IRS PTIN Information

Anyone preparing or helping prepare federal tax returns for pay must have a valid Preparers Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

PTIN applications and renewals for coming tax seasons become available through the IRS website traditionally in the middle to the end of October. Be aware and cautious that PTINs are issued and valid for a calendar year and expire annually on December 31st.

General requirements for obtaining a PTIN are that an individual must have a Social Security Number and must have filed a tax return in at least one of the prior two (2) preceding years. The new PTIN fee established for annual PTIN renewal for 2021 is $35.95.

The IRS created and maintains an online account for PTIN holders. You can create an online PTIN account or log into an existing account by visiting the IRS website at https://rpr.irs.gov/datamart/login.do

We highly suggest registering and/or renewing your PTIN via the IRS’s website, but if you prefer they do offer a paper application option. This PTIN application/renewal option will take approximately 4-6 weeks to process and is done via completing and submitting via mail form W-12, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw12.pdf