For 66 years, tax professionals and advisors practicing in Nebraska looked to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Tax Institute for essential continuing education. Building upon its legacy of statewide access to the latest training in tax law, the Annual Federal and State Income Tax Institute expands this year to include two online delivery options in addition to its seven-city tour this November and December. Early registration ends Oct. 22. To register for the institute, visit: http://taxinstitute.unl.edu. 

"Expanding access to this high-quality professional development speaks to our university's mission as the state's flagship, land grant institution. People can earn their continuing education credits in the delivery format that best meets their needs," said Dr. Emre Unlu, executive director of the Center for Executive and Professional Development.

Hosted in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and the Nebraska Department of Revenue, the seminars feature critical updates on tax legislation, IRS changes, court rulings and more. Presenters include: Guido van der Hoeven, enrolled agent and chief editor of the “Land Grant Agriculture" book published yearly by the Land Grant University Tax Education Foundation, and J’Nan L. Ensz, certified public accountant.

“Our presenters provide years of experience, in-depth knowledge and presentation styles that make complex tax issues easier to understand,” said Virginia Uzendoski, senior assistant director of programs for the institute. “Once again this year, attendees will leave feeling comfortable and confident in their knowledge for tax season.”

Attendees can earn up to 16 hours of continuing-education credits, including two hours of ethics credit. The institute meets the requirements of 31 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10.6(g), covering maintenance of attendance records, retention of program outlines, qualifications of instructors and length of class hours.

In-Person Two-Day Seminars
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person seminars will follow guidelines to reduce risk and promote a healthy learning environment.

"Our top priority is the health and safety of our participants, team members and communities. We've planned each of the seminars to follow local public health guidelines, including limited seating, physical distancing, masks where mandated, venue cleanliness and extra hand sanitizers. If someone cannot attend due to sickness, we'll offer flexible cancellation or a free transfer to one of the online delivery formats," said Unlu.

Check-in for in-person seminars begins at 7:30 a.m. and the programs run until 5 p.m. local time daily. Dates and locations include:

• Nov. 3-4: Lincoln, Nebraska, Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive
• Nov. 9-10: Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Hampton Inn Conference Center, 301 W. Highway 26
• Nov. 12-13: North Platte, Nebraska, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 300 Holiday Frontage Road
• Nov. 16-17: Kearney, Nebraska, Holiday Inn, 110 S. Second Avenue
• Nov. 19-20: Grand Island, Nebraska, The Heartland Event Center, 700 E. Stolley Park Road
• Dec. 3-4: Norfolk, Nebraska, Divots Conference Center and the Lodge, 4200 W. Norfolk Avenue
• Dec. 14-15: Omaha, Nebraska, Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street

Online Livestreaming Two-Day Webinars
The webinar option livestreams the Lincoln (Nov. 3-4) and Omaha (Dec. 14-15) tax seminars utilizing Zoom. Attendees can participate in real-time from anywhere with stable, high-speed internet connection. For employers who choose to host a group viewing, participants individually register, and a designated onsite proctor submits attendance verification to the institute. Books and materials will be shipped to online participants.

Online Self-Study Program
The most flexible option, the online self-study program offers professionals to review the material at their own pace. Self-study materials include video clips professionally edited from the Lincoln seminar, review questions and presentation slides. To earn continuing education credits, a self-study participant must earn 70% on the final test per IRS requirements and complete the test prior to December 31. Books and materials will be shipped to online participants. 

Housed in the Center for Executive and Professional Development at the College of Business, the Nebraska Tax Institute fulfills the continuing education requirements for certified public accountants, IRS enrolled agents, preparer tax-identification number holders, Annual Filing Season Program preparers, certified financial planners, attorneys, tax return preparers, Nebraska Department of Insurance agents and other licensing agents. The institute is an accredited continuing education provider with the IRS (Provider #NQ6J1) and Nebraska Supreme Court Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Commission.

For more information on the Nebraska Tax Institute, visit: http://taxinstitute.unl.edu.