Find an AFSP Tax Preparer

infoWhat is the Annual Filing Season Program?

The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary IRS program for tax return preparers. A preparer earns a Record of Completion each filing season by finishing IRS-approved continuing education, agreeing to ethical standards, and renewing their PTIN. It signals the preparer kept their federal tax knowledge current for the season.

workspace_premiumAFSP facts

• A voluntary IRS program: participation is earned fresh every filing season, not a one-time license.
• Requires IRS-approved continuing education each year, generally including a federal tax law refresher with a test, tax law updates, and ethics.
• AFSP preparers appear in the official IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
• Carries limited representation rights: an AFSP preparer may represent clients whose returns they prepared and signed before IRS customer service and similar functions, but not in appeals or collections.
• A practical, budget-friendly choice for straightforward individual returns.

helpAFSP vs. Enrolled Agent or CPA

An AFSP Record of Completion shows seasonal continuing education, while an Enrolled Agent or CPA holds a full professional license with unlimited rights to represent you before the IRS. For a straightforward return, an AFSP preparer can be a solid, affordable fit; for audits, collections, appeals, or complex planning, consider an EA, CPA, or tax attorney.

gavelWhen should I choose an AFSP preparer?

Consider an AFSP preparer for everyday individual tax returns when you want someone who has verifiably kept up with current-year tax law through IRS-approved education. Reviews on this site can help you pick one clients already trust.