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Library Help Desk
Real Answers. No Fine Print. No Crystal Ball Required.
Our most frequently asked questions are organized into seven categories. Flip through the tabs like you're thumbing through an old-school card catalog. You'll find everything from mentorship details to how CE credit works, how billing is handled, and more. Have questions that aren’t answered here? Just reach out. We’re always happy to help.
More About TEL
What is Tax Educators Library? Really?
It's a sanctuary built for learning and growing in your career without fear or shame. Do you feel like you always have to have the answers? Do public settings and online forums feel riddled with hostility and snark? This place is for you! A space for being curious and asking questions - no matter how small or seemingly silly they may feel. Whether you want Continuing Education, a bit of mentorship, someone to talk through tough cases with, or even just want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals — we’ve got you. You’ll find tools that actually help, real conversations, and 1-on-1 support — condescension not included.
Who is this for? Do I need to be licensed?
We’re best suited for early-to-mid career preparers. The courses start with core concepts and requirements before diving deeper — so if you’re a seasoned expert or highly specialized, you might find the material too basic, too broad, or just not what you’re looking for. That doesn’t mean you’re not welcome. It just means we want to make absolutely sure you’re spending your money on something that will genuinely serve you. You don’t need to be licensed or credentialed to be part of the Library. There are only three things you do need: •A willingness to learn and be challenged. •A readiness to show up and participate in whatever educational path you choose. •A genuine desire to be better — for yourself and your clients. Maybe you’re in your first year and just learned how to prepare taxes. Maybe you’ve been at it for a few years and finally feel like you’ve got your feet under you. Maybe you’ve been doing this forever but you're longing for an educational experience, not just lengthy tax lectures. Whoever you are — if you're ready to put in the work, the Library welcomes you in.
What makes you different? Why choose TEL over other (and possibly cheaper) options?
Time for some real talk. Yes — there are other options out there that are cheaper, that will drop topics faster, and that say they offer support and mentoring. And those may very well be what you need. It's okay. We're not trying to appeal to everyone — we're trying to serve the right people for us, and serve them in the right way. TEL is different because it isn't just a quick money grab. Let's face it — CE is a hot commodity right now and people are definitely trying to cash in. That's not what we're about. This is a heart-centered business built from a genuine passion to help other professionals feel seen, supported, and stronger in what they do. We don’t slap programs together and hand you a printout of the slides. We don’t chase breaking news for the sake of being first. Every program is thoughtfully designed, carefully structured, and created with the kind of intent we always wished we’d found in our own careers. Will it cost more than the “watch-this-genereic-tax101-slide-deck” CE providers? Probably. Will it ask more of you than just showing up and pressing play? Absolutely. But it will also offer something they can’t: genuine support, meaningful learning, and someone who’s truly in your corner.
Continuing Education
Per Course or CE Subscription
À La Carte vs CE Subscription - What's the difference?
Some people just want to get in, get their CE, and get out — no fuss, no muss. Solo education warriors. We totally get it and we have options for you. If you don't think you need all of the topics and you just want one or two to round out your year — no problem! Head to the Library catalog and see what we've got on the shelf. If you purchase a stand-alone course, you'll get a bundle of three to six 50 minute pre-recorded lessons, along with a coordinating workbook. You can work at your own pace, drop each hour-long session into your schedule whenever it fits, and rewatch the content until it expires. Now — if you do like a little more guidance and follow-up, the subscription tiers are where you want to be. All subscription levels include: •Full access to all previously released course recordings and workbooks that haven't yet expired. •Access to all new course recordings and workbooks as they drop. •Invitations to bonus live 30-minute Q&A sessions that coordinate with each lesson in the recorded courses. •Access to our private Facebook group for ongoing student discussion, community support, and a little healthy tax-season commiseration. One other key difference: the Ethics and Federal Tax Update classes are not included in the à la carte catalog. They’re exclusively available to subscribers who are active when those courses go live. So if you’re here for flexibility and minimal commitment, à la carte might be your path. But if you want ongoing access, live interaction, and the best overall value — subscription is the way to go.
Why are your Workbooks differenet?
