Continuing Education - Individual Tax Preparers
The Board of Individual Tax Preparers requires registered tax preparers to complete, upon registration renewal (every two years), at least 16 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). The relevant regulations for CPE are available at COMAR 09.38.02. Four of the 16 hours must be in Maryland State tax-related subjects. Two of the four Maryland hours may be satisfied by a federal or state course in ethics.
Qualifying Continuing Education Programs
Approved IRS Continuing Education
Approved MSATP Continuing Education
The Maryland Society of Accounting & Tax Professionals (MSATP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting solo, small, and mid-sized accounting, tax preparers, and financial service businesses. Established in 1959, MSATP provides quality education, active advocacy, and a focus on entrepreneurship to help professionals thrive in their practices. The organization offers various continuing professional education (CPE/CE) courses, including Maryland-specific tax updates, to ensure members stay informed and compliant with state regulations.
MSATP Maryland Update Course Schedule:
August 28, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2-Hour Maryland Update | Virtual – 2 CE Credits
November 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
4-Hour Maryland Update | In-Person + Virtual Option – 4 CE Credits
Location: DoubleTree Hotel Columbia, 5485 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045
December 29, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
4-Hour Maryland Update | Virtual – 4 CE Credits
January 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
2-Hour Maryland Update | Virtual – 2 CE Credits
February 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2-Hour Maryland Update | Virtual – 2 CE Credits
NATP Continuing Education
Attendance at the Annual Federal and State Update, sponsored by the Maryland, DC Delaware, Chapter of the National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP), qualifies for four (4) hours of continuing education for the purpose of meeting the 16 credit hour requirements for registration renewal.
PlatinumProStudies: Online Maryland Tax Education
Online Maryland Tax Education courses offer 16 hours of continuing professional education that satisfy the continuing professional education requirements in Maryland. The course includes the hours necessary to participate in the IRS AFSP Program. Platinum also offers, for first-time tax preparers, a Maryland Exam Prep Course.
WebCE: Online Tax Continuing Education
Elevate your career with engaging, interactive courses designed to help you stay ahead of trends, expand your knowledge, and meet licensing requirements. Choose from an ever-expanding IRS and Maryland Board-approved course catalog to complete your CE requirements and stay compliant.
Montgomery College TAX 006: Maryland Individual Tax Preparer Continuing Education
This course provides continuing professional education to Maryland Individual Tax Preparers. The course includes three hours of tax law update, two hours of ethics, two hours of Maryland tax law topics and 10 hours of federal tax law topics. Students will need to bring the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to class to receive IRS CE credit. IRS CE credit is awarded for the calendar year that the course is completed.
Golden State Tax Training Institute, Inc.
Golden State Tax Training Institut,e Inc. has been around over 35 years, and has both Maryland Continuing Education as well as a Study Guide to help pass the Maryland Tax Preparers Examination.
If you are chosen for audit…
The following is a link to the CPE Audit Checklist, which can be used to keep a record and a running total of CPE hours if you are chosen for audit. Upon renewal, the "total hours earned" should equal at least 16. If asked by the Board to submit proof of CPE hours, this checklist should be certified with your signature and submitted with course documentation.