Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the features of the course?

Our courses are online. Once you purchase the course you have immediate access to it. You can go in and out of the course at your convenience for up to six months (one year for Notary and Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course). The reading material is built within the course and is presented in an online E-Book format making the reading material portable if you prefer to work offline. Our tax and notary course features automatic grading, a detailed review of your missed quiz questions, and full instructor support. You will have unlimited number of tries to pass the quizzes and the final exams*. Discussion forums are available within the course. Once you complete the course with a 70% or better, you have access to print your own certificate of completion (*Note: The 6 hour AFTR course is limited to 6 attempts).

Can I print the reading material?

The reading material is built within the course in an E-Book format with chapters and can be printed.

How long has your company been in business?

We have been in business since 1995. We have been online since 2001 and are one of the first e-tailers.

If I need additional support after I register for a course, what should I do?

You may email us at info@platinumprostudies.com or call us at 877 315 1772, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, PT. We also offer Live Chat. We will try to return your email or phone call by the end of the business day.

What are your business hours?

Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, PT.

What is your refund policy?

If you are not completely satisfied with our course, we will offer you a full refund within thirty days of purchasing. No refunds are given for group orders or to students who have submitted more than quiz or any final exams.

How long will I have access to the course for?

You will have access to the course for six months from the date of purchase with the exception of the Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course and our Notary Courses which you will have access to for one year from the date of purchase.

Can I work at my own pace?

Yes, you will work at your own pace and will have access to the course for up to six months from the date of purchase (one year for Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course and Notary Course).

What are some of the features of the course?

Our courses are online. Once you purchase the course you have immediate access to it. You can go in and out of the course at your convenience for up to six months (one year for Notary and Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course). The reading material is built within the course and is presented in an online E-Book format making the reading material portable if you prefer to work offline. Our tax and notary course features automatic grading, a detailed review of your missed quiz questions, and full instructor support. You will have unlimited number of tries to pass the quizzes and the final exams. Discussion forums are available within the course. Once you complete the course with a 70% or better, you have access to print your own certificate of completion.

I am already an existing tax return preparer, what do I need to do to participate in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?

All tax preparers who are preparing tax returns for compensation must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The PTIN can be obtained here. In addition, you must either take the 15 Hour IRS AFSP Continuing Education Course or the 18 Hour IRS AFSP Continuing Education Course w/AFTR. The 15 hour course is for those who have: Completed one of more of the following national or state tests:

• Registered Tax Return Preparers Oregon/California/Maryland and other state based return preparer testing programs
• Accredited Tax preparer test offered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy/Taxation Part 1 of the Special Enrollment Exam during the 2 year eligibility window Successful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program reviewers an instructor

I am currently registered as a Tax Preparer with CTEC, what is the deadline for completing the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course?

The deadline for completing the annual 20 hours of continuing education, is October 31st. After October 31st, you can still register until January 15th, but you will need to pay an additional late fee.

How much does the CTEC Qualifying tax course cost?

The CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Tax Course is competitively priced at $129.00

How much does the CTEC Continuing tax course cost?

The CTEC 20 Hour Continuing Education Tax Preparer Course start at $36.00.

Does the 20 hour include the 2 hours of Ethics?

Yes, it also includes three hours of federal tax updates, ten hours of federal tax law, and five hours of California state tax law.

Where do I purchase my California Tax Preparer's Bond?

Platinum Professional Services offers Tax Preparer Bonds through an affiliate.

I have completed the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course; can I register with CTEC online?

Yes, since Platinum Professional Studies reports the completion of the Course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything. Go to: http://www.ctec.org to complete the registration process. You will not need your course information, as it has already been reported. You will need your bond information. Note: We will report all completions to CTEC within three business days.

I have tried registering with CTEC and my course hours have not been reported, why?

Have you received your certificate of completion? If you have not received your certificate of completion from within your course, it will not be marked as complete and Platinum Professional Services will not be notified of your completion. Have you waited three business days, prior to trying? Allow this time so that the system can be updated. Check that the last six digits of your SSN is in your account. If they are not, you will need to add them and then give us a call at 877 315 1772. If none of the above applies, and you still can not register, contact Platinum Professional Services at customersupport@platinumprostudies.com.

I am interested in preparing tax returns in Oregon, do I need to take a course?

Yes, the State of Oregon requires that individuals that prepare tax returns for compensation obtain a Tax Preparer License. The Tax Preparer License enables a person to lawfully prepare personal income tax returns in the State of Oregon. A tax preparer must work under the supervision of a Licensed Tax Consultant, a Certified Public Accountant, a Public Accountant, or an Attorney who prepares tax returns for their clients. The state of Oregon requires all paid Tax Preparers to complete an Oregon 80 Hour Basic Tax Course and pass an exam (administered by Oregon Board of Tax Practicitioners)

In Oregon, once I pass the exam am I required to take any continuing education?

Licensees are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours continuing education as a prerequisite to renewing their license each year.