We have two kind of workbooks – a minimalist version for our CE Lite folks and a fully decked out version for our other tiers. We call that one the TEL-aesthetic workbook. It’s dynamic, interactive, and one of the biggest things that sets our programs apart. Every course comes with a workbook — and no, it’s not just a printout of the lecture slides. Both versions include: •Additional examples not included in the videos, •Practical tips, •A practice quiz, •And a reference list for further research. The minimalist workbook is clean and printer-friendly — perfect for those who like to keep it simple. The aesthetic version adds decorative design to spark engagement and includes: •Practical Exercises, •Critical Thinking Questions, •Key Lesson Reviews, •Self-Assessment check-ins, •and Case Studies with Practice Returns. These materials are supplemental, not recycled. They’re intentionally crafted to give you new scenarios, fresh perspectives, and more opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. And sometimes, when the lesson calls for it, the workbook might also include digital extras: charts, checklists, infographics, or tools you can use beyond the course itself. It’s not busywork. It’s the kind of hands-on learning we wish more CE programs offered.
Do you do courses for annual Ethics and Federal Tax Update?
We definitely do — but only for our loyal subscribers. We want to make sure our subscribers meet the federal standards for annual education and can conveniently get all their CE in one place. Each December, we release pre-recorded Ethics and Federal Tax Update courses just before our holiday break. Then, when we return after the new year, we host a live Q&A session to get everyone tuned up and ready for tax season. These classes aren’t part of the regular bi-monthly content drop — they’re more like a seasonal bonus. That’s why they’re not available for à la carte purchase. If you want them, you’ll need to be an active subscriber when they go live.
How do I access my courses after purchase and for how long?
Everything lives in the dashboard of your student portal. Whether it’s 10am, 4pm, or 3am — you’ve got access to the goods whenever you're ready to learn. If you purchased a course à la carte, you can rewatch the lessons as many times as you’d like until the course expires — usually around 18 months, per IRS guidelines. If you’re a subscriber, you can also rewatch any available lessons while your subscription is active (and until the course itself expires). Once your subscription ends, your access ends too. But hey — hopefully you'll love it here so much you won’t want to leave.
I did À La Carte and now I want to subscribe — can I?
Of course you can subscribe — anytime you want. But we don’t offer prorated discounts or refunds for previously purchased courses. There’s one exception. If you purchase a stand-alone course and decide to subscribe within 48 hours, you can activate our 48-hour CE return policy. We’ll refund the course, and you’ll be charged separately for your subscription.
Mentorship & Coaching
Who is mentoring for? Do I need it?
Who is this for? •Do you work in an office where your only supervisor is Google? •Are the tax pros around you protective of their “trade secrets,” seeing you as competition instead of a potential ally? •Did you start your own firm — and now feel like you have to be the one with all the answers, even though you have nowhere to ask your own questions? •Do you have big ideas but no one to bounce them off of, or wonder how concepts actually play out in the real world? •Do you avoid social media groups because they feel hostile, intimidating, or like they take-take-take without giving anything meaningful in return? If any of this sounds familiar, mentoring might be for you. Here, there’s no competition. No gatekeeping. No “that’s a dumb question.” Just honest conversation about what it’s really like to work in this field, and a community that shares openly and supports each other fully. Do you need mentoring? Only you can answer that. But we believe this: Many of us go out on our own. That doesn't mean we need to go it alone.
Small Group sessions vs. 1-on-1 Coaching - what's the difference?
Small group sessions make connections between you and other professionals on a more personal level. Some things simply can’t be found in books or social media. Working through real questions, masterminding solutions, hearing all the different ways each tax pro would approach a tricky client case—these are priceless conversations that add to your experience in a way CE lectures never will. And, sometimes, you want to go even deeper. That’s where 1-on-1 support comes in. When you choose this subscription, you get private strategy sessions focused entirely on you — your cases, your goals, your business. It’s dedicated time to: work through whatever you're stuck on, map out growth strategies, or just talk things through with someone who gets it. And maybe, even in the kindest, most supportive group, there are still things you’d rather not ask out loud. That’s okay. 1-on-1 time is your time. Use it however it serves you best.
How do Small Group Sessions work?
