AFSP CE Requirements: Your Step-by-Step Guide

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Table of Contents

Staying compliant with the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll break down the AFSP CE requirements and show you how to fulfill them efficiently.

Whether you're a PTIN holder required to complete the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course or are exempt, we’ve got all the details to help you meet your continuing education goals, boost your career, and stay on track with the IRS's regulations.

What are the AFSP CE requirements?

The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Continuing Education (CE) requirements depend on whether a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) holder is required to complete the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course.

PTIN holders who need to take the AFTR course must complete 18 hours of CE annually, while those exempt from the course need 15 hours of CE each year.

If you are exempt from the AFTR course, you need 15 hours of CE, including 3 hours of Federal Tax Updates, 10 hours of Federal Tax Law, and 2 hours of ethics.

All participants must complete 2 hours of Federal Tax Ethics each year, regardless of the AFTR requirement. The program renewal deadline is December 31, and the CE reporting cycle spans January 1 to December 31, with no carryover of excess credits permitted by the IRS.

Acceptable Subject Areas for AFSP CE Requirements

For the AFSP CE requirements, acceptable subject areas include courses focused on Federal taxation and ethics, in line with the standards outlined in Circular 230.

Each year, participants must complete a 2-hour ethics course. Other allowable subjects include Federal tax-related matters such as accounting, tax preparation software, and various taxation topics.

A 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course is required for certain PTIN holders. The primary focus of all CE courses must remain on Federal tax-related content to meet the AFSP standards.

Subject Area Restriction

The AFSP CE requirements for Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) holders vary based on whether they are required to complete the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course.

PTIN holders required to take the AFTR course must complete a total of 18 hours of CE, which includes:

6-hour AFTR course
10 hours of Federal Tax Law
2 hours of Federal Ethics

For PTIN holders who are exempt from the AFTR course, the requirement is 15 hours of CE annually, consisting of:

3 hours of Federal Tax Updates
10 hours of Federal Tax Law
2 hours of Federal Ethics

AFSP MY-CPE CE Course

You can gain unlimited access to our comprehensive library of AFSP Continuing Education (CE) courses, including the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course.

All AFSP CE webinars are available in both live and self-study formats and are IRS-approved (Sponsor ID: GEHNZ).

Fulfill your AFSP CE requirements with our AFTR course, covering all the necessary subject areas for compliance.

How to get CE Credits for AFSP?

To earn CE credits for the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), you can complete 100% of the required credit hours through self-study courses.

All these hours can be completed via self-study with IRS-approved CE sponsors, such as MY-CPE, which is IRS-approved (Sponsor ID: GEHNZ).

How to Complete AFSP CE Requirements in one go?

To efficiently fulfill your AFSP CE (Annual Filing Season Program Continuing Education) requirements in one go, you can either choose individual courses or opt for comprehensive course packages offered by MY-CPE.

For maximum convenience, an annual subscription plan is highly recommended. With this plan, MY-CPE handles all your annual CE requirements, making it easier to earn the necessary credits without hassle.

These AFSP packages focus on professional skill development across a wide range of topics, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest industry standards. Plus, they are tailored to meet state-specific requirements, ensuring compliance with local regulations while advancing your career.

How to Track your CE Credits?

MY-CPE offers a CPE credit tracker for all users, allowing them to easily monitor their progress. After enrolling in a subscription plan and completing their CE courses, users can view their earned credits through the tracker.

Additionally, certificates for completed courses can be downloaded and kept as proof of their CE achievements.

Conclusion

The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Continuing Education (CE) requirements are essential for tax preparers to stay updated with the latest regulations, maintain their professional credentials, and ensure compliance with IRS standards. Whether you're required to complete the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course or not, MY-CPE offers a variety of flexible, high-quality CE courses that meet all your AFSP requirements. With unlimited access through subscription plans, tracking tools, and downloadable certificates, fulfilling your CE requirements has never been easier. Choose MY-CPE to stay compliant and advance your career.

FAQs

The AFSP is an IRS initiative designed to encourage voluntary continuing education for tax return preparers. It requires preparers to complete a certain number of Continuing Education (CE) hours each year to maintain a Record of Completion.

Requirement	AFTR Required	AFTR Exempt
Total CE Hours	18 hours	15 hours
Federal Tax Law	10 hours	10 hours
Federal Tax Updates	N/A	3 hours
AFTR Course	6 hours	N/A
Federal Tax Ethics	2 hours	2 hours

Yes, you can complete 100% of your AFSP CE requirements online through self-study courses provided by IRS-approved sponsors, such as MY-CPE.

MY-CPE provides a CPE credit tracker for all users, allowing you to monitor your progress. Once you've completed your courses, you can view your earned credits and download certificates for proof of completion.

The deadline to complete AFSP CE requirements is December 31 of each year, with the CE reporting cycle running from January 1 to December 31.

Jason Dinesen

President, Dinesen Tax & Accounting, P.C.

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.