Instructor-led learning
Live CPE Webinars for Tax Professionals
Compare live online programs by topic, presenter, schedule, credit hours, attendance requirements, and price.
Read the live webinar guideUpdated September 2026
Best CPE Courses for CPAs and Tax Professionals in 2026
Compare tax CPE courses by pricing, flexibility, course quality, support, instructor expertise, and eligible credit. Use this 2026 guide to choose among live webinars, virtual seminars, packages, and IRS-approved self-study.
Start with your goal
Continuing education guides
Each guide provides focused, searchable guidance with clear next steps for comparing courses, credits, and learning formats.
Choose the right format
Online CPE and IRS CE Options
Understand the difference between instructor-led NASBA CPE and IRS-approved on-demand continuing education.
Compare online course formatsMulti-session value
Webinar Packages and Subscriptions
Review bundled live-program options, included sessions, limitations, and whether a package fits your annual education plan.
Compare webinar packagesCurrent opportunities
Free CPE Credits for CPAs
Learn how to evaluate free-program availability, sponsor status, attendance controls, certificates, and credit eligibility.
Review free CPE guidanceEnrolled agents
IRS-Approved CE Providers
Review IRS provider approval, program numbers, completion records, certificates, and CE reporting considerations for enrolled agents.
Read the IRS CE provider guideFormat comparison
Choose the delivery format that fits
Published credit eligibility belongs to the individual program. Always review the session details before registration.
| Format | Best for | Credit treatment | Continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live webinars | Focused tax topics and flexible scheduling | NASBA CPE and IRS CE when specifically listed for the program | View webinar schedule |
| Live virtual seminars | Full-day fall and year-end tax updates | NASBA CPE, IRS CE, CFP, and state CLE only as listed for the session | View seminar dates |
| On-demand self-study | Learning at your own pace | IRS CE only; these courses are not represented as NASBA CPE | Review on-demand CE |
| Webinar packages | Professionals planning several live programs | Credit follows each included live program and its published approvals | Compare current pricing |
2026 provider comparison
How to compare the best tax CPE courses
The right provider is the one whose credit, teaching, schedule, service, and total cost fit your professional requirements. This table shows what Basics & Beyond publishes and what to verify when comparing any provider.
| Decision factor | Basics & Beyond approach | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing and total value | Individual registration, live-program packages, and group options are published separately so buyers can match cost to the number of programs they expect to attend. | Look beyond an advertised starting price. Check included hours, package restrictions, expiration dates, certificate fees, and whether unused access carries forward. |
| Scheduling flexibility | Choose focused live webinars, full-day virtual seminars, or self-paced IRS CE. Published schedules and registration details show the delivery format before checkout. | Confirm time zone, replay availability, rescheduling rules, device requirements, attendance checks, and whether the format qualifies for the credit you need. |
| Course quality and relevance | Programs emphasize current federal tax developments and practical issues that CPAs, EAs, and tax professionals encounter in client work. | Review learning objectives, technical level, update frequency, source materials, examples, and whether the course is broad survey material or focused instruction. |
| Support and records | Attendees can access registration help, session materials, completion records, and certificate support through the CPE Hours registration system and support team. | Check how quickly support is available, how certificates are delivered, whether completion is reported when required, and how corrections are handled. |
| Instructor expertise | Live programs are taught by experienced tax, accounting, and compliance professionals whose biographies are available before registration. | Look for relevant credentials, recent practice experience, subject-matter depth, teaching experience, and access to presenter biographies. |
Before you register
A practical seven-point check
Choose the program only after its details match your learning goal and the rules for your credential.
- Credential: confirm whether you need NASBA CPE, IRS CE, CFP, CLE, or another approval.
- Topic: select subject matter that is current and relevant to your work.
- Format: decide between live interaction and self-paced study.
- Completion: review attendance, polling, examination, evaluation, and certificate requirements.
- Price: compare the full cost per eligible credit hour, including package restrictions or certificate fees.
- Instructor and support: review presenter qualifications, support access, and certificate procedures.
- Recordkeeping: retain the certificate and verify any required reporting.
Frequently asked questions
CPE and CE questions
What makes a continuing education course a good fit for a tax professional?
The best fit depends on the professional credential, the subject matter needed, the delivery format, the presenter, the schedule, and whether the program's published approval matches the credit requirement.
Are live webinars and on-demand courses the same type of credit?
No. Basics & Beyond live webinars may offer NASBA CPE and IRS CE when those approvals are listed for the program. The current on-demand self-study courses are designed for IRS CE and are not represented as NASBA CPE.
How many CPE or CE hours does a professional need?
Requirements vary by credential, jurisdiction, reporting period, subject area, and individual status. Confirm the current rules with the applicable state board, the IRS, or the other credentialing body before registering.
What should an enrolled agent confirm before choosing a provider?
Confirm that the provider and program are eligible for IRS continuing education, that the program number and credit category are shown, and that completion and PTIN reporting procedures are explained.
How should I compare continuing education providers?
Compare course relevance, instructor experience, published approvals, attendance or examination requirements, certificate access, support, scheduling flexibility, and total price rather than relying on price alone.
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