Skip to content
Interdisciplinary CurriculumCurriculum

Your learning stays with you.

Purchase Terms

© 2026 Commensurate Ventures. All rights reserved.

Interdisciplinary CurriculumCurriculum
All Courses

IRS Representation & Circular 230

Represent clients before the IRS with confidence. Examination procedures, appeals, collection alternatives, and Circular 230 practice standards.

8 Units
20 minutes per unit
Curriculum Map

What You Will Learn

Collection Alternatives

Installment agreements, offers in compromise, and CNC status — when and how to use each.

Penalty Abatement

Reasonable cause, first-time abatement, and the arguments that work.

Practice Standards

Circular 230 authority, restrictions, and the disciplinary process.

All Units

1
20 minutes
Who May Practice Before the IRS
This unit examines the regulatory framework governing who may represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, including the categories of practitioners defined in Treasury Circular 230, their respective practice rights, and the ethical obligations that bind them.
  • •Identify the categories of practitioners authorized under Circular 230
  • •Distinguish between limited and unlimited practice rights
  • •Understand the requirements for enrollment and continuing education
Start learning
2
20 minutes
The IRS Examination Process
This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the IRS examination process, from selection methods and initial contact through information document requests, interviews, and case resolution, including practical strategies for effective representation.
  • •Navigate the stages of an IRS examination from initial contact through closing
  • •Apply effective strategies for managing information requests and deadlines
  • •Identify taxpayer rights and IRS obligations during the examination process
Start learning
3
20 minutes
The IRS Appeals Process
This unit examines the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, including procedures for filing protests, participating in appeals conferences, understanding settlement authority, and resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods.
  • •Navigate the administrative appeals process from protest through settlement
  • •Evaluate settlement options including hazards of litigation analysis
  • •Prepare effective written protests and participate in appeals conferences
Start learning
4
20 minutes
Installment Agreements and Offers in Compromise
This unit examines collection alternatives including installment agreements and offers in compromise, focusing on eligibility requirements, financial analysis, application procedures, and strategic considerations for resolving tax debts.
  • •Evaluate client eligibility for various types of installment agreements
  • •Calculate reasonable collection potential for offer in compromise submissions
  • •Navigate the application process and grounds for acceptance or rejection
Start learning
5
20 minutes
Currently Not Collectible Status
This unit examines Currently Not Collectible status as a collection alternative for taxpayers experiencing economic hardship, including qualification criteria, application procedures, and the strategic implications of suspending collection activity.
  • •Determine when taxpayers qualify for currently not collectible status
  • •Navigate the CNC application process and required financial documentation
  • •Understand the continuing obligations and potential status changes
Start learning
6
20 minutes
Penalty Abatement Strategies
This unit examines strategies for obtaining penalty abatement, including first-time abatement, reasonable cause, statutory exceptions, and administrative waivers, with practical guidance on documentation and presentation.
  • •Identify reasonable cause and other grounds for penalty abatement
  • •Apply first-time abatement criteria and administrative waiver provisions
  • •Prepare effective penalty abatement requests with supporting documentation
Start learning
7
20 minutes
Innocent Spouse and Separation of Liability Relief
This unit examines relief from joint and several liability under IRC Section 6015, including the three types of relief available, qualification requirements, procedural considerations, and strategic approaches to innocent spouse representation.
  • •Distinguish between innocent spouse relief, separation of liability, and equitable relief
  • •Apply the knowledge requirement and other qualification criteria for each relief type
  • •Navigate the election process and represent clients in innocent spouse determinations
Start learning
8
20 minutes
Power of Attorney and CAF Procedures
This unit examines procedures for establishing representation authority through Form 2848, including technical requirements, the Centralized Authorization File system, authorization verification, revocation, and special situations requiring careful attention.
  • •Complete Form 2848 accurately for various representation scenarios
  • •Navigate the Centralized Authorization File system and authorization verification
  • •Understand the scope and limitations of representation authority
Start learning

Continuing education for tax professionals. 3 credit hours (Tax Practice). Accepted for Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and CTEC preparers.