I am registering as a California Tax Preparer with CTEC for the first time, what do I do once I complete and pass the course?

Once you pass the course, the next step is to obtain a PTIN. You will need to obtain a PTIN (Personal Tax Identification Number) with the IRS at irs.gov/PTIN. You will also need to obtain a Tax Preparers bond. Platinum Professional Services offer Tax Preparer Bonds through an affiliate. After you receive your bond Since Platinum Professional Services reports the completion of the course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything. Go to: http://www.ctec.org to complete the registration process. You will not need your course information, as it has already been reported. However, you will need your bond information. Note: We will report all completions to CTEC within three business days. If your completion is not showing on CTEC.org check that the last six digits of your SSN is in your account. If they are not, you will need to add them and then give us a call at 877 315 1772.

What are the benefits of participating in the AFSP program?

By participating in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program you will be included in the IRS’s public directory of tax return preparers. Additionally, as a program participant, you have limited representation rights, you can represent your clients whose returns you have prepared and signed before examination, customer service representatives, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service in the year you participate in the program.

How do I become an IRS Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion Holder?

In order to participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) you must complete 18 or 15 IRS credit hours of continuing education. The 15 hour IRS continuing education tax course includes 10 hours of federal tax law topics, 2 hours of ethics, and 3 hours of updates and is available from January 1st - December 31st. The 18 hour IRS continuing education tax course includes 6 hours of an Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course with a knowledge based comprehension test, 10 hours of federal tax law topics and 2 hours of ethics. The 18 hour IRS tax course is available each year from June 1st - December 31st. The program is directed to preparers who are not Attorneys, CPAs or Enrolled Agents. In order to determine whether to take a 15 hour or an 18 hour IRS tax course the guidelines are listed below. Tax return preparers who have successfully completed one of the following national or state tests would be exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher course with a comprehension test.

• Passed the Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) test before 1/18/2013
• Oregon/California/Maryland and other state based return preparer testing programs
• Accredited Tax preparer test offered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy or Taxation
• Passed Part 1 of the Special Enrollment Exam (aka: SEE and EA Exam) during the 2 year eligibility window
• Successful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program reviewers and instructors

What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

What does the term “Enrolled Agent” mean?

“Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “Agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only Enrolled Agents, attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department.

How can an Enrolled Agent help me?

Enrolled Agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Enrolled Agents’ expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.

What are the privileges of an Enrolled Agent?

The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allow federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the Enrolled Agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.

What are the differences between EA’s and other tax professionals?

Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Enrolled Agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the U.S. government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states).

How do I become an Enrolled Agent?

There are two tracks to become an IRS Enrolled Agent, which are outlined in Treasury Department Circular 230, Regulations Governing the Practice of Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries, and Appraisers, before the Internal Revenue Service. All candidates are also subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. The IRS website also provides information on the enrollment process. Prometric administers the exam process for IRS. The two tracks are: 1. You can become an enrolled agent by demonstrating special competence in tax matters by taking a online Enrolled Agent examination administered by Prometric. This track requires that you:

• Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE); see below
• Achieve passing scores on all parts of the SEE;
• Apply for enrollment on Form 23; and
• Pass a background check to ensure that you have not engaged in any conduct that would justify the suspension or disbarment of an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent from practice before the IRS.

How can I prepare for the Exam?

With our EA Exam Review Course, you will study and review the tax knowledge required to successfully pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam (also known as the Special Enrollment Examination or the SEE). The course will highlight to you those subjects that you may need to gain additional knowledge in, and covers all of the key areas of taxation that is covered by the exam including individual returns, business entity returns, practice before the IRS and tax practitioner ethics. Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course

How do I keep my license?

Enrolled Agents renew their license on a staggered schedule, based on the last digit of the enrolled agent’s social security number. The current fee for renewal is $30 per year. To be eligible for renewal for the enrollment cycle, Enrolled Agents must complete 72 continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours for the three year cycle, with a minimum of 16 CPE per year. Two CPE credit hours per year must be in Ethics. Platinum Professional Services offers Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Tax Courses that are designed to enhance an Enrolled Agents professional proficiency in federal taxation or federal tax related matters. EA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Courses

Where do I find my programmes?

All programmes are delivered through TrueCoach. Once you have purchased your programme you will be sent a unique link within 24 hours to set up an account on the TrueCoach App. From here you can get started with your workouts, log your sessions and track your progress.

Where do I go for further assistance?

You can contact us directly by emailing.... resilienceonlinecoaching@gmail.com We will assist you as soon as possible.

How do I use the TrueCoach App?

How do I read the workouts?

