Certified public accountants, attorneys, enrolled agents and other tax professionals can earn continuing education credits while preparing for the upcoming tax season at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Federal and State Income Tax Institute.
Registration is open for nine two-day sessions offered in person and via livestream from Oct. 26 through Dec. 8. The annual institute provides updates on federal and state tax rulings, regulations and developments, with an emphasis on issues professionals may encounter when preparing 2026 individual and small business tax returns.
“Tax professionals have clients who rely on them to understand what has changed and what those changes mean for their individual or business situation,” said Amber Messersmith, executive director of the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the College of Business. “Staying current is essential at every stage of a career. The Nebraska Tax Institute connects professionals with experts who can help them understand the latest developments and apply that knowledge when serving their clients.”
With no major new federal tax law enacted this year, the 2026 institute will focus on guidance released during the past year that clarifies changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as tax issues that may not be new but are affecting taxpayers today.
Now in its 72nd year, the Nebraska Tax Institute draws professionals from across Nebraska and beyond. Last year, participants came from 16 states and 73 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. Nearly 80% of participants return from one year to the next, and recent participants rated the institute an average of 4.7 out of 5.
Instruction is led by J’Nan L. Ensz, CPA, and Tina Barrett, EA. Ensz specializes in accounting and tax services for small, closely held businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and S corporations. Barrett serves as executive director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc., and specializes in agricultural taxation, financial analysis and business consulting.
“J’Nan and Tina work directly with the kinds of tax and financial issues our participants encounter with their own clients,” Messersmith said. “They bring that experience into these institutes and focus on practical guidance professionals can take back to their offices and use during tax season.”
2026 Federal and State Income Tax Institute Dates
In person:
- Scottsbluff: Oct. 26-27
- North Platte: Oct. 29-30
- Kearney: Nov. 2-3
- Norfolk: Nov. 9-10
- Lincoln: Nov. 12-13
- Omaha: Dec. 7-8
Livestream:
- Nov. 5-6
- Nov. 12-13
- Dec. 3-4
Participants attending in person or via livestream receive three tax reference books: the 2026 National Income Tax Workbook, Federal Tax Handbook and 1040 Quickfinder Handbook. They also receive access to webinar recordings and presentation slides through December 2027.
Registration also includes access to a legislative update webinar Jan. 21, 2027, giving participants another opportunity to learn about tax developments that occur after their two-day session.
The institute anticipates continuing education approval for CPAs, IRS professionals, attorneys, certified financial planners and Nebraska insurance professionals, with the number of available hours varying by licensing organization.
“We want professionals to be able to access the Tax Institute in the way that works best for them, whether that’s joining us at a location across Nebraska or participating by livestream to earn continuing education credits,” Messersmith said. “For those who don’t need continuing education credits or can’t attend a scheduled session, the self-study package provides another option, with access to the program books, presentation videos and slides.”
Early-bird registration is available through Friday, Oct. 23. Several 5% discounts are also available, including for professionals and business owners with less than three years of experience, groups of two or more, educators, military members, retired tax professionals and those who have attended the Tax Institute for three or more years.
To register for the 2026 Federal and State Income Tax Institute or explore other Nebraska Tax Institute programs, visit taxinstitute.unl.edu.
