Tax & Book Keeping

💡 UNIT 1 – Introduction to Taxes & Basic Bookkeeping

📜 What is the U.S. tax system? – Federal vs. state taxes, IRS role, tax year basics
🧍 Who must file taxes? – Residents, non-residents, and income thresholds
💵 Types of income – W-2, 1099, self-employment, investments, rental income
📅 Tax season timeline – Deadlines and key dates
📂 Basic bookkeeping for tax prep – Organizing receipts, invoices, and expenses
🛠 Essential tools – Spreadsheets, Wave, QuickBooks basics
🗃 Document checklist – Everything to gather before filing

🧾 UNIT 2 – Understanding Tax Forms & Schedules

📄 Form 1040 breakdown – What each section means
📑 Common schedules – Schedule 1, Schedule C, Schedule E, Schedule SE
📬 Income reporting forms – W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B
📌 Special forms – HSA (Form 8889), IRA (Form 8606), and more

👥 UNIT 3 – Filing Status & Dependents

📋 Filing statuses explained – Single, MFJ, MFS, HOH, QW
🔍 Choosing the best status – Maximizing benefits and minimizing taxes
👶 Dependent rules – Qualifying child vs. qualifying relative
⚖ Special rules for divorced/separated parents
🎖 Military dependent rules – Unique filing benefits for service members

🎯 UNIT 4 – Tax Credits & Deductions

🧮 Standard deduction vs. itemizing – Which is best for your situation
📉 Common deductions – Student loan interest, business expenses, medical costs
🏆 Key credits – Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Education Credits
📏 Credit phase-outs – Understanding income limits and eligibility

📅 UNIT 5 – Estimated Taxes, State Taxation & Special Cases

🗓 Estimated taxes – For contractors, freelancers, and the self-employed
🏛 State income taxes – States that tax vs. no-tax states
🌎 Multi-state income – Rules for part-year residents and multiple states
🏘 Local taxes – City and municipality-specific rules

💰 UNIT 6 – Retirement Accounts & Distributions

📦 IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) basics – Contributions and tax benefits
📊 Contribution limits – Annual caps and catch-up contributions
⏳ Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – When and how much to withdraw
🚫 Early withdrawal penalties – Exceptions and rules
📄 Form 1099-R – Reporting retirement income

🖥 UNIT 7 – Hands-On Tax Preparation Practice

🖋 Full tax return walkthrough – Step-by-step guided example
📂 Multiple scenarios – W-2 + 1099, investment income, rental income
⚠ Common mistakes – How to spot and avoid them
🗒 Client checklist – Ensuring complete and accurate filings

🔧 UNIT 8 – Tax Software Training & Business Setup

💻 Popular tax software – TaxSlayer Pro, Drake, and others
🖱 Data entry steps – From documents to e-file submission
📨 E-filing process – Sending returns securely
🆔 IRS PTIN registration – Becoming an official preparer
📈 Starting your tax business – Legal setup and marketing tips
🤝 Finding clients – Networking in the Haitian community and beyond
🛡 Ethics & confidentiality – Building trust with clients