16 Best Tax Planning Courses For Upskilling In 2025

Keeping up with tax regulations is no small task, and outdated knowledge can leave your company vulnerable to unnecessary risks or missed opportunities.
That’s why finding the right tax planning courses can be a game-changer.

With my background in financial operations and expertise in fintech software, I understand the demands you face as a CFO. My experience gives me a clear view of which educational resources truly make a difference and which ones fall short of adding real value to your professional toolkit.

To help you get started, I created this roundup to save you time and help you zero in on the best tax planning courses for your needs. Leveraging my financial operations knowledge, I’ve curated a list of programs that cover essential topics like compliance, advanced strategies, and tax optimization techniques.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your own expertise or equip your team with the latest insights, this guide will point you to courses that deliver practical, impactful results.

Overview of the Best Tax Planning Courses

Below are my detailed summaries of the best tax planning courses that made it onto my shortlist.

1. Tax Planning Course (UCR Extension)

This course provides a clear framework for understanding key components of tax planning. It addresses essential financial elements while focusing on effective strategies to optimize tax outcomes. As a result, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to navigate complex tax scenarios confidently.

• Who It’s For: Tax professionals and individuals involved in financial planning
• Topics Covered:
  • Income and deductions
  • Tax rates and credits
  • Sales and exchanges
  • Real estate taxation
  • Tax shelters and corporations
  • Partnerships and subchapter S corporations
  • Retirement plans
  • Coordination of tax planning techniques

• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: UCR Extension

2. Tax Planning Fundamentals Training Course (NACPB)

This popular course provides a structured, self-study format to understand the fundamental tax planning concepts. It includes quizzes and exercises to reinforce knowledge, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of tax planning essentials. The course also offers 36 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for professional advancement.

• Who It’s For: Bookkeepers, accountants, and tax professionals
• Topics Covered:
  • Taxes and taxing jurisdictions
  • Maxims of income tax planning
  • Taxable income from business operations
  • Property acquisitions and cost recovery deductions
  • Sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and S corporations
  • The corporate taxpayer
  • Investment and personal financial planning
  • Tax compliance process
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: Yes
• Duration: 18 weeks
• Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price:
  • Members:
    • $319 (with eTextbook)
    • $358 (with print textbook)
  • Nonmembers:
    • $399 (with eTextbook)
    • $438 (with print textbook)
• Take The Course: NACPB

3. Income Tax Apportionment Issues for Multistate Businesses (Lawline)

This course explores the challenges of managing income tax obligations for businesses operating in multiple states. It provides a detailed look at how state-specific rules and business factors influence tax determinations. The program also offers clarity on navigating these complexities to support informed financial decisions.

• Who It’s For:  Ideal for tax professionals, accountants, and legal advisors 
• Topics Covered:
  • Income tax nexus
  • Income tax apportionment
  • State apportionment rules
  • Factors affecting apportionment
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $59
• Take The Course: Lawline

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4. Advanced Tax Planning S Corporations - Tax Staff Essentials (AICPA & CIMA)

This course focuses on advanced tax planning strategies for S corporations, addressing unique rules and limitations. It includes updates on IRS procedures and recent developments relevant to S corporations.

• Who It’s For: Tax professionals, CPAs, tax planning professionals, and managers specializing in S corporations
• Topics Covered:
  • Basis in S corporation stock
  • Compensation planning
  • Qualified subchapter S subsidiaries
  • Distributions and liquidation rules
  • Estate planning for S corporations
  • Section 199A deduction calculations
  • Reorganizations and redemptions
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: Available for access for up to 1 year
• Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Completion of "S Corporations: Key Issues, Compliance, and Tax Strategies" or equivalent knowledge
• Price: $185-$275
• Take The Course: AICPA & CIMA

5. Aggressive Tax Planning Strategies and Management Course (Zoe Talent Solutions)

This course focuses on advanced techniques to legally reduce tax liabilities while ensuring compliance with tax regulations. It includes practical tools, case studies, and strategies tailored to complex tax scenarios.

• Who It’s For: Accountants, tax advisers, and financial planning professionals
• Topics Covered:
  • Tax law fundamentals and updates
  • Strategic use of exemptions
  • Tax liability reduction techniques
  • Tax planning tools and applications
  • Tax avoidance vs. tax compliance
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: 3-10 days
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $3,785-$11,615 (depending on location)
• Take The Course: Zoe Talent Solutions

6. Module 3: Income Tax Planning (DePaul University)

This third module course in the Financial Planning Certificate Program provides an in-depth overview of the federal tax system, covering personal and business taxation. Enroll to gain practical insights into tax planning strategies and the implications of IRS audits.

• Who It’s For: Individuals pursuing CFP® certification or transitioning into financial planning.
• Topics Covered:
  • CFP Board's Code of Ethics
  • Tax strategies
  • Taxation of trusts and estates
  • Charitable contributions and deductions
  • Tax implications of property transactions
  • Income taxation of business entities
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Both
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Hours Of Instruction: 3.5 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $995  
• Take The Course: DePaul University

7. 21 Tax-Cutting Moves for Small Businesses and Their Owners (Thomson Reuters)

This course provides 21 practical tax-saving strategies for small businesses, with examples for different entity types. It focuses on actionable steps to implement effective tax-planning measures tailored to sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

• Who It’s For: CPAs with limited experience in federal income tax issues for small businesses
• Topics Covered:
  • Hiring family members
  • Medical reimbursement plans
  • Maximizing vehicle tax breaks
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: Self-paced
• Hours Of Instruction: 5 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: Familiarity with federal taxation of small business entities
• Price: $89
• Take The Course: Checkpoint Learning

8. Tax Planning for Small Businesses - Tax Staff Essentials (AICPA & CIMA)

This course provides tax planning strategies tailored to small businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. It covers key areas such as depreciation and entity-specific considerations to guide effective decision-making.

