Tax and Elder Law: Online Certificate Courses

Resgistration for Summer/Fall 2026 is now open!

REGISTER

All courses are offered online to provide maximum flexibility for students pursuing knowledge in tax issues affecting older clients. Each course lasts two weeks, with new lectures available each weekday. At the end of each week, instructors will host a live, two-hour Zoom Q&A session on Saturday, providing a deeper dive into specific topics.

Course sequencing: Although students may take any combination of the courses, each course may only be taken during the dates they are specifically scheduled.

Reading materials: No textbooks are required. Instructors may assign articles or cases, which will be provided through the Canvas learning platform.

Lectures: Each course features pre-recorded video lectures and PowerPoint presentations, which will be released daily over the two-week duration. Students are responsible for watching these lectures and completing any assigned projects.

Final Exams: Each course concludes with an optional final exam. Participants who pass the exam will earn a digital badge and a digital certificate of completion for that course. Those who successfully complete all five courses and their corresponding exams will receive a special program-level digital badge as well as a printed certificate of completion.

Time commitment: Students should expect to spend around 15 hours over the two-week period on watching recorded lectures, completing assigned readings and projects, and attending the live weekend Q&A sessions.

Foundations of Gift and Estate Taxes [Register for Course]
Course Dates: July 27-August 8, 2026
Instructor: John P. DeSantis
This course offers an overview of estate and gift taxes, along with current updates on the potential unification of tax credits and rates. Key topics include asset inclusion in an estate, detailed review of a sample Estate Tax Return (Form 706) with all schedules, and a discussion of allowable expenses and deductions. Participants will learn how to prepare and apply the Deceased Spouse’s Unused Exclusion (DSUE) in the surviving spouse's estate. The course will also cover the distinctions between complete and incomplete gifts, preparation of the Gift Tax Return (Form 709), and strategies for utilizing the annual exclusion, unified credit, and gift splitting.

Income Taxation of Trusts & Estates, Part 1 [Register for Course]
Course Dates: August 17-August 29, 2026
Instructor: John P. DeSantis
This course is an introductory course to Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates. The course will cover (1) the major income tax differences between a Trust and Estate, (2) Fiduciary Accounting Income, (3) the major income tax differences between preparing and Form 1040 and a Form 1041, (4) Distributable Net Income, (5) Simple Trusts, (6) the applicable IRC Sections and regulations regarding the aforementioned and (7) Problems illustrating the concepts set for above.

Income Taxation of Trusts & Estates, Part 2 [Register for Course]
Course Dates: September 14-September 26, 2026
Instructor: John P. DeSantis
This course is Part 2 of an introductory course to Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates. The course includes a review of the major income tax differences between a Trust and Estate; Fiduciary Accounting Income; the major income tax differences between preparing and Form 1040 and a Form 1041; Distributable Net Income (“DNI”); and Simple Trusts. The course will also cover a discussion and analysis of Complex Trusts and Estates (IRC Section 661, 662 and 663(a) and (b)); In-Kind Distributions (IRC Section 643(e)) and whether gain/loss must/may be recognized as a result of such distribution and such distribution’s affect on DNI; the applicable IRC Sections and regulations regarding the aforementioned; and Problems illustrating the concepts set for above.

Tax Issues in Long-Term Care Planning [Registration coming soon!]
Course Dates: October 5-October 17, 2026
Instructor: Tara Anne Pleat
[Description coming soon]

Hot Topic Issues in Tax and Elder Law [Registration coming soon!]
Course Dates: November 2-November 14, 2026
Instructor: Christopher A. Steele
[Description coming soon].

John P. DeSantis

Tara Anne Pleat

Christopher A. Steele

Each individual course is priced at $1,200.

Discounts are available for organizations enrolling two or more employees. For details, please contact [email protected].

Tuition must be paid in full before the course start date. Please note that tuition is non-refundable.

This program does not offer scholarships or financial aid.

Participants enrolled in one or more courses in this program will receive one (1) complimentary registration, either virtual or in-person, for the Tax Intensive pre-conference program at the 2026 National Conference on Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Trusts. For additional details, please visit the SNT page.

Stetson Law has applied to the Florida Bar for CLE credits for each of the courses. While Stetson Law does not apply for or pay for CLE credits in states other than Florida, we will provide attorneys with the materials needed to apply for CLE credits in other states. Attorneys should contact their state's Bar association with specific questions about obtaining CLE credits for these courses.

What is a digital badge?

Digital badges are online representations of skills, achievements, or certifications. Each badge contains metadata that provides details about the issuer, the criteria for earning the badge, and evidence of the achievement. They can be showcased on platforms such as LinkedIn, and serve as a modern way to visually and verifiably demonstrate one's accomplishments and skills.

What is a Certificate?

A Certificate is a non-credit, non-degree credential that enables you to gain specialized knowledge and develop specific skills within a targeted field. Certificates are typically more affordable and quicker to complete than traditional graduate programs, making them a practical option for professionals looking to deepen expertise without pursuing a full degree.

Do I need to complete all four courses in a single semester to earn the Certificate?

No. The courses are offered every Fall and Spring, allowing flexibility in how quickly you progress.

How long do I have to take all four courses, if I choose not to take them all in one semester?

You have up to two years to complete all four courses in order to qualify to sit for the Certificate Assessment.

Can I apply these Certificate courses towards a Law degree at Stetson University?

No. The courses within the Tax and Elder Law Certificate program do not carry academic credit and cannot be applied toward any degree programs at Stetson University College of Law. Participation in these courses will not result in a degree, alumni status, or earned academic credit at Stetson University or Stetson University College of Law, nor will it be recorded on their transcripts. Additionally, it does not guarantee admission to Stetson University, Stetson University College of Law, or any other institution. .

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

Stetson Cancellation: If Stetson University College of Law needs to cancel a course for any reason, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance by phone or email. In the case of a course cancellation, a full 100% refund will be issued to each registered participant.

Attendee Cancellation: Stetson Law will provide a refund, minus a $75 cancellation fee per course, for any cancellation requests received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the fourteenth (14) business day before the course start date. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received within thirteen (13) business days of the course start date or for cancellations made after the course begins. Additionally, once you access the online course materials, you will no longer be eligible for a refund.