​​​​​​​​​Illinois Chapter Education

Illinois Chapter NATP Conference 2025

This event will offer the following education:

• Schedule A
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  This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Schedule A (Form 1040), which taxpayers use to report itemized deductions on their federal income tax returns. Through in-depth instruction, real-world examples, using new tax law from the OB3, and practical exercises, participants will learn to accurately determine when itemizing is beneficial, how to calculate deductions, and how to navigate IRS requirements for substantiating various expenses. Due to the OB3, a refresher on Schedule A specifics provides needed knowledge and skills to confidently prepare returns using itemized deductions. Course objectives: 1. Understand the Purpose and Structure of Schedule A (Form 1040): Explain what Schedule A is, when it should be used instead of the standard deduction, and how it integrates with Form 1040. 2. Identify and Calculate Major Categories of Itemized Deductions: Accurately report expenses in the following categories: medical and dental expenses, taxes paid (state and local income, real estate, and personal property taxes), home mortgage interest and points, charitable contributions, casualty and theft losses (if applicable), other miscellaneous deductions (subject to AGI limitations or repeal). 3. Apply AGI Thresholds and Limitations: Calculate deductible amounts considering applicable AGI limitations and phase outs for medical expenses and miscellaneous deductions. 4. Differentiate Between Deductible and Nondeductible Expenses: Identify common misconceptions and IRS rules about what qualifies for itemization under each category. 5. Recognize Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements: Understand IRS substantiation rules and best practices for maintaining records and receipts for itemized deductions. 6. Compare Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deduction: Evaluate when a taxpayer should choose to itemize and how to optimize deductions based on individual financial circumstances. 7. Navigate Updates to Tax Law Affecting Schedule A: Stay informed about recent and upcoming tax law changes, including temporary provisions (e.g., from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) that impact eligibility for certain deductions. 8. Complete Schedule A Accurately and Confidently: Prepare and review a fully completed Schedule A as part of a federal individual income tax return. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Hobby Losses
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  Understanding the nine factors the IRS and the courts use to determine that an activity is a hobby. Distinguish the main factors used in the determination. Identify strategies for keeping clients' returns from being classified as a hobby. Analyze the tax impact of a return being reclassified. Explore and discuss court cases. Presented by Les Marti.
• Illinois Updates
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  Updates on new Illinois tax laws. State tax strategies and changes needed based on Federal tax law changes. Presented by Kristin Clay.
• IRS Updates & Highlights
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  This session will discuss updates on the status and staffing of the IRS. Review any new audit expectations and procedures. It will also offer a brief review of the highlights of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for individuals and businesses. IRS Stakeholder Liaison will be available to answer questions and concerns. Presented by Dan Belarmino, Area 3 Stakeholder Liaison.
• Federal Tax Law Changes
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  It is important to stay current with the new tax laws as they distinguish you from other tax preparers that do not keep up on the latest issues and changes. This discussion will focus on those tax issues and the updates. Get the latest clarifications and details on Individual and Business Tax Updates. Upon completion of this session, you will be able to: • Identify any tax law provisions that were extended. • Analyze recently enacted tax legislation and apply the new tax laws. • Develop tax-saving strategies for the taxpayer. • Differentiate between the various Acts and their contents. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Form 3115 - Missed, More, Messed Up Depreciation
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  Got a new client that never took depreciation? Or took too much? You need to fix it! Amend? You can only go back three years though…… Let us dive into this mysterious and often overwhelming Form 3115 to fix these depreciation mistakes. We will illustrate how missed depreciation should be handled, determine when Form 3115 should be filed and discuss the sections of the form that need to be completed. Course objectives: 1. Calculate the §481(a) adjustment due to missed depreciation. 2. Calculate the §481 adjustment due to too much depreciation taken. 3. List the options of how to report the §481(a) adjustment, whether positive or negative. 4. Illustrate the completion of Form 3115 with actual examples of the form. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• The Evolution of Rental Properties
