Choosing the Best AFTR Course Provider in 2025
The Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course is essential for non-credential tax preparers who want to participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). Choosing the right provider for your AFTR course can significantly impact your learning experience and career growth.
This comprehensive guide will help lead you through the importance of the AFTR courses, compare some of the best AFTR courses available, and help you choose the right course for you.
The AFTR course ensures that tax preparers are up-to-date with the latest tax laws and regulations. Completing this course enhances your knowledge and gives you a competitive edge by earning the IRS Record of Completion, which can be a valuable credential in your professional career.
Generally, AFTR courses come with an AFSP course bundle containing 18 hours of course. Decide if you want a whole 18-hour or 15-hour (for Exempt AFSP) course bundle containing 6 hours of AFTR courses. However, if you need only 6 hours of AFTR content, you have a very limited option.
So, how can you make it all by yourself?
Don't worry; just follow the checklist.
Start by searching for the top-rated IRS-approved course provider.
Decide if you want the whole AFSP course or 6 hours of AFTR only.
Consider comparing the price of the course.
Compare the significant topics covered in the course.
Go through the course level and user ratings.
Below is a comparison table highlighting critical features of some leading AFTR course providers, including MYCPE ONE, Gleim, WebCE, Platinum Pro Studies, and CPE Credit. For your concern, all the underlying courses are approved by the IRS.
AFTR Providers | MYCPE ONE | Gleim | WebCE | Fast Forward Academy | Surgent |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Course Hours | 06 Hours | 18 Hours | 06 Hours | 06 Hours | 06 hours |
Price | $49 | $89.5 | $49.95 | $53 | $59 |
Format | Self-study Course | Self-study Course | QAS Self-study | Self-study Course | PDF, Textbook |
Auto Reporting | Auto reporting to IRS | NA | NA | Auto reporting to IRS | NA |
Trustpilot Reviews | 4.9 | NA | NA | 3.1 | 3.6 |
So, with the comparison, I guess you have a clear image of the top course providers and the dimensions of their courses, and now you are set to make the decision which one is the best-suited course for you.
But wait. Here are things that you should know before you subscribe to any course. Some platforms have many excellent learning options that not only offer enriching content but also provide a seamless learning experience.
MYCPE ONE stands out as a top choice for many tax preparers because of its comprehensive course offerings with lots of additional benefits:
A detailed 6-hour AFTR course. But if you want a complete 15- or 18-hour AFSP course, you have it all as well. You also need 10 hours of Federal Tax Law and 2 hours of ethics to complete all IRS requirements.
For the AFTR 6-hour course, you only have to pay $49. MYCPE ONE offers a competitive price with a subscription option at $199 where you get complete CPE Access to 13000+ hours of continuing education courses.
The platform is designed to search and segmentate courses according to qualification and subject for ease of use—features to track your course progress and completion.
The courses are created by top industry professionals, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant information.
MYCPE ONE offers robust customer support, helping you with any questions or issues that may arise during your course.
Source- Trustpilot
Choosing the right AFTR course provider is crucial for your professional development as a tax preparer. MYCPE ONE offers a comprehensive and affordable package that meets and exceeds the IRS requirements.
With high-quality content, a user-friendly platform, and excellent customer support, MYCPE ONE is an excellent choice for your continuing education needs, but making it a cost-effective option for many professionals.
The AFSP is a voluntary IRS program encouraging non-credentialed tax return preparers to participate in continuing education courses. It aims to increase knowledge and improve the quality of tax preparation.
Non-credentialed tax preparers who wish to obtain the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) - Record of Completion need to complete the AFTR course.
Completing the AFTR course provides an IRS Record of Completion, which can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to staying current with tax laws.
Consider factors such as course content, price, user reviews, additional benefits (like included ethics courses), and whether the provider is IRS-approved.
Yes, enrolled agents can take the AFTR course but will not receive IRS CE credits.
Jason Dinesen (LPA, EA) is an entrepreneur, tax expert, and CPE Presenter. Dinesen brings over 15 years of experience helping individuals and businesses with accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, and business advisory in various industries. Dinesen is a regular CPE Presenter at MYCPE ONE. He has coached more than 200k+ accounting, taxes, and HR professionals on various topics of accounting, individual taxation, corporate taxation, and professional ethics. Jason has developed a strong following within the professional community for tax-related subjects. Dinesen is known for sharp tax interpretations, and he quickly brings his analysis of the latest tax updates and IRS guidance to the professional community.
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