The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary program designed to encourage preparers, who are not otherwise required to complete continuing education, to continually increase federal tax knowledge. Preparers who participate will receive a Record of Completion issued by the IRS.
To receive a Record of Completion for calendar year 2019, all continuing education must be completed by December 31, 2018. The Record of Completion is valid for one calendar year. Continuing education must be completed, and an application submitted for each year in which the preparer wishes to participate in the AFSP.
The continuing education requirements vary depending on whether or not a refresher course is required. For those required to take the refresher course, it must be 6 hours and include a test over the course material (minimum 100 questions) given at the end. The applicant must receive a score of 70% or better to receive credit.
Applicants not required to take the refresher course include:
The continuing education requirement hours vary based on whether or not a refresher course is required.
Preparers who must take a refresher course must have 18 hours of continuing education, consisting of:
Preparers who are exempt from the refresher course must have 15 hours of continuing education, consisting of:
For a complete list of requirements and restrictions for the Annual Filing Season Program, see Rev. Proc. 2014-42.
TaxAct has partnered with Surgent to offer a significant discount on exam review courses. These courses meet all requirements for the AFSP certification. CE is provided by The Income Tax School.
TaxAct Partnership with Surgent.