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Previously Offered In-Depth Seminars

Our In-Depth Seminars offer more in-depth and more advanced instruction than that offered at our Fall Tax Schools. Topics change annually and are chosen based on suggestions from past participants and timely or "hot" topics for tax practitioners.

Strategies for Today's Economy (Last offered in 2009)

Many of your clients are experiencing economic hardship. Some want to take advantage of financial opportunities. They all come to you with questions. This symposium gives you the tools to answer their questions.

  • Economic hardship doesn't need to derail your client's retirement plan
  • Special 2009 tax rules provide great opportunities for current homeowners and buyers
  • The truth about reverse mortgages
  • When does long-term care insurance make sense, and is it deductible?

CPE Credit: Up to 8 CPE credits, based on the length of your attendance.

About our Topics and Speakers

Tax Implications of Advising Clients in Good Times... and Bad

Gary J. Hoff, EA, Extension Specialist in taxation at the University of Illinois, will explain recent tax implications related to the strategies presented by the other speakers. He will be speaking throughout the day following each speaker's presentation.

Each personal finance topic covered throughout the day has tax implications associated with it. Tax ramifications affect advice preparers give to clients. Examples of topical areas affected by tax law are:

Home Ownership: A Major Asset

Kathy Sweedler, is a Visiting Extension Educator for Consumer and Family Economics at the University of Illinois Champaign Extension Office. Kathy specializes in financial planning and consumer credit issues.

What do you tell clients who ask whether they can afford to purchase a home, or who want to refinance with an ARM, or who want to pull equity out of their home for living expenses?

The current economic situation and the first-time homebuyer credit provide unique opportunities for homeowners. Low interest rates and falling home prices may allow some people to buy their first home or add to their real estate portfolio. Low interest rates—and a better understanding of some of the drawbacks of ARMs—may motivate current homeowners to refinance their loans. Older adults, who may have recently experienced a significant decline in their investment portfolios and investment income, may consider using their home equity to provide cash for daily needs. Others may face losing a significant asset through foreclosure. This session examines your clients' homeownership questions and explores resources they need to find answers. Each participant receives a CD containing decision-making software to help clients answer homeownership affordability questions.

Retirement Planning Issues

Karen Chan, CFP, is an Extension Educator for Consumer and Family Economics at the University of Illinois Countryside Extension Office. Karen specializes in both retirement planning and tax breaks for higher education.

With the value of investment accounts down and unemployment levels high, it's more important than ever for clients to make wise decisions about their retirement savings. This session provides examples and a checklist for tax advisors to use with clients. Topics include:

Financing Options for Long-Term Care

Paul McNamara, MPP, PhD, is an Extension Specialist and Associate Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. One of Paul's research interests is the economic analysis of long-term care insurance issues.

People need help planning for long-term care needs. The most common question is, "Do I need long-term care insurance?" The workshop provides unbiased, quality information about long-term care financing options. Without good information, research indicates people may fail to plan or may make poor financial decisions, such as buying long-term care insurance that they cannot afford to maintain. Also, planning ahead provides people with more financial options. This session discusses the financing options available and the pros and cons of each.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Materials: Each registrant receives a CD containing software that compares home prices and interest rates with a client's cash flow (a $25 value), and other written materials.

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Basic to Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Advanced S Corporation Issues (Last offered in 2009)

IRS Responds to Abuse Concerns with Increased 1120S Audits

Don't miss a chance to hear a nationally-recognized taxation expert present an advanced course on S corporation issues.

  • What does the IRS plan to inspect when they audit your client?
  • What factors should be considered when determining whether an LLC should "check the box" and make an S election?
  • What types of trusts (including ESBTs and QSSTs) are allowed to own S corporation stock?
  • How much shareholder compensation is enough?
  • When is a fringe benefit taxable?
  • How is the built-in gains tax avoided when a conversion takes place?
  • How should one treat payment of life insurance premiums and charitable contributions?
  • Can one avoid CODI if a shareholder converts a loan into a capital contribution?
  • When should a §338(h)(10) election be considered?

CPE Credit: Up to 8 CPE credits, based on the length of your attendance.

About our Speaker

Mark A. Vogel, JD, LLM, CPA, is Associate Professor of Taxation and Director of the Graduate Tax Program at the University of Denver. Professor Vogel is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on taxation. He is co-chair of the Denver Tax Institute and a member of the Illinois Society of CPAs. He is an author and frequent contributor to textbooks and journals.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

Materials: Each registrant receives a CD containing a 700-page S corporation textbook and a copy of Professor Vogel’s PowerPoint slides.

