Are you looking to become a more competent and expand your skills as a trusted tax professional? Participation in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program can help you reach that goal. Follow these 3 simple steps to participate in the program. First, you will need to obtain or renew your preparer tax identification number, or PTIN, for the year. Second, you should complete 18 hours of continuing education from an IRS- approved continuing education provider by December 31st. Finally, you must consent to Treasury Department Circular 230. This can be done using your online PTIN account. Once those three requirements are met, you’ll be issued an AFSP Record of Completion and that’s it. You’re now a participant in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program. You ’re able to track your Annual Filing Season Program progress using your online PTIN account. Select “View my AFSP” status from the main menu. This will display if you’ve taken at least one hour of qualifying continuing education. You can now see a breakdown of your eligibility for the year. As eligibility requirements are met, the system will mark them complete. You can find detailed information about the Annual Filing Season Program by visiting IRS.gov/afsp.
