Everything You Need To Know About the IRS’ Voluntary CE Program
Are you looking to stand out from the crowd? Tax preparers can set
themselves apart in their industry by completing the requirements for the
Annual Filing Season Program and earning an AFSP – Record of Completion by
December 31, 2018.
What is the Annual Filing Season Program?
The IRS established the Annual Filing Season Program as a way to recognize
unenrolled tax return preparers who voluntarily complete continuing education.
Unenrolled PTIN holders are not allowed to represent clients before the IRS
during an examination, but the AFSP – Record of Completion provides limited
representation rights.
How do you earn the AFSP Record of Completion?
Participants must complete 18 hours of continuing education from an
IRS-approved provider. The following course subjects are required:
- 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course
- 10 hours of federal tax law
- 2 hours of ethics
In addition to completing CE courses, participants must also renew their
preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and consent to adhere to the
obligations of Circular 230, Subpart B and section 10.51. The IRS has provided
an instructional
video on completing the final steps to earn the AFSP – Record of
Completion.
Is anyone exempt?
There are several return preparer categories that are exempt from the AFTR
course requirement. The IRS has a detailed chart of Annual Filing Season
Program Continuing Education Requirements. Professionals in an exempt group
must still meet the other program requirements to receive the AFSP – Record of
Completion.
See Exemptions
Where can I complete my required AFSP continuing
education?
WebCE® is an IRS-approved CE provider, offering all of the
continuing education courses you need to earn your AFSP – Record of Completion,
including the 6-hour AFTR course. Our courses are written by industry experts
and designed to keep tax preparers at the top of their industry. With
convenient, online courses, you can complete your AFSP CE requirements on your
own schedule.
To order, view the
WebCE
catalog, or call 877-488-9308 to speak to a member of our support services
team. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any questions about the AFSP
continuing education requirements.
Order Now