Go straight to the source
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
US federal tax agency; issues PTINs, runs the voluntary Annual Filing Season Program and VITA/TCE volunteer certification.
Official website ↗IRS VITA/TCE Volunteer Certification (Link & Learn Taxes)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)You study free IRS online lessons and pass certification tests to prepare returns as a VITA or TCE volunteer, starting with wage earner returns and moving up to capital gains, pensions and military returns.CertificationFreeSelf pacedIRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Record of CompletionInternal Revenue Service (IRS)You complete 18 hours of IRS approved continuing education, including a six hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher course and test, to earn a Record of Completion as an unenrolled paid tax preparer.Certificate$18.75Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)This is a registration, not a course. You apply for or renew the identification number the IRS requires of anyone who prepares federal tax returns for pay, online in about 15 minutes or by paper form.License$18.7515 min