Build an IRS-approved continuing education package that fits the type of tax work you actually do.
This flexible 18-hour continuing education package from My Tax Courses Online is designed specifically for non-exempt tax return preparers participating in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). It includes the two required courses for AFSP participation, the 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and 2-hour Circular 230 Ethics course, plus 10 hours of Federal Tax Law Related Matters that you choose yourself.
Instead of being locked into a fixed curriculum, this package allows you to customize your continuing education based on your clients, specialties, and professional goals. Whether you want deeper insight into OBBBA tax law changes, 1099 reporting, estate and trust taxation, tax planning strategies, IRS problem-solving, or complex filing situations, you can build a package that helps you stay current while improving real-world tax preparation skills.
This package is designed to help tax professionals do more than simply satisfy CE requirements. The courses focus on practical application, current IRS guidance, evolving tax law changes, and strategies that can improve preparation accuracy, client communication, and overall confidence during the 2026 filing season.
All courses are 100% online, video-based, and self-paced, giving you the flexibility to complete your education whenever it works best for your schedule.
Required Courses Included
2026 Annual Federal Tax Refresher
(6 Credit Hours of AFTR)
Covers 2026 federal tax law updates, filing requirements, deductions, credits, due diligence standards, and IRS procedures required for non-exempt AFSP participants.
Circular 230 Ethics
(2 Credit Hours of Ethics)
Reviews practitioner responsibilities, ethical standards, and IRS professional conduct requirements under Circular 230.
Choose Your Remaining 10 Hours From Courses Such As:
- 2026 Smart 1099 Reporting Practices & Updates
- 2026 OBBBA Explained: Rules & Impacts
- 2026 OBBBA Tax Season Update – What You Need To Know
- 2026 Tax Season Problem-Solving
- 2026 Navigating Credits and Deductions Under the OBBBA
- 2026 Tax Strategies for Middle-Income Households
- 2026 Estate and Trust Tax Implications
- 2026 OBBBA: What Happens Next?
- 2026 Common Tax Questions
Learning Objectives
After completing this package, you will be able to:
- Apply updated federal tax law changes for the 2026 filing season
- Understand ethical responsibilities and professional standards under Circular 230
- Identify deduction, credit, and reporting changes affecting taxpayers
- Navigate evolving OBBBA-related tax law developments
- Improve return accuracy and reduce common filing errors
- Apply practical tax planning strategies for individuals and small businesses
- Better handle IRS notices, reporting complications, and difficult client situations
- Understand information reporting requirements and 1099 compliance updates
- Strengthen confidence when preparing complex returns
- Customize continuing education around your professional interests and client needs
Why Choose the 18-Hour Choose Your Package?
- Customize your continuing education experience
- Focus on the tax topics most relevant to your clients
- Complete all AFSP continuing education requirements in one package
- Stay current with changing IRS guidance and federal tax laws
- Access 100% online, self-paced video training
- Learn from experienced tax professionals
- Gain practical insight you can immediately apply during tax season
Who This Package Is Designed For
This package is ideal for:
- Non-exempt tax return preparers completing the Annual Filing Season Program requirements
- Tax professionals who want flexibility in their continuing education
- Preparers looking to strengthen knowledge in specialized tax topics
- Professionals who want practical, real-world tax preparation training
- Anyone wanting to stay current with evolving tax law and IRS guidance
Important AFTR & AFSP Information
*Note: the AFTR course requires a 100-question exam with a passing score of 70%. You must complete the Exam in one continuous sitting with a 3-hour time limit.
To receive AFTR credit in your PTIN account, you must complete the AFTR course and Exam in their entirety by December 31st, 2026.
- This AFTR Course meets the 6-CE hours, 300 minutes.
- You can see the entire AFTR Course Outline HERE or here: IRS.gov/taxpros/ce.
- Program completion (AFTR Course & Test) is required by December 31st, 2026.
