The IRS has announced that the PTIN renewal period is now open. All active return preparers need to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers before the end of the year. (IR 2023-197, 10/24/2023)
Who needs a PTIN?
Anyone who is paid for preparing or helping to prepare a federal tax return or a claim for refund must obtain a PTIN from the IRS. Paid return preparers are required to include their PTIN on any return or refund claim they file with the IRS.
Who needs to renew their PTIN?
Paid return preparers need to renew their PTINs every year. Generally, the renewal period begins in mid-to-late October and ends on December 31. Individuals who will be preparing returns for compensation next year must obtain or renew their PTIN before the December 31 deadline.
Note. Preparers who fail to obtain and to use a PTIN when required may be subject to penalties.
PTIN fees.
For 2024, the fee to renew a PTIN is $19.75 (The IRS gets $11 and $8.75 goes to a third-party contractor). The PTIN fee is nonrefundable.
How to renew.
The best way to renew a PTIN is to use the IRS online process. The online process only takes about 15 minutes to complete and the preparer gets confirmation of their renewal right away.
To renew a PTIN online:
- Start at IRS.gov/taxpros.
- Select the “Renew or Register” button.
- Select “Log in” and enter the user ID and password to access the online PTIN system.
- Select the “Renew my PTIN” button from the main menu.
Once completed, users will receive confirmation of their PTIN renewal.
Note. Paid preparers who don’t want to use the online process can file Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal, to obtain or renew a PTIN. However, the paper form can take approximately six weeks to process, so file it early if renewing this way.
In addition to allowing preparers to obtain and renew their PTIN, the online system allows preparers to:
- Check their continuing education.
- View a summary of the number of filed returns on which their PTIN has appeared in the current year.
- Receive communications through a secure mailbox from the IRS Return Preparer Office.
- Track their progress for participation in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.
For more information about the requirement to use a PTIN, see Checkpoint’s Federal Tax Coordinator ¶ S-1522.1.
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