• Who It’s For: Tax professionals assisting small business clients
• Topics Covered:
  • Business entity selection
  • Tax strategies under the SECURE Act
  • Qualified business income deductions
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: 1 year
• Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: Basic knowledge of business taxation
• Price: $139-$195
• Take The Course: AICPA & CIMA

9. Income Tax - Advanced Planning Strategies (CPA Alberta)

This course provides an in-depth look at advanced income tax planning while addressing key anti-avoidance provisions. It examines tax strategies relevant to private corporations, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals through practical scenarios and real-world examples.

• Who It’s For: Practitioners with a strong background in Canadian tax planning
• Topics Covered:
  • Anti-avoidance provisions, such as general anti-avoidance rule and attribution provisions
  • Tax planning strategies, such as restructuring asset profiles, business sales, partnerships, and trusts
  • Managing tax avoidance risks
  • Interprovincial planning
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: Self-paced
• Hours Of Instruction: 8 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price:
  • Member: $382
  • Non-Member: $425
• Take The Course: CPA Alberta

10. Tax Planning Training Course (Certified Tax Coach)

This immersive course offers hands-on training in advanced tax planning strategies through real-world scenarios and practical applications. Delivered in live, interactive sessions, it focuses on building your confidence and skills to deliver proactive solutions for clients.

• Who It’s For: Professionals aiming to become Certified Tax Coaches
• Topics Covered:
  • Tax planning frameworks
  • Identifying client-specific tax savings opportunities
  • Proactive tax strategies for business owners
  • Effective communication of tax plans to clients
  • Long-term tax planning methods

• Online, In-Person, or Both?: In-Person
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: 3 days
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: American Institute of Certified Tax Planners

11. Tax Strategy: Financial Planning for Beginners (Udemy)

This course focuses on tax-saving strategies tailored to financial planning, helping beginners understand how to reduce their tax burden and build long-term wealth. It covers actionable techniques for structuring income, leveraging tax advantages, and generating passive income.

• Who It’s For: Individuals, families, small business owners, and investors
• Topics Covered:
  • Passive income generation
  • Identifying tax-efficient investments
  • Understanding tax system loopholes
  • Strategies to reduce tax bills
  • Financial planning for long-term wealth creation
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: Self-paced
• Hours Of Instruction: 2 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $9.00
• Take The Course: Udemy

12. Advanced II Individual Income Tax Preparation Course (CPA Training Center)

This course focuses on advanced aspects of individual tax preparation, addressing specialized scenarios and unique taxpayer situations. It offers actionable strategies for handling complex filings and improving accuracy in challenging tax cases.

• Who It’s For: Experienced tax preparers working with high-net-worth clients or complex cases
• Topics Covered:
  • Amended returns
  • Tax issues for high-net-worth individuals
  • Capital gains and losses
  • Tax return issues for divorced and separated couples
  • Nonresident/foreign taxpayers' U.S. tax filing
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: Yes
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $459
• Take The Course: CPA Training Center

13. Tax Planning (London SBA)

This course provides practical training on tax planning techniques, emphasizing strategies to minimize tax liabilities within legal frameworks. It includes case studies and examples to apply concepts to real-world financial scenarios.

• Who It’s For: Professionals and entrepreneurs looking to enhance their tax management skills
• Topics Covered:
  • Income tax reduction techniques
  • Legal compliance in tax planning
  • Tax-efficient investment strategies
  • Business tax planning for various entities
  • International tax considerations

• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $23 (excluding VAT)
• Take The Course: London School of Business Administration

14. Income Taxation in Personal Financial Planning (UCLA Extension)

This course examines how income taxation affects various aspects of personal financial planning, including investments, insurance, and benefit planning. It provides tools and techniques to address tax liability and optimize financial decisions for individual or client goals.

• Who It’s For: Financial planners, tax professionals, and individuals interested in personal financial planning
• Topics Covered:
  • Tax liability and financial planning
  • Insurance and investments
  • Intra-family transactions
  • Planning techniques, such as income exclusion, deferral, shifting, and timing
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: In-Person
• Exam Required?: No
• Duration: 11 weeks
• Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours per week
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • MGMT X 430.31 Survey of Personal Financial Planning
  • MGMT X 430.391 Financial Analysis in Personal Financial Planning
  • MGMT X 427.08 Fundamentals of Tax Preparation
  • MGMT X 127 Federal Income Taxation
  • Consent of instructor (if prerequisites not met)
• Price: $855
• Take The Course: UCLA Extension

15. FP 4: Income Tax Planning (NYU SPS)

This course provides an introduction to individual income tax fundamentals, covering tax computation and tax accounting principles. It also addresses tax issues related to business entities, property disposition, and tax minimization strategies.

• Who It’s For: Ideal for aspiring CFP® candidates and those pursuing careers in financial planning
• Topics Covered:
  • Individual income tax fundamentals
  • Tax calculation
  • Business entity tax issues
  • Property disposition
  • Tax basis
  • Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: Yes
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: NYU SPS

16. Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals (Becker Professional)

This course provides actionable strategies to help individuals optimize their tax liabilities and take advantage of legal tax-saving opportunities. It focuses on practical applications to address unique financial situations and maximize savings.

• Who It’s For: CPAs, tax professionals, and financial advisors
• Topics Covered:
  • Tax strategies
  • Retirement planning
  • Investment opportunities
  • Gift and estate tax considerations
• Online, In-Person, or Both?: Online
• Exam Required?: No
• Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: $49
• Take The Course: Becker Professional

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