For this reason, many CTEC tax preparers are wondering whether they really need to obtain this IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) credential, and many CTEC tax preparers have chosen to completely blow off the AFSP as an unnecessary set of letters that isn't mandatory, doesn't provide you with any real value, and isn't worth getting. However, completing the AFSP by the deadline affords you certain rights to represent your clients in front of the IRS. Read on for the details of these rights.