When it comes to the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), speed matters. Many tax professionals wait until the last quarter of the year to complete their AFSP hours, which means they need a training provider that offers fast enrollment, quick access, and a smooth path to finishing all requirements on time.
The good news? Some AFSP course providers make the process easy, efficient, and fast—while others slow students down with long approval delays, locked course schedules, or time restrictions.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to complete the IRS AFSP, here’s what to look for—and how to choose a provider that keeps you moving.
Why Speed Matters for AFSP Courses
Tax preparers often juggle seasonal workload, client demands, and continuing education deadlines. When time is tight, a slow or complicated AFSP provider can cause unnecessary stress—and even risk missing the IRS deadline to earn the Record of Completion.
A faster AFSP course experience allows tax professionals to:
- Start immediately without waiting for enrollment approval
- Complete training quickly on a flexible schedule
- Finish before the year-end rush
- Get their certificate promptly so it can be reported to the IRS
Efficiency and convenience aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential for busy tax preparers who want to stay compliant with minimal hassle.
What Makes an AFSP Course “Fast”? Key Features to Look For
To determine whether an AFSP provider truly offers a fast experience, here are the top criteria to consider:
Instant Enrollment & Immediate Access
The fastest providers let students sign up and start the course right away, no waiting for manual approvals, email confirmations, or set start dates.
Short, Easy-to-Complete Course Segments
Courses broken into short sections (20–30 minutes each) make it easier to finish quickly, especially when working through hours of content. This structure keeps progress moving and prevents overwhelming.
Streamlined Learning Experience
Checkpoint quizzes, review tools, and intuitive navigation help learners stay engaged and retain information, without getting stuck or slowed down.
Fast Certificate Access
Top providers allow students to download their certificate immediately after successfully completing their courses, so they can submit or save it right away.
Quick IRS Reporting
During the peak season (October through December), providers that report completions to the IRS within 24 hours help students obtain their Record of Completion faster.
How Fast Can You Really Complete the AFSP?
Completion time depends on the provider and on the student’s pace. Some platforms require lengthy sessions or provide limited access windows, which can drag out the process.
On the fastest platforms:
- Motivated students can finish the entire AFSP CE (AFTR + 10 hours + ethics) in as little as one day
- Many complete the CE comfortably in a single weekend
- Those who prefer a relaxed schedule can spread it out over several days or weeks
Fast doesn’t mean rushing. It means flexible enough to fit your schedule.
So, Which IRS AFSP Course Provider Is the Fastest?
Based on the criteria above, the fastest AFSP providers are those that offer:
- Instant enrollment with no waiting period
- Immediate access to all required courses
- Short learning modules with simple navigation
- Quick certificates and rapid IRS reporting
My Tax Courses Online meets all these marks.
Students get instant access to their courses the moment they enroll. Most courses are broken into 30-minute segments, with two quick checkpoint questions after each module (except the AFTR, which follows the IRS-mandated 50-minute format and contains no checkpoints). Certificates are available for immediate download upon completion, and IRS reporting occurs within 24 hours from October through the end of the year.
This combination of speed, flexibility, and simplicity allows motivated students to complete their full AFSP in as little as a single day, while others enjoy a stress-free weekend or a self-paced approach.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the fastest path to complete the IRS AFSP, focus on providers that offer instant access, short and flexible course modules, and rapid reporting. Saving time shouldn’t mean sacrificing quality, and with the right platform, you don’t have to.
If you’d like to explore an AFSP course and package option that offers both speed and a smooth learning experience, My Tax Courses Online is a great place to start.
Sources & External References
About the IRS AFSP Program IRS – Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Overview
IRS AFTR Course Requirement IRS – Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) Course Requirements
IRS CE Provider Requirements IRS – Continuing Education Provider Information
AFSP Record of Completion Information IRS – Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion
