2025 Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR)

OVERVIEW

This in-depth 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course offers a thorough examination of the current provisions and recent updates to the tax code. Additionally, this course offers a comprehensive review of the fundamental elements crucial for preparing individual 2024 tax returns prepared in 2025. This encompasses critical developments expected to influence individual tax returns in the upcoming filing season.

By taking this refresher course, you’ll be gaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of tax preparation. Be prepared to delve into practices, procedures, and professional responsibilities outlined in Circular 230, empowering practitioners with the knowledge and insights necessary for a successful filing season.

Understanding the key updates for the upcoming 2025 tax season (applicable to 2024 tax returns) provides tax professionals with the advantage over non-credentialed preparers, arming them with valuable knowledge and information.

This AFTR course consists of three domains developed by the IRS: Tax Law/Recent Updates, General Review, and Practices, Procedures, and Professional Responsibility. The course content is presented in an engaging manner, emphasizing practical solutions to common tax preparation challenges. It is enriched with numerous examples and illustrations that demonstrate the application of pertinent rules in real-world scenarios.

Although there is no prior knowledge needed, a high school diploma or an equivalent is recommended. All individuals must possess a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) prior to preparing tax returns for money. All program participants are required to register for the program using their PTIN.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Gain a thorough understanding of recent changes to federal tax laws for tax season 2025 and how they impact individual and business tax returns.
• Understand the key provisions of the SECURE Act and its updates, including changes to retirement account rules, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and beneficiary designations.
• Enhance your ability to provide proactive tax planning advice to clients, ensuring they can maximize their tax benefits and minimize liabilities in light of the 2025 tax law changes.
• Deepen your knowledge of various tax credits and deductions, including their eligibility requirements, limitations, and phase-out thresholds for tax season 2025.
• Develop expertise in the taxation of digital assets and Form 1099-K, including new rules and reporting requirements for tax season 2025.
• Be informed about the latest updates to estate and gift tax rules for tax season 2025, advising clients on how to navigate these changes effectively.
• Refresh your knowledge of various tax credits and deductions, including their eligibility requirements, limitations, and phase-out thresholds.
• Strengthen your understanding of the ethical considerations in tax preparation and ensure compliance with IRS regulations and Circular 230.

At the end of the course, students will be required to complete a 100 question AFTR final exam encompassing all the topics covered. The student will receive a pass or fail grade but will not be provided with an answer key or feedback on incorrect questions. Per IRS regulations, we cannot display any AFTR exam questions for completed exams. The final exam must be passed with a 70% or better score in order to meet the 6-Hour AFTR CE requirement and to receive a Certificate of Completion. Successful course completion is reported to the IRS within three business days.

You have a maximum of three continuous hours to complete the 100 question AFTR exam. You may attempt the test a maximum of 4 times to receive a passing score of 70%. You must pass the exam by December 31st (midnight local time) to receive continuing education credit. The AFTR allows an open-book exam, therefore you can download the course pdf on the first page of the course.

This course is for non-exempt preparers who want to receive an IRS Annual Filing Season Record of Completion. Typically, return preparers who are not attorneys, CPAs, or Enrolled Agents must complete the AFTR to earn the AFSP Record of Completion. Please click here to check if you are required to take this course.