Jeff Pearlstein

The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary program designed to encourage tax return preparers to participate in continuing education (CE) courses.

IRS Continuing Education (CE) is voluntary for PTIN holders who are participating in the Annual Filing Season Program. CE credits are reported to the IRS by the continuing education provider.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world. It is generally equivalent to the title of chartered accountant in other English-speaking countries. In the United States, the CPA is a license to provide accounting services to the public.

Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax advisor who is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Enrolled Agents represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for tax issues including audits, collections and appeals.

Enrolled agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. On the other hand, certified public accountants are licensed by their applicable state boards of accountancy.

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) provides support, education, products, and research services to United States tax professionals. Members of the National Association of Tax Professionals work at offices that assist over 11 million taxpayers with tax preparation and planning.

Through resources, connections, and a strong industry voice, NATP helps tax professionals serve their clients with the highest level of excellence. Our members benefit from unmatched tax education and timely information and updates and are equipped to serve the taxpaying public honestly, expertly, and professionally.

RTRP stands for Registered Tax Return Preparer. All tax preparers who are paid to prepare tax returns (by anyone including family) are subject to the RTRP requirements. The RTRP designation process is required by law and began in September 2010.