The Cima Foundation: Start With Clarity
- Description
- Curriculum
- Reviews
Start here if you are new to the tax business or want a clearer daily workflow. This original Cima course explains the roles, tools and tasks in everyday language.
Work through six lessons in order. Each includes a step-by-step explanation, a fictional example and a practical question with an answer explanation. Choose a starting role, understand your Cima desk and software, organize client intake, follow preparation through filing confirmation, separate fees from profit and plan your first week.
Keep a notebook for your exercises. Provider screen training and tax-law education are separate learning tracks. This free starter course does not award continuing-education credit.
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1
01 — Choose Your Role: Preparer, Office Owner Or Network Leader -
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02 — Know Your Three Workspaces
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3
03 — Take A Client From Appointment To Ready To Prepare
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4
04 — Follow The Return: Prepare, Review, Sign, File, Confirm
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5
05 — Understand Your Price, Your Share And Bank Products
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6
06 — Set Up Your First Week And Know Who To Ask
CIMA, DECODED
Big Words.
Plain Answers.
You don’t have to know the vocabulary to belong here. Tap a term for a quick explanation, then ask us how it applies to you.
Service bureau
A business relationship that may combine access to tax software with onboarding, training, and support for other tax offices. The exact services, fees, and responsibilities depend on the written agreement. It is not, by itself, an IRS professional credential.
Reseller
A business that offers another company’s software under an authorized sales arrangement. Ask who supplies the software, who provides support, and which fees or restrictions apply.
Onboarding
The steps that get you ready to begin: reviewing your agreement, completing required account information, receiving approved access, and learning the workflow. An inquiry alone does not enroll you.
ERO
Electronic Return Originator: an authorized IRS e-file provider that starts the electronic submission of a tax return. This describes an e-file role, not a promise of tax expertise. Read the IRS definition ↗
PTIN & EFIN
A PTIN identifies an individual paid tax return preparer. An EFIN identifies an approved IRS e-file provider. They serve different purposes; having a PTIN does not itself authorize an office to e-file. Compare them at the IRS ↗
Professional tax software
Tools used to prepare and manage tax returns. Available features, supported returns, licensing, training, and support vary by product and package. Ask for a demonstration and written terms for the specific offer.
A quick guide, not personalized tax advice. Program details are defined in your agreement.