CFPs Can Now Earn CE Credits Under IRS Tax Prep Programs

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards said Tuesday that CFPs can now earn continuing education credits when volunteering for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offered by the Internal Revenue Service’s free tax preparation program.

These CE credits can now be reported to meet CFP Board CE requirements, and candidates for CFP certification are also eligible to report volunteer hours to help fulfill their experience requirement, the Board said.

“We are very pleased to have the IRS as a partner in offering the VITA/TCE program for continuing education opportunities,” said Elizabeth Stewart, CFP Board’s chief operating officer, in a statement. “This cooperative arrangement will benefit financial planning firms, our CFP professionals, candidates for CFP certification and the communities they serve.”

CFP volunteers can earn CE credits by completing the required tax law certifications and serving as an IRS tax law-certified volunteer instructor, tax return preparer, and/or quality reviewer in the VITA or TCE Program, the Board explained.

However, individuals interested in volunteering and earning CE credits should refer to the IRS Fact sheet for all requirements.