AFSP represenation rights

Although the IRS has positioned the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) as a voluntary program for tax preparers, the IRS is implementing limits to representation rights for un-enrolled tax preparers who do not participate in the program.  While anyone with a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) can continue to prepare tax returns for compensation, a PTIN-only preparer will not have representation rights after calendar year 2015.

Limited representation rights for non-AFSP participants

Beginning January 1, 2016–changes to representation rights

 

 

If you have a PTIN, but not AFSP

Beginning in 2016 only AFSP participants who obtain a Record of Completion will have those limited representation rights before the IRS for clients whose returns they prepared and signed.

PTIN holders without an AFSP – Record of Completion or without other professional credentials will not be able to represent clients before the IRS in any matters and will only be permitted to prepare tax returns.

The new rules limiting representation rights apply to both 1040 and non-1040 preparers.

All preparers will need an AFSP Record of Completion for returns completed after December 31, 2015 to engage in limited practice.

If you have a PTIN and AFSP

Tax preparers with a PTIN and AFSP will have limited representation rights before limited offices of the IRS with respect to clients whose return they prepared and sign January 1, 2016 or later.

AFSP record of completion participants can represent clients whose returns they prepared and signed, but only before:

  • revenue agents,
  • customer service representatives,
  • the Taxpayer Advocate Service
  • and similar IRS employees.

This limited practice right which allows a tax preparer to represent a taxpayer in the initial stages of the audit of a return he or she prepared, but the preparer must have a Record of Completion for both the year of the return and the year the IRS initiated the audit.

Unlimited representation rights

Attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents will continue to be the only tax professionals with unlimited representation rights, meaning they can represent their clients on any matters including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals.