ARMS Launch Academy 718-518-0110
Coming soon

Annual Filing Season Program

Earn your AFSP Record of Completion with ARMS support.

For tax preparers who already understand individual return basics and want IRS recognition, limited representation rights, and a stronger professional standing heading into filing season.

Enrollment opening soon View federal launch course
18 IRS-approved CE hours
6 AFTR course with exam
Self-study Work at your own pace

For working preparers

Stand out with IRS-recognized continuing education.

The Annual Filing Season Program is a voluntary IRS program for non-credentialed preparers who want to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism. ARMS Launch Academy wraps the self-study coursework with mentorship so you understand how to apply what you learn in real client work.

What is included

Everything required for AFSP completion.

18 hours of CE

10 hours of federal tax law, 6 hours of Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR), and 2 hours of ethics, all delivered through self-study.

AFTR course and exam

Complete the 6-hour AFTR portion with the required comprehension test administered at the end of the course.

ARMS mentorship

Get guidance on PTIN renewal, Circular 230 consent, and how to use your Record of Completion with clients.

ARMS mentorship and professional development

Requirements to complete

What you need for an AFSP Record of Completion.

  • Complete 18 hours of IRS-approved continuing education
  • Pass the AFTR comprehension test with 70% or better
  • Maintain an active Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
  • Consent to Circular 230 practice obligations
  • Receive your certificate through your IRS PTIN account

General tax preparation knowledge is required before starting this program. If you are brand new to tax preparation, start with the federal launch course first.

Course structure

Federal tax law, AFTR, and ethics in one program.

10 hrs

Federal Tax Law

Cover federal tax law topics required for the AFSP, including updates and filing-season issues relevant to individual return preparation.

6 hrs

Annual Federal Tax Refresher

Complete the IRS-designed AFTR course covering the three predetermined domains, followed by the required online comprehension test.

2 hrs

Ethics

Review behavioral ethics and professional responsibilities tax preparers must follow under Circular 230.

Why AFSP matters

Limited representation rights and professional credibility.

Completing the AFSP gives non-credentialed preparers limited representation rights for clients whose returns they prepared and signed. It also signals to clients and referral partners that you invest in your professional development.

01

Enroll through ARMS

Reserve your spot and receive your course access details.

02

Complete self-study

Work through the eBook, lessons, quizzes, and AFTR exam at your pace.

03

Finish IRS requirements

Renew your PTIN, sign Circular 230 consent, and receive your Record of Completion.

Enrollment

AFSP enrollment is opening soon.

The Annual Filing Season Program will be available through ARMS Launch Academy with mentorship included. Call if you want to be notified when enrollment opens.

Coming soon Annual Filing Season Program AFSP

18 hours of IRS-approved continuing education

Includes AFTR course, exam, and ARMS mentorship

Enrollment opening soon Questions? Call 718-518-0110 New to taxes? Start with the federal course