October 29, 2026

Webcast

2 CPE Credits

Don Farmer's Foreign Trusts & Accounting Method Changes for Forms

October 29, 2026
Webcast
2 CPE Credits

Don Farmer's Foreign Trusts & Accounting Method Changes for Forms

  • Instructor

    Jason
    Dinesen

This intermediate-level course provides a focused review of federal reporting requirements related to foreign trusts and accounting method changes. Participants will examine filing obligations associated with Forms 3520 and 3520-A, including ownership, distribution, and reporting triggers. The course also addresses accounting method change procedures, including Form 3115 filing requirements, automatic versus nonautomatic changes, and §481(a) adjustments. Emphasis is placed on reporting mechanics, penalty exposure, procedural compliance, and common filing errors. Practical examples illustrate documentation considerations and IRS scrutiny areas.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify reporting requirements and filing triggers for Forms 3520 and 3520-A

2. Distinguish ownership and distribution reporting obligations related to foreign trusts

3. Differentiate automatic and nonautomatic accounting method changes

4. Analyze Form 3115 filing requirements and §481(a) adjustment calculations

5. Identify compliance risks and penalty exposure associated with foreign trust reporting and accounting method changes

Major Topics

  • Overview of foreign trust reporting framework
  • Form 3520 reporting requirements
  • Form 3520-A filing obligations and related disclosures
  • Penalty provisions and documentation considerations
  • Overview of accounting method change procedures
  • Form 3115 filing mechanics
    • Automatic versus nonautomatic method changes
    • §481(a) adjustment principles
  • Common compliance errors and IRS examination focus areas

CPE Credits Available

2 CPE Credits
2
Taxes

Things to Know About This Course

Course Level

  • Intermediate

Professional Area of Focus

  • Tax

Prerequisites

Working knowledge of federal income taxation and familiarity with business or fiduciary tax reporting.

Advanced Preparation

None

Intended Audience

CPAs and tax professionals who encounter foreign trust reporting obligations or accounting method change filings and seek a focused review of reporting mechanics, procedural requirements, and compliance risks.

Provider

Don Farmer Tax Education

Register For This Event

  • COCPA Member

    $ 89 89
    Join

  • COCPA Non-Member

    $ 109 109
    Your Price

Please login to register.