It doesn't matter if you answer the quiz correctly... it only matters that you answer the question.
   • The U of I Tax School is accredited by NASBA for online delivery of seminars. Any professional organization that recognizes NASBA approval for continuing education accepts the credit earned from the webinar.
7. Will I get a CPE certificate?
   

   CPE certificates are sent electronically to the email address that is on record with the U of I Tax School within 2-3 weeks of the webinar. If you are not sure your email is correct in our system, you may login to your Tax School account and check it. Or, you may contact the Tax School team for assistance at 217-333-0502 or TaxSchool@illinois.edu.

8. I had problems logging in to my scheduled webinar today. Can I still get a refund?
   • No refunds are provided beginning 24 hours prior to a webinar's scheduled start time. Log-in and testing information are sent several days prior to the webinar, and it is the participant's responsibility to ensure that his computer and Internet access support the webinar software prior to the start of the webinar.
   • If we are repeating the same webinar on a later date, you may transfer to this session as space allows.
   • Please see the complete refund policy.

Books

1. I ordered a book and it is damaged. What should I do?
   

   If you purchased a book from the U of I Tax School (e.g. CCH Tax Master Tax Guide; Like-Kind Exchanges) and it was damaged during shipping or is otherwise defective, please contact us immediately at 217-333-0502 so that we can provide you with a replacement book. The damaged book must be returned to U of I Tax School.

2. I have ordered a book but have not yet received it. Is it too late to cancel my order?
   

   You might be able to cancel your book order if we have not yet processed your order for shipment. To find out if a cancellation is possible, please call us at 217-333-0502.

3. How do I return a book that I purchased?
   

   If you purchased a book from us and would like to return it for any reason other than shipping damage or product defect, please note the following conditions and fees:

   1. You must contact our office within 10 business days of receipt of the book in order to request a refund.
   2. The book must be in new condition, must be unused and unopened, and must show no creases in the cover. If we find the book has been used, a refund will not be provided and your book will be returned to you.
   3. Once we receive the book, and if the above two conditions are met, then a refund minus a $15 restocking fee will be issued via your original method of payment. Please allow 3-6 weeks for your refund to be processed.
   4. You are responsible for any shipping fees when returning a book to us.

Resolving Complaints

1. How can I resolve a complaint about Tax School?
   • Please contact the Tax School office at 217-333-0502 or email TaxSchool@illinois.edu.
   • Please see the complaint resolution section of our policies and procedures page for more information.

Modified: September 24, 2012

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