The Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) designation was formerly granted by the IRS to paid tax preparers who passed a specific competency exam and met other requirements. This program was part of an effort to increase oversight and ensure a baseline level of competence among tax preparers who were not otherwise credentialed (such as Certified Public Accountants or Enrolled Agents).

While the RTRP program is no longer active following a 2013 court ruling, the knowledge base required—covering individual tax preparation Form 1040, basic tax laws, and ethical standards—remains foundational for anyone entering the field. For current tax preparers looking for a recognized IRS status, the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is the prevailing pathway.

This guide provides context on the historical RTRP material and directs students toward current preparation resources and the corresponding path in the AFSP or Enrolled Agent programs.

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The focus of the former RTRP exam was on basic individual income tax preparation for the primary IRS forms (the 1040 series) and associated schedules. Today, this body of knowledge is captured in the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course, which is a key component of the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP).

The typical curriculum for this updated course, which reflects what was previously covered by RTRP preparation, includes:

• New Tax Law and Updates: Reviewing any changes to the tax code, standard deductions, and tax brackets for the current filing year.

• General Tax Review: Deep dive into filling out Form 1040, including determining filing status, dependency exemptions, and reporting various types of income.

• Deductions and Credits: Comprehensive review of common itemized deductions (Schedule A) and crucial tax credits (e.g., Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, education credits).

• Practices and Procedures: Best practices for client interactions, record keeping, and responding to IRS inquiries.

• Ethics and Circular 230: Understanding professional responsibilities, avoiding conflicts of interest, and adhering to IRS regulations governing practice.

To gain current recognition under the AFSP, preparers without a professional credential must complete this AFTR course and pass the corresponding comprehension test from an IRS-approved provider.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

As the original RTRP exam is no longer administered, students preparing for today’s equivalent—the AFTR Comprehension Test as part of the AFSP—should expect the following:

The comprehension test is not a traditional, proctored, high-stakes exam like the RTRP was. Instead, it is typically taken online after completing the 6-hour AFTR course with an approved provider.

• Format: The test consists of multiple-choice questions designed to measure retention of the material covered in the course.

• Delivery: It is administered online by the Continuing Education (CE) provider.

• Time Limit: Most providers offer a generous time limit (e.g., 3 hours) to complete the test.

• Open Book: Unlike the historical RTRP exam, the AFTR test is typically an open-book format. Preparers can use the course materials as a reference during the test.

• Passing Score: The required passing score varies by provider but is often around 70%. If a student does not pass, they are usually given at least one opportunity to retake the test.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for today's required tax comprehension tests (whether for AFSP or as a first step toward the Enrolled Agent credential) involves a structured approach.

Actionable Study Strategies:

• IRS-Approved Continuing Education (CE): This is the single most important step. For the AFSP, you must register for and complete an AFTR course through an IRS-approved provider. These providers are vetted to ensure their curriculum aligns with current tax law and IRS requirements.

• Utilize Course Materials: Thoroughly engage with the textbooks, online modules, and practice quizzes provided by your CE course. Take advantage of their structure.

• Focus on Domain Knowledge: Pay special attention to areas like new tax law changes and ethics (Circular 230). These are heavily emphasized and crucial for real-world practice.

• Practice with Real Forms: The best way to master Form 1040 preparation is by doing it. Practice filling out forms manually (or using tax software in training mode) for various hypothetical scenarios.

• Take Mock Tests: Many CE providers offer mock comprehensive tests. Use these to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence with the test format and time constraints.

Exam Delivery:

The original RTRP exam was proctored in physical testing centers (like those operated by Prometric or Pearson VUE).

Today, the test for the AFTR course is administered entirely online by your chosen, IRS-approved Continuing Education provider. Once you complete the required course hours, you will gain access to the online testing portal to take the comprehension test.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully navigating the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) by passing the required comprehension test unlocks recognition from the IRS and provides several professional benefits. While not as rigorous as the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential, it is a significant step forward for non-credentialed tax preparers.

Completing this program and obtaining your Record of Completion unlocks the following opportunities:

• Listed in the Public Directory: You will be included in the IRS's official, searchable Public Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. This directory helps taxpayers find qualified preparers in their area.

• Professional Distinction: The AFSP distinction differentiates you from other preparers who do not complete annual updates or ethical requirements.

• Limited Representation Rights: Completing the AFSP provides limited representation rights before the IRS. This means you can represent clients during audits or examinations concerning tax returns you have prepared and signed yourself. (Preparers without any credential, including those who do not complete the AFSP, have no representation rights).

• Annual Tax Preparer / Tax Consultant: Foundational role preparing individual 1040 forms for individuals.

• Seasonal Tax Preparer: High demand for preparers during the tax season (January-April) with accounting firms, national tax preparation chains, and private practices.

• Pathway to Enrolled Agent: For many, completing these fundamental requirements is the first step toward studying for the much more comprehensive Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) to become an Enrolled Agent (EA), which grants unlimited representation rights.