If you are an unenrolled tax preparer, you are most likely weighing your options on whether or not to take the Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course (AFTR). You’re probably also wondering what you’ll learn and be tested on. The AFTR is a six-hour course that ends in a 100 question exam to test you on the knowledge learned in the course.
There are three main sections of the AFTR Course: New Tax Law/Recent Updates, General Review, and Ethics, Practices and Procedures. Here is a summary of what is covered in each section of the course.
Domain 1: New Tax Law/Recent Updates
This section of the course will cover many areas that you may already be wondering about. Much of what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act will be covered as well as same gender marriage filing and also the annual inflation adjustments.
Domain 2: General Review
This section is a review of many of the things you should already know as a tax preparer. It will cover items like determining filing status, best practices, types of income, reporting benefits, deductions, credits and refunds (among other things). This is the biggest part of the course and covers 20 different items.
Domain 3: Ethics, Practices and Procedures
This section of the course covers many of the do’s and don’ts of being a preparer. There are several tax preparer requirements covered, due diligence, e-filing procedures, and other procedures required by the IRS.
Once the 6-hour course is completed, you will be given a 3 hour timed exam. The exam is 100 questions and tests your knowledge on the topics covered in the AFTR course.
Ready to take the course and exam?
The Income Tax School is an IRS approved provider of the AFTR. Our AFTR package includes:
- Online Text by The Income Tax School
- Federal income tax reference material
- Automatic grading with instructional feedback
- Student forum and career center
- Certificate of Achievement upon completion
- IRS notified upon successful completion of the course/test
- Instructor support from veteran tax preparers
Tax Preparers who complete 18 hours of CE annually, including six hour AFTR course will receive an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion from the IRS.
Further Reading
Tax Pros: Are you ready to go back to school?
How to Become a Tax Preparer and Start Earning Money Before Tax Season
The Ultimate Marketing Plan Checklist For Tax Season Readiness