I. Introduction

• Overview of the course objectives

• Explanation of why Schedule C tax preparation is important for tax professionals

• A brief overview of what to expect from the course

II. Schedule C Basics

• Introduction to Schedule C

• Overview of Schedule C tax forms and eligibility requirements

• Line by Line explanation of the different fields and sections of the Schedule C form

• Understanding tax laws and regulations for Schedule C filers

• Discussion of common Schedule C mistakes to avoid when preparing Schedule C tax return

• Best practices for preparing and filing Schedule C tax returns

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of Schedule C basics

III. Self-Employment Taxes

• Definition of self-employment tax

• Calculation of self-employment tax

• Understanding the impact of self-employment on Social Security and Medicare benefits

• Explanation of the difference between self-employment tax and FICA tax

• Overview of how self-employment tax affects the taxpayer's income tax liability

• Overview of tax laws and regulations for self-employed individuals

• Discussion of strategies to minimize self-employment tax

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of self-employment taxes

IV. Estimated Tax Payments

• Explanation of the importance of estimated tax payments for Schedule C filers

• Understanding Estimated Tax Payments

• Who is Required to Make Estimated Tax Payments

• Penalties for Not Making Estimated Tax Payments

• Overview of the most common methods used by Schedule C filers

• Case Study

• Q&A session for estimated tax payments

V. Reporting Business Income

• Definition of business income

• Overview of the different types of business income

• Explanation of how to calculate gross income for tax purposes

• Discussion of how to report business income on the tax return

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of reporting business income

VI. Advanced Record Keeping and Organizing of Tax Documents

• Best practices for keeping accurate records and organizing tax documents

• Understanding the importance of documentation for Schedule C filers

• Strategies for minimizing the risk of audits and penalties

• Discussion of the IRS guidelines for recordkeeping retention

• Case Study

• Q&A session for recordkeeping

VII. Business Expenses

• Definition of business expenses

• Overview of deductions and credits available for Schedule C filers

• Common business expenses and deductions for Schedule C filers

• Explanation of how to calculate and report business expenses on the tax return

• Discussion of how to maximize business expense deductions

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of business expenses

VIII. Home Office Deductions

• Definition of the home office deduction

• Overview of the requirements for claiming the home office deduction

• Explanation of how to calculate the home office deduction

• Discussion of common mistakes to avoid when claiming the home office deduction

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of home office deductions

IX. Employee vs. Independent Contractor

• Definition of employee and independent contractor

• Overview of the differences between an employee and independent contractor status

• How to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor

• Discussion of the tax implications of employee vs. independent contractor status

• Penalties for Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors

• Overview of the forms Tax Professionals must submit to the IRS for independent contractors

• Tax laws and regulations for independent contractors 

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of employee vs. independent contractor

X. Navigating the Audit Process

• Overview of the audit process for Schedule C filers

• Understanding the different types of audits

• Discussion of common reasons for an audit

• Explanation of how to prepare for an audit

• Overview of how to respond to audit requests

• Tips for staying compliant with IRS regulations

• Discussion of strategies to minimize the risk of an audit

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of navigating the audit process

XI. Tax Preparer Due Diligence *****BONUS*****

• Overview of due diligence requirements for tax preparers

• Discussion of how to verify client information

• Due Diligence Code and Regulations 

• Overview of Due Diligence Preparer Compliance 

• Overview of IRS letter for Due Diligence

• Due Diligence penalties and sanctions

• Due Diligence Best Practices

• Case Study

• Q&A session for clarification of tax preparer due diligence

XII. Conclusion

• Recap of key takeaways from the course

• Discussion of how the knowledge gained from the course can benefit tax professionals and their clients

• Suggestions for further learning and professional development in tax preparation.