IRS Approved Continuing Education Courses - Annual Filing Season Program
This page shows both available IRS Approved Continuing Education Course for the Annual Filing Season Program
15 Hour Annual Filing Season Program (Exempt Tax Preparers)
Our IRS Approved 15 hour Annual Filing Season Program Course is designed for exempt tax preparers who wish to obtain an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. The course includes 10 hours of general tax law topics, 3 hours of tax law updates and 2 hours of ethics. The course are in video format with the option to download a PDF handout to follow along with. The course and exams must be completed by December 31st annually to receive credit with the IRS. Make sure you enter your PTIN number in your student profile to receive credit! We will report your CE hours to the IRS within 3 days of course completion.
Annual Filing Season Program participants are included in a public database of return preparers on the IRS website. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications includes the name, city, state, ZIP Code, and credentials of all attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents and enrolled actuaries with a valid PTIN, as well as all Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion holders.
On Sale: $50.00
Exempt vs Non-Exempt Chart
Do I have to get an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion?
No, it’s voluntary. Anyone with a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) can prepare tax returns for compensation, but continuing education is encouraged for all tax return preparers.
What are the benefits of getting an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion?
In addition to being included in the public directory of tax return preparers, the Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion differentiates you in the marketplace. The IRS launched a public education campaign in January 2015 encouraging taxpayers to select return preparers carefully and seek those with professional credentials or other select qualifications.
Also, beginning Jan. 1, 2016, there will be changes to the representation rights of return preparers.
Attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents will continue to be the only tax professionals with unlimited representation rights, meaning they can represent their clients on any matters including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals.
Annual Filing Season Program participants will have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepared and signed, but only before revenue agents, customer service representatives, and similar IRS employees, including the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
PTIN holders without an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion or other professional credential will only be permitted to prepare tax returns. For returns prepared and signed after December 31, 2015, they will not be allowed to represent clients before the IRS.