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  This 50-minute IRS-approved continuing education session explores the ever-evolving landscape of rental properties and their tax implications. Participants will gain insights into how legislative changes, emerging business models (such as short-term rentals), and shifting market trends have shaped rental property ownership and reporting requirements. Emphasis will be placed on the proper classification of rental activities, allowable deductions, and best practices for recordkeeping and compliance. By the end of the session, practitioners will have enhanced their ability to advise clients who hold, manage, or operate rental properties, ensuring accurate tax reporting and maximized benefits. Course objectives: 1. Differentiate between traditional long-term rentals and newer short-term rental models (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO), including the relevant tax implications for each. 2. Evaluate eligibility for deductions and credits related to rental property expenses, depreciation, and improvements. 3. Apply best practices for maintaining proper documentation and records to support rental income, expense reporting, and compliance with IRS requirements. 4. Advise clients on strategic planning opportunities to maximize the tax benefits of rental property ownership, including considerations of passive vs. active participation. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Toxic Concoction of Schedule C with EIC
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  Here are some statistics from the IRS website about the Schedule C form and EIC. • IRS estimates that 31.6% of the EITC claims, or approximately $18.2 billion were paid in error in 2022. • Income reporting errors are among the top three common EITC errors that account for more than 60% of the dollars paid in error annually. • The most common Schedule C errors on returns with EITC, which fall into the income categories are: o Over-stated expenses and losses on the Schedule C to bring income down to qualify for EITC, o Inflated Schedule C income to maximize the amount of EITC, and o Bogus Schedule C income to qualify for or maximize the amount of EITC. • Approximately 28 million Schedule C forms are filed each year. Most of these represent small, often home-based businesses. Approximately one-third of the annual tax gap is a result of under-reported income or overstated deductions on Schedule C businesses. This clearly is a situation where the IRS is focusing on so let's look at the ways in which we can pass the due diligence requirements. Presented by Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Repair or Improvement?
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  We often are in a dilemma of "How do I distinguish a capital purchase from a repair expense"? There has been much debate and controversy not to mention a number of court cases regarding whether, or to what extent, the amounts paid to restore or improve property are capital expenditures or deductible ordinary and necessary repair and maintenance expenses. Course objectives: 1. Understand the interaction of the TCJA, Sec 179 and 100% Bonus Depreciation. 2. Identify the different types of property. 3. Learn how the De Minimis Rule, Safe Harbor, and elections work. 4. Understand the Unit of Property – UOP. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Navigating Ethical Challenges: Best Practices for Tax Professionals
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  This course is designed to provide tax professionals with a comprehensive understanding of ethical standards and best practices that govern their daily practices. Through real-world case studies, the course explores common ethical dilemmas faced by tax advisors and presents strategies to navigate them while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Participants will examine core ethical principles such as integrity, transparency, and professional responsibility, with a focus on maintaining client trust and safeguarding the profession's reputation. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this course will provide valuable insights and tools to uphold high ethical standards in every aspect of your tax practice. Course Objectives: 1. Understand Core Ethical Principles: Learn the fundamental ethical standards that govern tax professionals, including integrity, objectivity, and professional behavior. 2. Identify Common Ethical Dilemmas: Examine typical ethical challenges tax professionals encounter in various areas of practice, including tax preparation, planning, and advisory. 3. Apply Best Practices for Ethical Decision-Making: Develop strategies for making ethical decisions and managing conflicts of interest in real-life scenarios. 4. Navigate Regulatory Compliance: Review the legal and regulatory frameworks, such as IRS Circular 230, that guide ethical behavior for tax professionals. 5. Uphold Client Trust and Confidentiality: Learn the importance of confidentiality, data protection, and how to maintain a trusted relationship with clients while adhering to ethical standards. 6. Implement Effective Ethics Policies in Practice: Understand how to create and implement policies in your practice to promote a culture of ethics, compliance, and professionalism. 7. Analyze Case Studies: Participate in case study discussions that highlight practical examples of ethical issues faced by tax professionals and explore the resolutions that align with professional standards. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Client Interviews Done Right