Twice a month, we meet for one hour over Zoom in small groups—no more than 12 students per session. That size keeps things personal, conversational, and meaningful. Before each session, you’ll have the chance to submit questions or topics you'd like to discuss. Some common examples: •Something you’re studying and want to go deeper on •A client return you're working through and want a second opinion on •A change you're considering in your business •A concept you’re struggling to understand •How to research a question effectively (without falling into a rabbit hole) •How to get the most out of one of our tools or templates •Anything tax-related, business-related, or TEL-related that's on your mind We’ll cover as many submissions as we can in each session. And on the rare occasions when there aren't enough questions to fill the full hour — don't worry. We’ll never cut the session short. We’ll use the time for something else that benefits your learning. The goal is always the same: to give you clarity, support, and momentum. Can’t make it live? Each session is recorded and shared via Google Drive for 30 days. If you submitted a question, the answer will be waiting for you.
How do 1-on-1 Sessions work?
1-on-1 sessions are more intimate. You’ll have the opportunity to submit information ahead of time on whatever you want help with, and then we’ll deep dive into it — just you and your mentor. •Got a tough client case? Let’s get into it. •Not sure if you’re charging the right amount? Let’s strategize. •Dealing with a client who won’t take no for an answer? Let’s talk boundaries (and maybe even disengagement). •Confused by a TEL concept but too shy/embarrassed/anxious to ask in class? This is a judgment-free zone. •Just need to vent about clients, coworkers, or your boss? It’s your time. We’re here for all of it. Not sure what you’d use the time for, but know you want it? We can still work with that. We’ll ask a few probing questions, get a feel for where you’re at, and talk through some practical goals and action steps. We’re here for your growth and your success. We only have the resources to take on a handful of 1:1 subscribers — if this is something you're interested in, we recommend jumping on it to avoid a waitlist. How much time do you get? •Subscribed all 3 months of the quarter: 2-hour session. •Subscribed for 2 full months: 1-hour session. •Subscribed less than 2 full months: 20-minute strategy check-in. Can you upgrade from a lower tier and time it to get the full quarter benefit? Yes! Just reach out — we’re happy to help you plan it out. Subscribed mid-quarter but want the full 2 hours? Yes to this too. You can pay the difference and still get the full session. Just email us before scheduling. What if you miss your session? We get it — things happen. But like you, we also have clients and packed calendars, so 1-on-1s usually can’t be rescheduled. That said, we’re not heartless. If we can fit you in, we will. And if we can't, we’ll still do our best to review your pre-submitted info and offer feedback by email.
How do I subscribe to either mentorship tier?
You’ll start by filling out a quick inquiry form and answering a few questions so we can learn more about what you’re looking for. (Use the buttons at the bottom of the tab). Once we receive your form, we’ll review it within 1–2 business days. If we think we can genuinely help you, you’ll get an invitation to schedule a quick phone chat to talk next steps. We don’t want you to spend money on something that’s not a good fit. If it seems like we’re not the best match for your goals, we’ll be honest about that too.
I bought a CE-only option. How do I upgrade?
Fill out a quick inquiry form just as if you are a new subscriber and answer a few questions so we can learn more about what you’re looking for. (Use the buttons at the bottom of the tab). We typically review the forms in 1-2 business days. Then we'll be in touch to talk next steps or let you know if our program isn't the best fit.
CE Credit & IRS Reporting
Are you IRS Approved? Any other accreditation?
All of our Continuing Education courses are IRS-approved. We are an official IRS education provider under # [insert your number here]. Live Q&A or Mentorship sessions, however, do not meet IRS guidelines for CE credit, since they’re informal and discussion-based. That said—they’re often the most impactful part of the learning process. At this time, our accreditation is through the IRS only. We may pursue other approvals in the future, so if you’re looking for a specific accreditation or state approval, feel free to contact us and put it on our radar.
How do I get a Certificate of Completion?
All of our CE is considered On Demand since it’s self-paced and pre-recorded. That means you don’t have to wait around for anyone — just follow the steps in your student dashboard and you’re good to go: 1.Open the course you're working on. 2.Complete each 50-minute lesson. 3.Pass the quiz with a score of at least 70%. 4.Fill out the course evaluation. Once everything is marked complete, your Certificate of Completion will automatically appear in your student dashboard — no waiting on us to verify anything or email you manually.
What happens to my Certificates when my course or subscription expires?
