WELCOME TO CIMA TAX ACADEMY
Learn It Clearly.
Put It To Work.
Learn the tax-business basics in everyday language. Understand your software, practice your client workflow and know exactly what to do next.
The Cima Foundation
New to tax preparation? Start with six short lessons that connect the terminology to the work you will actually do.
- Choose the right role and software package.
- Find your desk, tax software and training classroom.
- Take a client from intake to review, signature and filing.
- Understand fees, bank products and your first-week plan.
Curiosity Is A Professional Skill.
You do not have to know everything on day one. You do need a place to check, a process to follow and the courage to ask.
Original business-readiness orientation. No continuing-education credit or professional certification is awarded.
Good questions. Good notes. A stronger professional foundation.
BUILD A PRACTICE THAT MAKES SENSE
Find The Help You Need.
Start With Clarity.
Six practical lessons, worked examples and a first-week checklist.
Open the orientation ↗02 / FIND YOUR TOOLSKeep Good Sources.
Official forms and references for a better-organized desk.
Browse the resource center ↗03 / ASK A BETTER QUESTIONMake It Make Sense.
Search practical explanations before you follow the feed.
Explore Ask Rasheeda ↗Your Next Chapter Starts With A Conversation.
Discuss your experience, software needs and the onboarding required for your professional path.
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.