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Advanced

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience preparing S corporation tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Agricultural Taxation Symposium (Last offered in 2009)

Advise, Select, Prepare, Complete

This one-day seminar brings together experts to discuss topics including:

  • Handling farm litigation and IRS tax liens
  • Impact of the 2008 Farm Bill on entity selection
  • Government money available for young farmers to purchase land
  • Yet unpublished Farm Audit Training Guide

CPE Credit: Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

About our Speakers

Lawrence Crosby, JD, practices agricultural law in the Upper Midwest from Saint Paul, MN. He has litigated against the IRS and other federal farm-related agencies and he has extensive appellate experience.

Stan W. Wilson is Chief Agricultural Program Specialist for the USDA-FSA in the Springfield Office. One of his current responsibilities is farm program payment limitations and payment eligibility.

Jeff Koch is Farm Loan Chief for the Illinois Farm Service Agency in Springfield, Illinois. In this position, he has responsibilities for direction and oversight of the farm loan program.

Gary Hoff, EA, is Extension Specialist, Taxation at the University of Illinois Tax School. He is the author of numerous tax education materials and is the editor of the annual Federal Tax Workbook which is used each fall at the University of Illinois Tax School. Gary is a member of the IRS's Pub. 225, Farmer's Tax Guide Committee.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Basic to Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Tax-Exempt Organizations: 2009 - A Year of Change (Last offered in 2008)

If you thought the IRS Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, was confusing before, wait until you see the completely revised 2008 version!

Errors made on the new, lengthier Form 990 could cause your client to lose its exempt status.

The seminar also focuses on other ways your clients might lose tax-exempt status. In addition, presenters will discuss the differences between private foundations and public charities.

This is your opportunity to hear from the IRS, as well as a practicing attorney who specializes in exempt organization problems.

CPE Credit: Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

About our Speakers

Joyce Hoover has been with the IRS for over 15 years. She is a senior exempt organization reviewer.

Stephen Clarke, J.D., has been a tax law specialist with the IRS since 2005. He currently serves as Project Manager for the IRS Form 990 redesign.

Michael Clark, J.D., is a partner in the Chicago office of Sidley Austin LLP. His practice focuses on advising tax-exempt organizations and representing them before the IRS.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Tax-Exempt Organizations Seminar Form 990 Handout PDF

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Agricultural Taxation Symposium (Last offered in 2008)

Counseling Farmers in Today's Environment

This one-day seminar brings together experts to discuss topics including:

  • Tax aspects of the 2008 Farm Bill
  • Tax planning strategies for high income years
  • Analyzing cash rents and land prices
  • Preparing for increased farm income tax audits

CPE Credit: Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

About our Speakers

Dale Lattz, Paul Ellinger, Ph.D., and Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D., are University of Illinois Agricultural Economists who specialize in cash rent and farm land values.

Robert Rhea, E.A., assists farmers with accounting, tax and consulting services in west-central Illinois through the University of Illinois Farm Business Farm Management program. He writes and reviews materials for the annual Federal Tax Workbook used at the University of Illinois Tax Schools. He is the Executive Director of the National Association of Farm Business Analysis Specialists.

Richard Walden, C.P.A., owns a private tax and accounting practice in Carlinville, Illinois. He writes and reviews materials for the annual Federal Tax Workbook used at the University of Illinois Tax Schools. He also teaches for the Illinois Tax School and at Agricultural Tax Issues Seminars.

Darrell Dunteman is a partner in Bonnett and Dunteman, CPAs and Consultants. Dunteman worked for the Illinois FBFM Association before establishing his own private practice. Dunteman is a frequent contributor to Farm Futures, Illinois Prairie Farmer, and Dairy Herd Management, and publishes the Farm and Ranch Tax Guide. He is co-author of the Ag Executive Farm and Ranch Lease Guide.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

An Accountant's Guide to Like-Kind Exchanges (Last offered in 2008)

  • A 223% increase in §1031 exchanges between 1998 and 2004 has increased IRS scrutiny
  • Congress allocated an additional $337 million to IRS enforcement
    (7% increase)
  • The IRS is now more likely to assess preparer penalties
  • Clients want someone else to pay the tax bill for failed exchanges... Don't be that person!!

CPE Credit

Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

Course Materials

An Accountant's Guide to Like-Kind Exchanges, 2008 edition, by Gary Hoff, EA.

About our Speakers

Gary J. Hoff, EA is an Extension Specialist in Taxation at the University of Illinois Tax School. He is the author of numerous tax education materials, including LLCs Taxed as Partnerships: Formation to Dissolution. He is the editor of the annual Federal Tax Workbook used during the Fall Tax School offered by the University of Illinois Tax School. He presents tax topics nationally, specializing in Agricultural Taxation and Business Taxation topics. Additionally, Gary has over 30 years experience preparing tax returns.