This is very important! •A La Carte Purchases: You’ll have access to your course and certificate for approximately 18 months (based on IRS CE guidelines). After that, the course will expire and you'll lose access — including to your certificate. Make sure to download it before then! •Subscriptions: As long as your subscription is active, you’ll have access to all the materials in your dashboard. If your subscription ends, your access ends too — even if the courses haven’t technically expired yet. Be sure to download anything you want to keep before your subscription ends, especially your certificates! A good rule of thumb - always download your materials as soon as you take the course and your certificate as soon as you earn it. Retain these for the 4 years required by the IRS.
When does CE shows up in my PTIN account?
CE is typically batch-reported to the IRS once a week. Occasionally it may take up to 10 days for us to report. After that it just depends on IRS processing times. If you’re not seeing your CE after a reasonable amount of time, just reach out. We’ll help make sure nothing’s holding it up.
Do I get CE for showing up at the live CE subscriber Q&A events?
Currently no. Like our mentorship sessions, these are informal gatherings that don’t meet IRS guidelines for time or content to qualify for CE credit. CE isn’t the focus of these types of sessions. The Q&A sessions are designed to check in with you — to make sure you're understanding the material as you work through it. Here’s how they work: •Watch the pre-recorded lessons on your own time, at your own pace. •Take notes and jot down questions in your workbook. •Join the 30-minute live Q&A sessions to get answers, explore ideas, and hear what others are asking. •Each lesson in the course will have its own coordinating Q&A session. •Can’t make it? Subscribers will get a transcript of the Q&A. •Q&A sessions will run throughout the course's designated learning period, before the next course bundle drops. These sessions won’t earn you CE... but they will help you learn better, build confidence, and stay connected.
Billing & Refunds.
We Understand. Money Matters.
How do you charge for courses, subscriptions, and digital tools?
If you're purchasing a CE-only option, you can buy or subscribe directly through the course catalog. As soon as your payment goes through, you will have instant access. If you’re accepted into one of our mentorship programs, you’ll receive a private link by email to purchase your subscription. Digital tools are paid for in the store at time of purchase. We do not accept installment payments at this time.
How do I cancel?
Drama-free, guilt-free, hassle-free. You don’t even have to contact us unless there’s a problem in processing. To cancel: •Log into your student dashboard •Click on My Account •Go to Billing •Manage your subscription from there, including cancellation If you run into any issues or can’t find the cancellation option, just send us an email — we’ll handle it on our end. No hard feelings. Let’s part ways as friends. You’re always welcome back.
I forgot to cancel before I got charged again. Can I get a refund?
Here's what we can do for you. If this is your first time needing a refund and it's been less than 48 hours since the charge hit your account, initiate a refund request (see our Refund Policy for the process) and we'll take care of it. Outside of that 48-hour window — or if you’ve already requested a refund from us before — the charge will stand.
Can I downgrade my subscription?
You can easily manage or cancel your subscription from within your student dashboard. To downgrade: •Log into your student dashboard •Click on My Account •Go to Billing •Manage your subscription from there If you have questions or problems, just reach out to us and we'll handle it on our end.
Refund Policy - Yes we have one.
Even though all of our products are digital, we still want to offer you the option of a refund — just in case you rushed in too soon or realize we’re not the right fit. We do have one important caveat: You only get one refund in your lifetime. No refunds on subsequent purchases or subscriptions. Here’s how it works: Step 1: If you’re a subscriber, cancel your subscription. If you purchased a single course, unenroll yourself. If you bought a digital tool, delete it from your computer and Google Drive. Step 2: Send us an email within the refund window for your product (see below) and request a refund. You don’t have to give a reason — unless you want to. Step 3: Keep an eye out. We’ll respond and confirm once your refund is approved. Refund Windows: •Single Course Enrollment: 48 hours from time of purchase •CE or Mentorship Subscription: 48 hours from initial signup or most recent auto-charge •Digital Tools Purchase: 7 calendar days from purchase
What are TaxFlow Tools
What are TaxFlow Tools?
They are simple, strategic resources we’ve created to help you improve the flow of your work — prepping returns, managing clients, staying organized, and navigating tax season. These are practical, downloadable tools built specifically for tax professionals like you, without filler: •Checklists to streamline your process. •Reference guides to reduce second-guessing. •Infographics to break down big ideas. •Spreadsheets that actually do something helpful. They’re the kind of tools we either still use in practice or wish we had when we were starting out.
