IRS-Approved Continuing Education for Tax Preparers: GSTTI Courses Through ATP
America's Tax Professionals (ATP) partners with Golden State Tax Training Institute (GSTTI) to give professional tax preparers access to IRS-approved continuing education. GSTTI is an IRS-approved CE provider and a California Tax Education Council (CTEC) approved provider.
Select GSTTI courses qualify for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP); see the current GSTTI catalog for which courses carry AFSP credit. For current course listings, credit hours, and enrollment, visit gstti.com or use the enrollment link below. Credit hour counts and course availability change each year; the current catalog is maintained by GSTTI.
Continuing Education Through an IRS-Approved Provider
GSTTI is listed as an approved continuing education provider by the IRS. This matters because the IRS only accepts CE credits from approved providers toward credential programs such as the Annual Filing Season Program.
For the specific courses currently available, the credit hours assigned to each, and whether a course qualifies for AFSP, CTEC, or both, consult the GSTTI course catalog directly. ATP does not control the course catalog or credit hour assignments; GSTTI does.
View GSTTI's IRS CE provider listingGSTTI Course Subject Areas
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Subject area:
Federal Tax Law Updates
Current-year tax law changes and their impact on return preparation. Required for most CE programs.
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Subject area:
Tax Preparation Topics
Return preparation procedures, client interaction, and professional standards.
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Subject area:
Ethics (Circular 230 Compliance)
Professional conduct standards for tax preparers under IRS Circular 230.
The IRS Annual Filing Season Program
The IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary credential program for non-credentialed tax return preparers. Understanding what AFSP is and is not matters before you enroll. Learn what the IRS Annual Filing Season Program requires and how GSTTI courses qualify.
What AFSP Is
- A voluntary IRS program for non-credentialed return preparers
- Earns a Record of Completion from the IRS upon finishing requirements
- Grants limited representation rights before the IRS
- Requires completion of qualifying CE hours each year
For current AFSP requirements, visit irs.gov/afsp.
What AFSP Is Not
- AFSP is not a mandatory license
- AFSP does not confer CPA, EA, or attorney status
- AFSP does not authorize unlimited IRS representation
- AFSP replaced no prior mandatory program; it exists alongside EA and CPA credentials
Note on prior programs: preparers who have searched for the Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) designation should know that designation was voided by federal courts in 2013 and no longer exists. AFSP is the current IRS voluntary program for non-credentialed preparers.
California CTEC Continuing Education
California tax preparers who are registered with CTEC must complete continuing education each year to maintain their registration. GSTTI is a CTEC-approved provider.
CTEC CE requirements are separate from IRS AFSP requirements. Some GSTTI courses qualify for both; others qualify for one or neither. Check the current GSTTI catalog for CTEC course designations.
For CTEC registration requirements and deadlines, visit ctec.org. California preparers: see the full California CTEC registration guide. Preparers in other states can review CE requirements by state to check their jurisdiction's rules.
ATP's Role: Partner and Access Point
ATP is not the course author or the CE provider. GSTTI authors and delivers the courses; GSTTI issues the CE certificates. ATP's role is as a referral partner that connects its tax preparer clients with GSTTI's enrollment system.
This distinction matters if you are reporting CE hours to the IRS or CTEC: the provider on record is GSTTI, not ATP.
What This Means for You
- CE certificates come from GSTTI, not from ATP
- Course questions, credit questions, and enrollment issues are handled by GSTTI
- ATP can direct you to the right GSTTI contact if needed
How to Enroll
Enrollment is handled directly through GSTTI's system. If you are an existing ATP customer and have questions about which courses apply to your credential situation, call ATP at 224-388-1774 and we will direct you to the appropriate GSTTI resource.
Visit the GSTTI catalog
Go to gstti.com or use the enrollment link on this page to reach the current GSTTI course catalog.
Select your courses
Choose the course or courses that meet your CE requirements. Confirm AFSP or CTEC qualification in the catalog if that matters for your credential.
Enroll through GSTTI
Complete enrollment directly through GSTTI's system. ATP is not part of the enrollment process.
Receive your CE certificate
Upon course completion, GSTTI issues your CE certificate. The provider on record is GSTTI.
Enroll Now
The GSTTI catalog is maintained at gstti.com. Course listings, credit hours, and AFSP or CTEC eligibility are confirmed there.
Browse GSTTI Course CatalogAlso from ATP: TaxWise Software and E-File Services
CE compliance keeps your credential current. TaxWise software is the professional preparation tool. ATP provides both through one office in Buffalo Grove, IL.
Ready to Enroll in CE Courses?
Visit the GSTTI catalog for current course listings, credit hours, and enrollment. Contact ATP if you have questions about which courses apply to your credential situation.