Everything You Need to Know About PTINS
- The Return Preparer Office (RPO) is issuing PTIN expiration notices to those individuals who had 2011 PTINs but have not renewed them for 2012. The notices were issued on a staggered schedule through Jan. 30. For individuals with online accounts, the notices are delivered to their secure mailbox and an email is sent advising the recipient to check their mailbox. For people without an online account, the notices are sent by regular mail.
- As stated in the letter, beginning Feb. 21 anyone with an expired PTIN is removed from the list of valid PTIN holders until they renew. Any returns they file will be processed, but they can expect a contact if they continue filing returns without renewing.
- All Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) expire on
December 31, 2011, but the system will continue to accept renewals after
the deadline. For anyone who has experienced technical difficulties
when attempting to renew, please review the online troubleshooting tips. Additional guidance will be sent to individuals with expired PTINs in January.
- All paid tax return preparers are required to sign-up with the IRS, pay a registration fee, and obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). If you already have a PTIN, you must still sign-up under the new process--your PTIN number will remain the same.
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- The PTIN fee is currently $63 per individual for 2011 with a reduced fee of $30 for enrolled agents who are already subject to a $125 application and renewal fee. The fee will be the same regardless of whether you are obtaining a PTIN or re-registering an existing PTIN.
- Compensated tax return preparers will be required to renew their PTINs annually. All PTINs will be valid for a calendar year and must be renewed on a calendar year basis. All PTIN holders must renew their numbers using the online PTIN application or paper Form W-12 and pay the required fee ($63 for 2012) after Oct. 15 and before Jan. 1 annually.
- It takes about 15 minutes to sign up online and receive your PTIN. If you use the paper application, it will take 4-6 weeks to process.
- PTIN application and renewal assistance FAQs are on http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=239679,00.html.
- The IRS PTIN information line receives many calls about forgotten User IDs, passwords, and email addresses. Please read the Online Troubleshooting Tips FAQs for guidance with these issues.
