What My IRS Credentials Mean for You (And Why They Matter)

When choosing a financial or tax professional, it’s easy to assume all providers operate under the same standards.

They don’t.

Credentials matter—not because they’re letters behind a name, but because they signal education, accountability, ethical requirements, and the level of authority your advisor holds when working with your finances.

Here’s what you should know about the credentials behind my work—and what they mean for you as a client.

What Is the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?

The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary IRS program for tax return preparers. Preparers who complete it receive an AFSP Record of Completion for that calendar year.

To earn the Record of Completion, a preparer must:

• Complete 18 hours of continuing education each year: a 6-hour federal tax refresher course, 10 hours of federal tax law and 2 hours of ethics

• Pass the refresher course’s knowledge test

• Agree to follow the practice rules in the IRS’s Circular 230

• Hold an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN)

It isn’t required. That’s the point: it shows a preparer chose to keep their federal tax knowledge current every year. Record of Completion holders are also listed in the IRS’s public directory of tax return preparers.

What this means for you:You’re working with someone who actively maintains tax education, follows the IRS’s professional practice standards, and prioritizes accuracy—not shortcuts.

Why AFSP Matters in Real Life (Not Just on Paper)

Tax law evolves constantly. Relying on outdated information—or someone who prepares returns “the same way they always have”—can create costly errors, missed opportunities, or compliance issues down the line.

Holding the Record of Completion means I’m required to:

• Stay current on federal tax changes

• Apply tax law correctly based on your situation

• Prepare filings with accuracy and ethical responsibility

• Maintain professional accountability to the IRS

It also gives me limited rights to represent clients before the IRS on returns I prepared and signed.

In short: your numbers aren’t guessed at—they’re informed.

Enrolled Agent (EA): The Highest Credential Issued by the Treasury

In addition to holding the AFSP Record of Completion, I am currently completing the exams required to become an Enrolled Agent (EA).

An Enrolled Agent is the highest professional credential issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, administered through the IRS.

EAs are federally authorized tax practitioners who:

• Demonstrate advanced mastery of federal tax law

• Have unrestricted rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS

• Can advocate for clients in audits, collections, and appeals

• Are held to strict ethical and continuing education standards

This is not a state-level license or a general certification—it is a federal designation recognized nationwide.

Why I’m Pursuing the Enrolled Agent Credential

My work goes beyond basic bookkeeping or transactional tax prep.

I support business owners—particularly creatives and women-led businesses—who need:

• Strategic guidance, not just reports

• Confidence in compliance

• Someone who understands both numbers and real-world business pressure

• Long-term advisory support as their business evolves

Pursuing the Enrolled Agent credential allows me to deepen that support, expand advocacy capabilities, and provide a higher level of representation and technical expertise for my clients.

The Difference This Makes for Creative Business Owners

As the owner of Ascendance Productions and Le Fête Royale, I’m actively running businesses within the wedding and events industry.

I understand:

• Seasonal and irregular cash flow

• High emotional labor and client-facing demands

• Pricing pressure and margin challenges

• The disconnect creatives often feel with traditional accounting firms

My credentials ensure your finances are handled correctly. My lived experience ensures the advice actually works.

That combination is intentional—and rare.

What You Can Expect as a Client

When you work with me, you’re not outsourcing your finances to a faceless system or a junior preparer.

You’re working with a professional who:

• Holds the IRS AFSP Record of Completion and is pursuing the Enrolled Agent credential

• Invests in ongoing education

• Understands your industry firsthand

• Provides advisory-led financial support—not just clean books

My role is not just to track numbers, but to help you understand them, trust them, and use them to make confident decisions.

Credentials don’t replace relationships—but they do protect them.

They ensure your financial advisor is equipped, informed, and accountable. And as your business grows, that foundation matters more than ever.

If you’re looking for financial guidance rooted in compliance, clarity, and real-world understanding, you’re in the right place.