01
Complete your intake.
Use the Service Bureau form to provide your business details and begin the enrollment process.
The Service Bureau Opportunity
Build beyond your office.
Lead your own network.
A service bureau business supports tax offices with software access, operational systems, and a plan for growing a professional network.
Understand the Model
What is a
service bureau?
In the tax industry, a service bureau commonly acts as a software distribution and business support hub for other tax offices.
Instead of building revenue only through the returns prepared in your own office, you develop relationships with tax professionals and support a network through the services in your agreement.
Your responsibilities may include recruiting offices, coordinating software setup, organizing onboarding, providing training, and managing partner communication.
A Bigger Business Model
From running an office
to building the infrastructure
for a network.
This model takes more than reselling a login. It takes clear offers, documented processes, dependable support, and leadership.
Know the Difference
An ERO operates an office.
A service bureau supports a network.
| Business focus | ERO / Tax Office | Service Bureau |
|---|---|---|
| Primary activity | Preparing and originating client tax returns. | Distributing software and supporting partner offices under provider agreements. |
| Daily systems | Client intake, preparation, filing, and office operations. | Partner enrollment, software setup, training, support, and network operations. |
| Revenue model | Tax preparation and related client services. | Contracted software, service, or network fees; terms vary by provider and agreement. |
A service bureau arrangement does not replace an office’s IRS e-file authorization or its own EFIN requirements. Your agreement determines the software, services, fees, and support included.
Build the Foundation
What your bureau
needs to run.
A professional network needs a professional backend. Start with the systems that make your offer clear and your partners’ experience consistent.
- A defined offer — know who you serve and what your partners receive.
- Software relationships — understand access, licensing, fees, and provider terms.
- Enrollment systems — connect intake, agreements, payments, and onboarding.
- Training & support — set clear expectations and dependable communication.
- A growth plan — recruit with intention and track network performance.
Your Next Move
Start with the right structure.
02
Review your agreement.
Confirm the current pricing, software terms, responsibilities, and support included in your offer.
03
Build your operations.
Move into the onboarding steps for your bureau and establish how you will enroll and support partners.
Ready to build your bureau?
Start your Service Bureau intake with Tax Boss Suite.
Tax Boss Suite · CE Credits
Education for your season.
Opportunity for your brand.
Complete your own continuing education or offer a branded CE experience to your team. Choose the route that fits your next move.
For the Individual Tax Professional
Individual
18-Hour CE Course
Complete the continuing education designed for eligible, non-exempt preparers pursuing the Annual Filing Season Program education requirement.
- 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and test
- 10 hours of federal tax law
- 2 hours of ethics
- Course access for your individual learning
View current pricing and course terms at checkout.
For EROs & Service Bureaus
White-Label
CE Platform
Bring a professionally branded continuing education platform to your tax business and offer education to your team or eligible tax professionals.
- CE platform branded for your business
- 20 course seats included
- Assign or sell seats to eligible tax professionals
- Set your own seat pricing
- Additional seats available separately
View current pricing, fulfillment, and seat terms at checkout.
Know Your Education Path
CE is the education.
AFSP is the program.
The Annual Filing Season Program is voluntary. Completing a CE course is one part of earning its Record of Completion.
Non-exempt preparers generally need 18 CE hours, including the AFTR course and test. Exempt preparers have a different 15-hour requirement.
- Complete the applicable education by December 31.
- Obtain or renew your PTIN for the upcoming filing year.
- Complete the required IRS consent step for your Record of Completion.
- Review the course provider’s eligibility and credit-reporting instructions.
Offering white-label education does not make your business an IRS-approved CE provider. Verify the delivering provider and course details before promoting credits.
Before You Choose
A few things to know.
Which option is for me?
Choose the individual course when you need education for yourself. Choose the white-label platform when you want to offer course seats through your business brand.
Is the AFTR course the same as 18 hours of CE?
No. The AFTR is the 6-hour refresher course and test. The general non-exempt AFSP education requirement also includes 10 hours of federal tax law and 2 hours of ethics.
Does buying the course give me an AFSP Record of Completion?
No. You must complete the applicable course and test requirements, hold a valid PTIN for the upcoming year, and complete the IRS consent process.
Can I purchase more white-label seats?
Yes. The current white-label offer includes 20 course seats, with additional seats available separately. Contact [email protected] for current seat terms.
Have a question about CE?
Let’s help you find the right education route.