Tom O'Saben has been a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) since 1993 and an Enrolled Agent (EA) since 1994. Along with a staff of four, Tom's practice (established in 1992) provides tax, accounting, and financial planning services for approximately 1,000 clients. Tom is also an instructor for NATP and the University of Illinois Fall Tax School.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Successful College Funding: A Tax Professional's Guide (Last Offered in 2007)

College costs continue to rise

Your clients need tools to successfully plan for education funding.

  • Are you maximizing education tax benefits for your clients?
  • Can you help your clients understand and capitalize on tax benefits associated with college funding?
  • Do you know how existing tax benefits interact with the financial aid process?

CPE Credit

Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

Course Materials

Success Strategies for College Funding: a Guide for Tax Professionals, a 300 page reference manual

About our Speaker

Alice Orzechowski, CPA, CMA, EA is a nationally-recognized speaker and expert on college funding strategies. She is the author of 101 Tips for Maximizing College Financial Aid, Tax Planning for College Expenses and Tax Incentives for Paying/Saving for College. Alice owns Financial Education Institute, LLC, a tax education business.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

LLCs Taxed as Partnerships - Formation to Dissolution (Last Offered in 2007)

  • Are most of your LLC clients subject to the partnership taxation rules?
  • Do you know the difference between an IRC §743(b) adjustment and a §734(b) adjustment?
  • Do you give your clients the advantage of a §754 election?

CPE Credit

Up to 16 CPE credits, based on attendance.

Course Materials

LLCs Taxed as Partnerships: Formation to Dissolutions, 2007 Edition, a 200 page reference manual, by Gary Hoff, EA.

About our Speakers

Gary J. Hoff, EA is an Extension Specialist in Taxation at the University of Illinois Tax School. He is the author of numerous tax education materials, including LLCs Taxed as Partnerships: Formation to Dissolution. He is the editor of the annual Federal Tax Workbook used during the Fall Tax School offered by the University of Illinois Tax School. He presents tax topics nationally, specializing in Agricultural Taxation and Business Taxation topics. Additionally, Gary has over 30 years experience preparing tax returns.

Sue Voth, EA is a nationally-recognized tax education presenter. She is an author and technical reviewer for the annual Federal Tax Workbook and is also an instructor for the Fall Tax School. Sue owns a tax and accounting practice in Quincy, Illinois.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Agricultural Taxation Symposium (Last Offered in 2007)

Make sense of tax opportunities for your farm clients!

This one-day seminar brings experts together to discuss topics including:

  • Farm Estate Planning
  • Farm Government Programs in the 2007 Farm Bill
  • Like-Kind Exchanges
  • Common Tax Traps and Ag related Rulings and Cases

CPE Credit

Up to 8 CPE credits, based on attendance.

About our Speakers

Mike Barton, JD is a member of Bellatti, Barton, Hamill & Cochran, LLC in Springfield, Illinois. He practices in the areas of Farm Law; Income Tax; Estate and Gift Taxation; Business Planning Law; Probate Law; Trust Law.

Robert Thompson, PhD is Gardner Chair in Agricultural Policy at the University of Illinois. He serves on the USDA-USTR Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade and as Chairman of the International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council.

Bob Rhea, EA assists farmers with accounting, tax, and consulting services in west-central Illinois through the University of Illinois FBFM program. He writes and reviews materials for the annual Federal Tax Workbook used at the University of Illinois Tax Schools, and occasionally teaches at the Fall Tax Schools. Bob is the national executive director for his professional organization, NAFBAS.

Gary Hoff, EA is Extension Specialist, Taxation at the University of Illinois Tax School. He is the author of numerous tax education materials and is the editor of the annual Federal Tax Workbook. Gary has over 30 years experience preparing tax returns.

Rich Walden, CPA owns a private tax and accounting practice in Carlinville, and serves on several bank boards. He writes and reviews materials for the annual Federal Tax Workbook. He also teaches for the University of Illinois Tax School and at Agricultural Tax Issues Seminars.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite(s): Experience in preparing tax returns and an understanding of basic tax rules and regulations

Advanced Preparation: None

Form 1041 Essentials: Trusts and Estates (Last Offered in 2006)

Do You Know the Difference Between Form 1041 for an Estate and for a Trust?

  • Which box do you check?
  • What if you check the wrong box?
  • How do the rules differ?