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  The client interview worksheet, yes you actually should talk to your client is a vital tool to a successfully completed tax return. If it is designed keeping in mind its purpose to effectively gather all the information needed to organize the data to: ✓ Use best practices that are compliant with circular 230. ✓ Encompass enough questions to comply with due diligence requirements. ✓ Document taxpayer responses to questions ✓ Signature areas for accountability after review A skilled tax professional will construct the client interview worksheet covering specific categories such as additional income, foreign income, educational credits and many more. Attend this session to get hands on help to pattern and outline your own taxpayer interview worksheet that will save you time, money and protect you ethically. Course objectives: 1. Understand the communication with taxpayers and how it relates to the accuracy of their return. 2. Identify potential information that could be incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrect. 3. Illustrate how a skilled tax professional extracts information using an effective interview worksheet. 4. Recognize potential pitfalls and the need to modify the current worksheet as needed. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Distributions Demystified: Mastering Form 7217
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  This advanced course examines the proper use of IRS Form 7217, Partner's Report of Property Distributed by a Partnership, focusing on non-cash property distributions made to partners. Tax professionals will gain an in-depth understanding of the tax treatment of property distributions under Subchapter K of the Internal Revenue Code, including the effects on partner basis, potential gain recognition, and partnership-level adjustments. The session will walk through line-by-line preparation of Form 7217, explore common pitfalls, and integrate planning strategies to minimize tax consequences for partners and partnerships alike. Course objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the purpose and filing requirements of Form 7217 in the context of IRC §§731, 732, and 734. 2. Differentiate between liquidating and non-liquidating property distributions and determine when Form 7217 is required. 3. Analyze how property distributions affect partner outside basis and partnership inside basis, including potential §731 gain recognition. 4. Accurately prepare Form 7217, including required schedules and disclosures, to ensure proper tax reporting for the partnership and partners. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• All or Nothing - Strict Substantiation Rules
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  Strict substantiation rules are currently being implemented during audits of taxpayers' records. Many taxpayers and even some tax professionals believe the Cohan Rule can always be applied. This session will look at §274(d), §280(A)(c)(1) and §170(f)(17) which cover travel, meals, business gifts, office and home, and charitable. This class will help you understand what documentation is required in order to take these deductions on a tax return. Course objectives: 1. Have an understanding of the Cohan Rule. 2. Identify what wording is needed on certain charitable statements. 3. Know what 'third party verification' is. 4. Apply the concept of metropolitan area for the taxpayer. Presented by Melinda Garvin.
• Taxpayers In Trouble - COD
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  Forms 1099-C and 1099-A often give the tax professionals a headache. The taxpayer doesn't understand them and may have emotional baggage attached to their sources. Many tax pros are also handling them the wrong way on the tax return. Let's look at both forms with the receiver being the individual, small business, corporation, and partnership. Form 982 could come into play, so we'll take a look at it, too. The media and government officials would like us to believe taxpayers are not in as much of a financial crisis and the housing industry breakdown is over, but we know differently as our clients are still coming in with 1099-As and 1099-Cs. Course objectives: 1. Select relevant information from Forms 1099-A and 1099-C. 2. Identify the proper IRS form on which to report the deemed sale of the foreclosed property. 3. Determine if a taxpayer is insolvent. 4. Explain the tax treatment of cancellation credit card and other consumer debt. 5. Complete Form 982. Presented by Melinda Garvin.

Register for event

Register for event with guest meal

Date & Time:

Location:

Fees:

Early pricing ends October 15, 2025.
Lunch will be included on Nov. 12 for those attending the chapter board meeting. Meals provided Nov. 13 & 14. Guest meals for Nov. 13 & 14 may be purchased for a $65 fee.
Print materials are also included. Electronic materials may be purchased for a $10 fee and will be provided as a flash drive at the conference. Please contact Tracy Danzer or Patricia Meece​ if you are interested.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be submitted to NATP by November 5, 2025, and are subject to a $75 fee.

All tax preparers are responsible to verify the number of credits they receive each year and the related state or federal reporting requirements to maintain their credentials.

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