IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) and Annual Tax Refresher Course and Comprehension Test (AFTR)

$79 – $99

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Product add-ons:

  • Yes, add the AFSP Exempt Textbook to my order *

    AFSP 15-Hour Package for Exempt Preparers (Textbook Format) + $79

    AFSP 15-Hour Package for Exempt Preparers (Online Format) Exempt tax preparers can fulfill AFSP requirements with Surgent’s 15-hour package with easy PDF access.

  • Yes, add the AFSP Non-Exempt Textbook to my order *

    AFSP 18-Hour Package for Non-Exempt Preparers (Textbook Format) + $99

    AFSP 18-Hour Package for Non-Exempt Preparers (Textbook Format) Exempt tax preparers can fulfill AFSP requirements with Surgent’s 18-hour package with a hard copy of materials shipped to you.

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Description

The IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is an annual voluntary IRS training program for tax preparers. It aims to recognize the efforts of non-credentialed return preparers who aspire to a higher level of professionalism. 

Take this course to participate in continuing education (CE) courses and earn limited representation rights before the IRS.

Benefits of the AFSP – Record of Completion

Represent Your Clients

When you pass the AFSP, you will have limited representation rights before the IRS. You’ll be able to represent clients during an examination of a return that you prepared. PTIN holders without an AFSP Record of Completion or other professional credential are only permitted to prepare tax returns.

Free Marketing

Tax preparers who pass the AFSP are listed on the IRS Federal Tax Return Preparers Directory with professional credentials or other select qualifications. The directory is meant to help taxpayers determine who is qualified to prepare their taxes.

Certificate from the IRS

You will receive a record of completion from the IRS, as well as a Certificate of Completion from SurgentCPE for each course. This shows your clients that you have a baseline level of competency as approved by the IRS.

Set Yourself Apart

Passing the AFSP shows that you are a qualified preparer. Over 400,000 tax preparers choose not to complete the IRS tax training program each year. You can set yourself apart by receiving a record of completion and adding your name to the IRS Directory.

Promote Your Credentials

Market yourself as a credentialed preparer by adding, “as seen on IRS.gov” or “AFSP – Record of Completion” to your tax designation.

Additional information

Course type

AFSP Exempt Edition — Online, AFSP Non-Exempt Edition — Online

AFSP Exempt – 15 hours

AFSP Non-Exempt – 18 hours

AFTR – 6 hours

How Do I Qualify for the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?

  • You must have an active PTIN.
  • You must complete 18 hours* of continuing education (CE) by Dec. 31 annually, using an IRS Approved Provider.
  • You must pass a 100-question 3-hour continuous timed exam. This is the AFTR Course. (Exam cannot be paused once started.)
  • You must sign the IRS Circular 230 – Consent Form. Learn more

IMPORTANT: The AFTR is an annual federal tax refresher course for experienced tax preparers. If you are not an experienced tax preparer, it will not teach you how to prepare income tax returns. If you want to become a tax preparer, consider taking our Comprehensive Tax Course.

*Here is the breakdown of credit hours for non-credentialed/nonexempt or unenrolled preparers who want an AFSP – Record of Completion:

  • 18 hours of CE annually from an IRS Approved Provider includes the following:
    • A 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course with a comprehension test
    • 10 hours of Federal tax law topics
    • 2 hours of Ethics education

Am I exempt From the Annual Federal Tax refresher course?

Tax return preparers who have successfully completed one of the following national or state tests would be exempt from taking the AFTR course with a comprehension test.

  • Registered Tax Return Preparers (RTRP)
  • Registrants of Oregon, California and Maryland state-based return preparer testing programs
  • Accredited Tax Preparers through Accreditation Council for Accountancy/Taxation
  • Part 1 of the Special Enrollment Exam during 2-year eligibility window
  • Successful VITA program reviewers and instructors

How can I be sure if I’m exempt or non-exempt?

What If I’m a Credentialed Tax Professional or in the exempt group above and want to qualify for the Annual Filing Season Program?

Credentialed tax professionals (CPAs, attorneys, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents, and Enrolled Actuaries) or the exempt group listed in the section above must have 15 hours of CE from an IRS Approved Provider to qualify for the AFSP annually. No CE credit will be given to Enrolled Agents for completing an Annual Tax Refresher (AFTR) course.

Credentialed or Exempted Tax Preparers must complete 15 hours of CE annually from an IRS Approved Provider to qualify the AFSP.

  • The 15 hours of CE includes the following:
    • 3 hours of Federal tax updates
    • 10 hours of Federal tax law topics
    • 2 hours of Ethics education

Click here to register for the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) Course on SurgentCPE.com

Additional item to consider

Guide to Start and Grow Your Successful Tax Business

This book is your go-to guide to getting started with a tax business today.

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