This week, the IRS sent emails to 2015 Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion recipients explaining the benefits of the program and encouraging participation again for 2016. The emails included a link to Annual Filing Season Program information and how to find an IRS approved Continuing Education provider.
Examples of emails sent to tax professionals
Email to all non-exempt, non-credentialed 2015 AFSP Record of Completion recipients:
Dear Tax Professional,
Congratulations on your participation in the 2015 IRS Annual Filing Season Program. We hope you plan to participate again for 2016. Our records show that you were required to take an Annual Federal Tax Refresher course last year to participate. This email is to let you know that beginning today, IRS-Approved Continuing Education (CE) Providers may offer the Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course for 2016.
To review the program requirements and find a CE provider, visit www.irs.gov/Tax- Professionals/Annual-Filing-Season-Program .
Why should you participate in the Annual Filing Season Program?
Beginning January 1, 2016, rules about who may represent clients before the IRS will change. Attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled agents will continue to have full representation rights for all clients before all IRS offices.
Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion holders will have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepare and sign, but only before examination, customer service representatives, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. (To have limited representation rights, you must participate both in the year of return preparation and the year of representation.)
Other tax return preparers who do not participate in the Annual Filing Season Program will not be permitted to represent any clients before the IRS for tax returns and claims for refund prepared and signed after December 31, 2015.
Additionally, by participating in the Annual Filing Season Program, you are included in the "Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications" at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.
Consider becoming an enrolled agent!
If you are interested in unlimited practice rights and an elite credential, consider becoming an enrolled agent. Enrolled agents are licensed by the IRS and must pass a three-part Special Enrollment Examination, which is a comprehensive exam that requires you to demonstrate proficiency in federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation, and representation.
More information is available at www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Enrolled-Agents.
Sincerely,
IRS Return Preparer Office
Email sent to all exempt, non-credentialed 2015 AFSP Record of Completion recipients:
Dear Tax Professional,
Congratulations on your participation in the 2015 IRS Annual Filing Season Program. We hope you plan to participate again for 2016. Our records show that you were exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher course last year to participate. However, if you need or want to take an Annual Federal Tax Refresher this year, IRS-Approved Continuing Education (CE) Providers may offer it for 2016 beginning today.
To review the program requirements and find a CE provider, visit www.irs.gov/Tax- Professionals/Annual-Filing-Season-Program.
Why should you participate in the Annual Filing Season Program?
Beginning January 1, 2016, rules about who may represent clients before the IRS will change. Attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled agents will continue to have full representation rights for all clients before all IRS offices.
Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion holders will have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepare and sign, but only before examination, customer service representatives, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. (To have limited representation rights, you must participate both in the year of return preparation and the year of representation.)
Other tax return preparers who do not participate in the Annual Filing Season Program will not be permitted to represent any clients before the IRS for tax returns and claims for refund prepared and signed after December 31, 2015. Additionally, by participating in the Annual Filing Season Program, you are included in the "Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications" at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.
Consider becoming an enrolled agent!
If you are interested in unlimited practice rights and an elite credential, consider becoming an enrolled agent. Enrolled agents are licensed by the IRS and must pass a three-part Special Enrollment Examination, which is a comprehensive exam that requires you to demonstrate proficiency in federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation, and representation.
More information is available at www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Enrolled-Agents.
Sincerely,
IRS Return Preparer Office
Additional Information For more information about the program, visit www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Annual-Filing-Season- Program. For more information about our requirements for continuing education providers, including Circular 230, please visit visit www.IRS.gov/taxpros/ce.
If you need additional assistance, please contact our continuing education information line:
Primary Toll-Free: 1-855-296-3150
Toll number for international callers: +1 202-499-5606
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