- To pass this course, you must get a passing score of 70% or higher. You will have three hours to complete the test in one sitting. You will have up to 6 attempts to pass the 100-question test. The timed test (3 consecutive hours) can be taken after watching all six videos, clicking the Continue button, and certifying that you have completed each video.
- EAs cannot receive credit for the AFTR Course.
- Participants must consent to Circular 230 duties and restrictions to receive the IRS's Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.
- Other CEs required for participation in the Annual Filing Season Program are HERE.
- To learn more about the IRS Annual Filing Season Program, click HERE.
The benefits of participating in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) are:
- 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 encouraged to remain current with changing tax laws.
You will receive the AFSP—Record of Completion, which shows clients and potential clients that you are a well-educated tax preparer who is dedicated to your chosen profession.
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The benefits for Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) participants are:
- Your name is listed in the Federal Tax Return Preparers Directory on the IRS website with your Credentials and Select Qualifications, updated and available every January.
- You will have certain representation rights for the tax returns you prepare and sign.
- You are dedicated to remaining current with changing tax laws.
- You will receive the AFSP – Record of Completion that proves to your current and potential clients that you are a well-educated tax preparer who understands and implements the tax law updates that occur each year.
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By choosing My Tax Courses Online for your IRS-approved Continuing Education, you are:
- You can access courses taught by top tax professionals, including Dr. Bart Basi, Roman Basi, Laci Henson, Doug Stives, and more.
- IRS-approved courses are updated each year, and new courses are continually added.
- On-demand videos and materials to access
- Fast reporting – We pride ourselves on submitting your approved CE credits directly to the IRS within 7 days.
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How do I participate in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)
The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) recognizes non-credentialed tax return preparers who are looking to enhance their professionalism. To qualify, follow these steps:
- Continuing Education: Complete 18 hours of IRS-approved continuing education, including a six-hour federal tax law refresher course with a test. If you're exempt, complete 15 hours, including 3 hours of federal tax law updates.
- PTIN Renewal: Renew your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for the next year.
- Consent to Circular 230: Agree to follow the rules in Circular 230.
Once you finish these steps, you'll get an "Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion" from the IRS.
CLICK HERE to see the IRS FAQ for further details.
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Do you need 15 hours (Exempt) or 18 hours (Non-Exempt) of Continuing Education?
Most people need 18 hours, which is Non-Exempt. You're Exempt if you fall under one of these top categories:
- Passed the Registered Tax Return Preparer Test between November 2011 and January 2013.
- Are in a state-based program with testing requirements (like Oregon, California, or Maryland).
- Passed SEE (Special Enrollment Exam) Part I in the last three years.
To see the complete list of exemptions, review the following IRS document. CLICK HERE.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to get an AFSP Record of Completion.
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Education Requirement: Complete 18 hours of continuing education from IRS-approved CE Providers, such as My Tax Courses Online, and includes the following requirements:
- Take a 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course from an IRS-approved provider like My Tax Courses Online. Pass the course's test.
- Complete 10 hours of additional training on federal tax law topics.
- Complete 2 hours of Ethics.
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Education Requirement: Exempt participants must complete 15 hours of continuing education from IRS-approved CE Providers, such as My Tax Courses Online, which includes the following requirements:
- Pass the 3-hour federal tax law update course.
- Complete 10 hours of extra training on federal tax law topics.
- Complete 2 hours of ethics training.
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Active PTIN: Make sure to renew your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
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Compliance Consent: Agree to follow the rules in Circular 230.
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When and how will you receive your Record of Completion?
Your Record of Completion is issued to you once all requirements are completed, which includes renewing your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for the upcoming year and agreeing to the rules in Circular 230.
- If you have an online PTIN account, you will receive an email from taxpros@ptin.irs.gov with instructions on how to sign the Circular 230 consent and access your certificate.
- If you need an online PTIN account, you will receive a letter with instructions on completing the application process and obtaining your certificate.
