what is the afsp course for tax preparers

How do you become a certified tax preparer?

The IRS AFSP Tax Preparer Prep Course is for first time tax preparers who are not in the states of CA, OR, or MD. The course will go in depth and teach you how to prepare tax returns accurately. The online tax course is available to you for 6 months from the date of purchase.

How to become a certified tax preparer?

Purchase your AFSP Course >. The IRS recently introduced a new accreditation program targeting tax preparers who are not Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or Attorneys. Many of you likely remember the now defunct RTRP program that covered this same group of tax preparers. This new designation is titled IRS Annual Filing Season Program certificate.

Is it difficult to become a tax preparer?

How to find a good paid tax preparer?

How do you get Afsp certification?

To get your AFSP certification, you need to complete 18 hours of continuing education each year....What are the AFSP Certification requirements?Get and maintain an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN).Review and agree to abide by section 10.51 and Subpart B of the Treasury Department Circular No.More items...

How many credits do you need for AFSP?

Successful completion of 18 hours of continuing education from an IRS-approved provider is required to earn the AFSP Record of Completion. The courses must consist of: 6 credit hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher course (AFTR) covering tax law updates and a review of common tax return issues.

How do you become an Annual Filing Season Program?

You need 15 hours of continuing education each year to obtain an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion. Note: Exempt individuals (including former Registered Tax Return Preparers) must also consent to the Circular 230 obligations to officially participate in the Annual Filing Season Program.Apr 7, 2021

What is AFSP designation?

AFSP - Record of Completion. Annual Filing Season Program - Record of Completion. This voluntary program recognizes the efforts of return preparers who are generally not attorneys, certified public accountants, or enrolled agents.

What is the AFSP program?

The Annual Filing Season Program is a voluntary continuing education program for tax return preparers. Participation in the AFSP has proven to be quite beneficial for preparers who complete the program and receive the Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. By learning critical updates for the upcoming 2022 tax season, a tax preparer has the essential knowledge and information that give them an edge over non- AFSP participants.

What is the IRS's public directory of tax preparers?

By participating in the program and receiving an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion, you will be included in the IRS's public directory of tax return preparers, This searchable directory is intended to help the public choose preparers who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.

How long is the AFTR exam?

The 6-hour AFTR course is considered complete when a tax preparer passes the 100 question exam offered as part of the course. The exam will be administered by IRS-approved CE providers who offer the Annual Filing Season Program. All courses and exams must follow an outline and parameters set forth by the IRS.

What is practice in IRS?

31 U.S.C. § 330 authorizes the IRS to "regulate the practice of representatives of persons before the Department of the Treasury." Practice entails communicating with the IRS for a taxpayer regarding the taxpayer's rights, privileges, or liabilities under laws and regulations administered by the IRS. Only select professionals receive practice rights.

What is Fast Forward Academy?

Fast Forward Academy is an IRS-approved provider of tax continuing education, as such our Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) courses also qualify as acceptable continuing tax education with the Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners. Get started

Exempt Preparers

One common point of confusion in the tax preparer community is “Do I have to meet all of these requirements to become an AFSP preparer, or is there an easier way?” The answer depends on how you can answer the following question… Are you an “Exempt Preparer” if so, there are significantly easier annual requirements that pertain to you.

The AFTR Exam

The Exam consists of 100 multiple choices questions. The exam is delivered online through our website and must be completed within a 3-hour time allotment. The exam is open book and will cover the material presented in all content covered in the AFSP Course materials.

Additional Guidelines and Qualifications

Consent to Circular 230 restrictions A requirement for receiving your record of completion will be consenting to the duties and restrictions relating to practice before the IRS in subpart B and section 10.51 of Treasury Department Circular No.