Tax and Elder Law: Online Certificate Courses

Resgistration for Summer/Fall 2026 is now open!

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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 at the beginning of each week. 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. Each week's modules unlock in sequential order, and completion of each module is required before the subsequent module will unlock. 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 each two-week course 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 Planning for Long-Term Care, Aging, and Disability
[Register for Course]
Course Dates: October 5-October 17, 2026
Instructor: Tara Anne Pleat
This course examines the federal income tax consequences of long-term care planning strategies for aging, disabled, and chronically ill individuals. Students will analyze the taxation of Social Security benefits, medical expense deductions, long-term care insurance, retirement account distributions, trusts, and capital transactions. The course also explores grantor and non-grantor trust taxation, Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, special needs trusts, basis adjustment strategies, income in respect of a decedent (IRD), estate recovery, and post-death tax issues. Through practical examples and case studies, students will learn to identify tax consequences and evaluate planning techniques commonly used in elder law practice.

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].

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.

Do I need to complete all five courses in a single semester?

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

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

There is no time limit for completing the five courses. You may take them all in one semester or spread them out over a longer period — whatever works best for your schedule.

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

No. The certificate courses within the Tax and Elder Law 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.

Will I receive a certification if I complete any or all of these courses?

Participants who pass the exam for an individual course will receive both a digital badge and a digital certificate of completion for that course. Those who complete all five courses and pass all corresponding exams will also earn a special program‑level digital badge and a printed certificate of completion.

How much CLE credit will I earn?

Stetson Law has applied to the Florida Bar for CLE credits for each of the courses within the program. 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.

Are accommodations available if needed?

Stetson is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We encourage learners with disabilities or other special needs to contact the Office of Professional Education at [email protected] as early as possible if accommodations or support may be required to fully participate in this course.

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.