PTMS Basics Course Description

PTMS Basics is a three-day training course designed to give property tax professionals a clear understanding of how to use PTMS. Clients using PTMS for filing tax returns for their centrally assessed and distributed assets are provided a fourth day of training because of the complexity of their tax returns. Topics covered during PTMS Basics include:

1. PTMS Overview
2. Importing Data
3. Reviewing and Modifying Property
4. Assigning Jurisdictions
5. Rendering Values
6. Preparing Tax Returns
7. Assessed Valuations
8. Processing and Paying Tax Bills
9. Printing Reports and Exporting
10. PTMS Resources and Help Options

Trainees learn the fundamentals of PTMS starting with sample data and then move on to using their own data to create a realistic model of their actual work conditions. This two-step approach permits rapid progress with early identification and fast resolution of problems that might otherwise occur when the trainee begins using PTMS in his/her office.

Each training class has a maximum of 12 seats to ensure that each trainee receives adequate individual attention. It is recommended that you register as early as possible to ensure you secure the training session of your choice.

CPE Information

Training in San Diego or On-site?

TCI encourages training at its San Diego Training Center where hardware and software are set up specifically for basic and advanced training of up to 12 trainees per session. Training in San Diego eliminates distractions and interruptions that are largely unavoidable when training is done in your office. A primary and a backup trainer are assigned to each training class in San Diego. Additional TCI "specialists" (trainers, support persons and programmers) are available during the training period as needed to supplement standard classroom training and address specific issues for each client. Each trainee has lunch with his/her designated support person, forming a personal connection that facilitates support after the trainee returns home and begins using PTMS.

On-site training in your office (both basic and advanced) is available if training in San Diego is not a suitable option. Effective on-site training requires the availability of appropriate hardware and operating software sufficient to accommodate all trainees, plus the availability of an LCD projector, all ready to go when the TCI trainer first arrives on site so as not to waste limited training time with setting up. If you do not have a training classroom environment with a competent, available IT person to ensure its proper setup and availability, the likelihood of a fully successful on-site training session is diminished.

PTMS Basics in San Diego is offered free of charge for the first three (3) trainees within the first six (6) months following initial installation of PTMS. The cost for each additional trainee for PTMS Basics is $1,200. On-site PTMS Basics (in your office) is available at $1,600 per day per TCI trainer. On-site PTMS Basics incurs a charge for four (4) days - three days of training and one day of travel - plus expenses for transportation, lodging and meals. If there are more than six trainees a second TCI trainer is recommended. On-site PTMS Basics for PTMS for Centrally Assessed and Distributed Asset clients incurs a charge for five (5) days - four days of training and one day of travel - plus expenses for transportation, lodging and meals.

As an option for minimizing training costs and expenses for PTMS clients with a large number of PTMS users and as an alternative to expensive on-site training, TCI encourages the training of two or three PTMS "Mentors". A Mentor is a high level user that can be trained in San Diego and in turn can train other users in your office. Such a two-tiered method of training usually works quite well for three reasons:

1. PTMS is very user friendly and easy to learn, so the right Mentor(s) can be quite effective after their training session at TCI's San Diego training center.
2. A tax office with a large number of PTMS users usually assigns specific tasks — such as creating tax returns or paying tax bills — to specific users. Such specialists do not need comprehensive training in all aspects of PTMS and can usually be well managed by a PTMS Mentor.
3. Any support issue that cannot be handled by your Mentor(s) can be quickly resolved by calling your designated TCI support person. With your company's authorization, your TCI support person can view your PTMS screen via the Internet on an as needed basis. The result is the same as if you had your TCI support person right in your office whenever you needed him/her.