Participants will learn about:

  • Preparation of Form 1040 for decedent's final return
  • Preparation of Form 1041 for trusts and estates
  • How to calculate correct distribution amounts
  • To understand and work with Grantor Trusts

CPE Credit

Up to 8 hours, based on attendance.

Course Materials

Introduction to Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts, by William Kulsrud, PhD, CPA

About our Speaker

William Kulsrud specializes in federal income taxes for corporations and individuals and is a member of the editorial boards of the Tax Advisor, Journal of Accountancy, and the Journal of the American Taxation Association. He is also the author and editor of four textbooks on taxation. Dr. Kulsrud is Chairperson of the Indiana University's MPA Program in the Kelley School of Business and an Associate Professor of Accounting.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Form 1041

Advanced Preparation: None

Advising Your Aging Clients: Tax and Beyond (Last Offered in 2006)

Help Your Aging Clients Chart Their Future!

Aging issues expert, Julie Steinbacher, provides advice on how to help your clients address essential issues facing the aging population.

Participants will learn about:

  • Basic estate planning documents that are needed for their clients
  • Retirement planning options and their tax implications for clients
  • Issues regarding long-term care options and their tax implications for clients
  • Types of trusts and available public benefits that clients can use to pay for care needed during retirement years
  • Advising clients on gifting issues and completing Form 709

CPE Credit

Up to 8 hours, based on attendance

About our Speaker

Julieanne E. Steinbacher is an attorney with a BS in Gerontology. A significant portion of her practice at Steinbacher Law Firm is Elder Law. Her areas of practice include Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Estates, Medicare/Medicaid, Nursing Home Law, Disability Law, and Enforcement Litigation. Prior to becoming an attorney, she was employed by AARP and as a social worker at Valley View Nursing Facility. She has been a speaker for Penn State Tax Institutes and Tax Week, PICPA - Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of Tax Practitioners - PA Chapter, and Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite: Interest in advising clients as they age

Advanced Preparation: None

Farm Income Taxation (Last Offered in 2006)

Join nationally recognized expert, Roger McEowen in this seminar that will help the farm tax professional effectively plan and prepare returns for his farm clients.

A few of the timely topics he will discuss include:

  • Correctly calculate and apply the manufacturing deduction (IRC Sec. 199)
  • Adeptly manage spousal rental arrangements to avoid self-employment tax issues
  • Analyze the tax issues associated with the sale of a farm
  • Understand passive loss issues and apply to farm entities
  • Revisit the farm medical expense reimbursement deduction in light of the Speltz case.

CPE Credit

Up to 8 hours, based on attendance.

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Intermediate

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite: Experience preparing farm returns

Advanced Preparation: None

The Complete Guide to IRC §199: Maximizing Your Client's Share of the $76 Billion §199 Benefit (Last Offered in 2006)

Have YOU ignored IRC §199 because the regulations

  • Are unclear,
  • Are incomplete, or
  • Were issued too late to interpret for your clients?

Do YOU believe these following myths?

  • It takes too long to calculate the §199 deduction.
  • It's not worth the fee I would have to charge.
  • This doesn't apply to my clients.

If so, make sure your liability insurance is up to date!!

CPE Credit

Up to 8 hours, based on attendance.

Course Materials

Practical Guide to the Sect. 199 Deduction, by James Kehl, CPA, published by CCH, 2006 (a $95 value!)

About our Speaker

James M. Kehl, CPA, is the author of CCH's popular new book Practical Guide to the Sec. 199 Deduction. He has also authored several tax articles that have been published in professional tax magazines, including recent articles on the new Section 199 manufacturing deduction CCH's TAXES: The Tax Magazine and the Journal of Passthrough Entities. He was the instructor for two interactive seminars sponsored by CCH on Code Section 199 and has also published an article concerning allocating costs under Code Section 199 in the Daily Tax Report.

Kehl has more than 33 years of public accounting experience with a concentration on taxation. While at a Big Eight firm, he authored an internal firm-wide manual on Section 1031 exchanges. He has taught courses in taxation for numerous professional societies and private firms.

Kehl is a partner in the accounting firm of Meehan & Roby in Timonium, Maryland. He received a B.A. in accounting from Loyola College of Baltimore and received a Masters of Science in Taxation from the University of Baltimore.

Seminar Agenda PDF

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  1. Quickly recognize situations where §199 applies.
  2. Calculate the §199 deduction using case studies from various industries.
  3. Maximize the §199 benefit for clients.

Delivery Method: Group-Live Presentation

Program Level: Advanced

Field of Study: Taxes

Prerequisite: Familiarity with IRC §199

Advanced Preparation: None

Modified: June 18, 2008