Frequently Asked Question's
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What is the benefit of participating in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?
- Your name will be included in the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, which will be available in January.
- You will have limited representation rights for returns you prepare and sign.
- You will be current with changing tax laws.
- You will receive the AFSP—IRS Record of Completion, which shows clients and potential clients that you are a well-educated tax preparer.
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What is the deadline to complete the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?
The approved continuing education program must be completed within the calendar year to qualify for the following filing season.
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What are the requirements to achieve the Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion?
Completing courses from an IRS-approved provider is required to satisfy the requirements. The yearly requirement for Non-Exempt status tax preparers is 18 hours, which consists of a 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and test, 10 hours of federal tax law, and 2 hours of ethics. The yearly requirement for Exempt status tax preparers is 15 hours, which consists of 10 hours of federal tax law, 3 hours of Federal Tax Law updates, and 2 hours of ethics.
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Who may participate in the program?
Anyone with a PTIN is eligible to participate in the program.