What does 3 x 8-12 reps , Rest 60 seconds mean? The first number (3) represents the sets or rounds required for the movement. The second (8-12) represents the amount of repetitions required in each set. The rest (60 seconds) represents the rest between each set. What do the letters A1/A2 mean? A number next to a letter means 2 or more exercises are performed together in sequence. ​ For example: A1) Air Squats 8-12 reps 30x1 tempo Rest 20 sec A2) Dumbbell Row 8-10 reps/arm 11x2 tempo Rest 90 sec 3 rounds ​ This means you perform 8-12 reps Air Squats at tempo, rest 20 sec, then 8-10 reps per arm at tempo and then rest 90 seconds. Repeat this sequence two more times, until 3 sets as a total are reached.

Tempo explanation video

What is Tempo? And how do I read it?

What does Tempo mean? E.g 30X1 We use tempo to improve quality of movement and increase strength. 30x1 denotes the seconds each section of the movement should take, with the order of the tempo numbers always write as down, hold up, pause. For example, a Air Squat in the programme is written as 30x1what would this mean: 3- Controlled decent to depth over 3 fully seconds 0-Hold for 0 seconds at the bottom (or no pause) X- Explored up as quickly as you can 1-At the top of the rep, pause for 1 second at both starting the next rep Ensure you count each second fully. Not all movements need tempo, depending on the intent and complexity of the workout or movement. When choosing load, ensure you note what the desired tempo is. ​ Here is a video to help bring all that together.

How to read the abbreviations

What are some common abbreviations? AB – Assault Bike Alt – Alternating BB – Barbell BJO – Box Jump Over BJSD – Box Jump Step Down BW – Bodyweight BS – Back Squat Cals – Calories DB – Dumbbell FR – Front Rack KB – Kettlebell KBS – Kettlebell Swing (Russian = eye level, American = overhead) K2E – Knees to Elbows K2C – Knees to Chest m – Metres MB – Med Ball NFT – Not For Time – focus on quality OH – Overhead RDL – Romanian Deadlift RNT – Reactive Neuromuscular Training (using a light resistance band) S2OH – Shoulder to Overhead UB – Unbroken WB – Wall Ball WTD – Weighted EMOM- every minute on the minute AMRAP- As many rounds as possible

What is an AMRAP and EMOM

How do I add metrics on the TrueCoach App?

Please watch 'Client Tutorial Video' - 1:42min

Where do I find my programmes?

All programmes are delivered through TrueCoach. Once you have purchased your programme you will be sent a unique link within 24 hours to set up an account on the TrueCoach App. From here you can get started with your workouts, log your sessions and track your progress.

Where do I go for further assistance?

You can contact us directly by emailing.... resilienceonlinecoaching@gmail.com We will assist you as soon as possible.

How do I use the TrueCoach App?

How do I read the workouts?

What does 3 x 8-12 reps , Rest 60 seconds mean? The first number (3) represents the sets or rounds required for the movement. The second (8-12) represents the amount of repetitions required in each set. The rest (60 seconds) represents the rest between each set. What do the letters A1/A2 mean? A number next to a letter means 2 or more exercises are performed together in sequence. ​ For example: A1) Air Squats 8-12 reps 30x1 tempo Rest 20 sec A2) Dumbbell Row 8-10 reps/arm 11x2 tempo Rest 90 sec 3 rounds ​ This means you perform 8-12 reps Air Squats at tempo, rest 20 sec, then 8-10 reps per arm at tempo and then rest 90 seconds. Repeat this sequence two more times, until 3 sets as a total are reached.

Tempo explanation video

What is Tempo? And how do I read it?

What does Tempo mean? E.g 30X1 We use tempo to improve quality of movement and increase strength. 30x1 denotes the seconds each section of the movement should take, with the order of the tempo numbers always write as down, hold up, pause. For example, a Air Squat in the programme is written as 30x1what would this mean: 3- Controlled decent to depth over 3 fully seconds 0-Hold for 0 seconds at the bottom (or no pause) X- Explored up as quickly as you can 1-At the top of the rep, pause for 1 second at both starting the next rep Ensure you count each second fully. Not all movements need tempo, depending on the intent and complexity of the workout or movement. When choosing load, ensure you note what the desired tempo is. ​ Here is a video to help bring all that together.

How to read the abbreviations

What are some common abbreviations? AB – Assault Bike Alt – Alternating BB – Barbell BJO – Box Jump Over BJSD – Box Jump Step Down BW – Bodyweight BS – Back Squat Cals – Calories DB – Dumbbell FR – Front Rack KB – Kettlebell KBS – Kettlebell Swing (Russian = eye level, American = overhead) K2E – Knees to Elbows K2C – Knees to Chest m – Metres MB – Med Ball NFT – Not For Time – focus on quality OH – Overhead RDL – Romanian Deadlift RNT – Reactive Neuromuscular Training (using a light resistance band) S2OH – Shoulder to Overhead UB – Unbroken WB – Wall Ball WTD – Weighted EMOM- every minute on the minute AMRAP- As many rounds as possible

What is an AMRAP and EMOM

How do I add metrics on the TrueCoach App?

Please watch 'Client Tutorial Video' - 1:42min