How do I get the Tools? Do I have to be a subscriber?
You don’t need to be a subscriber to purchase tools from our store — they’re available to anyone. Here’s how it works: •Sometimes we create tools that coordinate with specific courses and offer them as subscriber bonuses to enhance the learning experience. These aren’t usually listed for sale in the TaxFlow Tools store until at least 6 months after the course has been released. If we do list them for sale, the description will always tell you which course they originated from. •We also develop general-use tools that aren’t tied to any particular class. These are available to the general public in the TaxFlow Tools section of the store at any time. Not sure if a tool in the store overlaps with something you already have from a course? Just ask! We’re happy to help you sort it out.
What's your Angel Policy? Can I share these tools with coworkers?
Our TaxFlow Tools are priced for individual use — meaning the person who bought it gets to use it. That said, we totally understand the urge to share, so instead of saying “no,” we built flexible options to say “yes” the right way: •Solo license – for your personal use only. •Team license – share with up to 5 people in your office. •Firm license – share firm-wide, unlimited staff at one location. You’ll see these license options listed in the store when you’re ready to check out. Sharing is awesome. And supporting us the right way means we get to keep making more of these incredible tools for you.
What if I buy and then you update the tool?
Every TaxFlow Tool comes with a 1-year update guarantee. If we give it a facelift, tweak the formatting, fix a bug, or make changes based on tax law updates within 12 months of your purchase — you’ll automatically get the new version by email. To make sure you receive updates, we recommend creating a customer account during checkout and keeping your email address current. That’s how we know where to send the new version if one is released. Any updates after the 1-year mark will require a new purchase — but your original version is yours to use forever.
How do I suggest new tools or features?
We’re always open to new ideas. If there’s a feature you wish one of our tools had, or a totally new tool you think we should create, here’s how you can share it with us: •Leave a review on the product page and tell us what would make the tool even better. •Fill out our Feedback & Suggestions Form with your ideas or requests. We read every message. •Or hit us up on social media — whichever way is easiest for you. We can’t promise we’ll build every idea, but we can promise we’ll listen because the best ideas often come from the people using the tools day to day.
Help & Support
What if I have a tech issue?
Here’s what we recommend: Zoom issues at Live Events? Check your: •Internet connection •Audio and video settings •App updates (Zoom is needy like that) •Physical wire and plug connections Still having trouble? Zoom’s Help Center or Customer Support is your best bet. Their phone number is (888) 799-9666. Issues with Courses in your Student Portal? The student area is on a platform called Thinkific. You’ll need to contact them for support. When you’re logged in, there should be a chat icon in the bottom right corner. Initiate a chat with their chatbot Champ. If Champ can’t help you, Champ can escalate your problem to live support. Trouble with a TaxFlow Tool? Just fill out our contact form and include: •Which tool you’re using •A short description of the issue •Your phone number •What device/software you’re using, if you know We can’t promise to fix every bug because we aren't tech people, but we’ll always do our best to help — or at least point you in the right direction.
How do I offer feedback or suggestions?
Your ideas help us grow in the right direction. We want your ideas for: •Future class topics •New features •TaxFlow Tool suggestions •Anything else that would make your tax life easier You’ve got two easy ways to share them: 1.Use the course evaluation at the end of any CE class 2.Fill out our Feedback Form We’re always listening.
How do I get reminders of upcoming courses and events?
If you've already purchased from us or subscribed — good news! You're on our list and will automatically get email updates about upcoming courses, live Q&As, and release schedules. Not quite ready to commit, but still curious? Just join our email list to stay in the loop.
I filled out your form, but haven't heard back.
Sometimes things happen — tech hiccups, sickness, occasional vacations. If it's been more than 2 business days and you haven't heard from us, feel free to follow up by email directly to tara@taxedl.com.
Can I talk to a real human?
While we don't offer live online chat, we'd be more than happy to schedule a phone call. Fill out the contact form or send an email to tara@taxedl.com and she will get back to you.
Do you offer support outside of business hours?
We are a small team of 1 currently, still juggling students and tax clients. You can submit a contact form 24 hours a day. We read them and we almost always respond within two business days.