Paid tax return preparers with a PTIN expiring on Dec. 31, 2023, need to renew their PTIN with the online renewal process. It takes about 15 minutes to renew online.
Anyone who’s paid to prepare or helps prepare any U.S. federal tax return or a claim for refund must have a valid PTIN from the IRS. All 2023 PTINs will expire Dec. 31, 2023. The non-refundable fee to get or renew a PTIN is $19.75 for 2024.
While it is faster to renew online, paid tax return preparers can also renew their PTINs with Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application and Renewal. It can take up to six weeks to process paper applications and renewals.
Renew a PTIN online
To renew online with IRS.gov/taxpros:
Select the “Renew or Register” button.
Login with a user ID and password.
Select “Renew my PTIN” from the main menu.
Apply for a PTIN online
To apply online as a first-time applicant with IRS.gov/taxpros:
Select the “Renew or Register” button.
Select “Create an Account” and follow the prompts to get a temporary password.
Login with the user ID and emailed temporary password and follow the steps.
Select “Register for a PTIN” from the main menu.
Enrolled agent credential
The enrolled agent credential is an IRS certification for tax professionals who demonstrate special competence in federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation and representation matters. Enrolled agents have unlimited rights to practice before the IRS, which allow them to represent any client on any tax matter.
Program for non-credentialed tax return preparers
The IRS encourages non-credentialed tax return preparers to take continuing education courses to increase their knowledge and improve their filing season readiness.
Non-credentialed tax return preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program get educational credits, and the IRS includes them in a directory of return preparers on the IRS website. Taxpayers can use the IRS directory to find tax return preparers in their area who have completed the program or hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS. The Annual Filing Season Program is voluntary for tax return prepares who aren’t enrolled agents, attorneys or CPAs.
More information:
PTIN Requirements for Tax Professionals
Treasury Department Circular 230, Regulations Governing Practice before the Internal Revenue Service
