IRS Reminds Tax Professionals to Renew PTINs for 2027
The Internal Revenue Service issued a reminder on November 4 (IR-2026-130) urging paid tax return preparers to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for 2027. Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refund for compensation must hold a valid PTIN; current PTINs expire on December 31, 2026, and must be renewed every year.
The IRS said the fastest way to renew is online through the IRS PTIN System, which generally takes about 15 minutes: sign in, select "Renew my PTIN," review and update account information, then submit the application and pay the $18.75 fee, which is nonrefundable and nontransferable; applicants then receive confirmation of the renewal. Preparers who prefer paper can file Form W-12 by mail, which can take about six weeks to process. The online PTIN account also lets professionals check completed continuing education, view the number of Form 1040 returns filed under their PTIN, review Tax Professional Management Office communications, and track progress in the Annual Filing Season Program.
"The PTIN program helps the IRS identify legitimate paid preparers and reinforces the responsibility that comes with preparing federal tax returns," said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "IRS appreciates the time and effort that tax practitioners take each year to comply with the requirement to renew or obtain a PTIN."
(Source: Internal Revenue Service)
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国国税局总部大楼（华盛顿）。Carol M. Highsmith 摄，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Internal Revenue Service Building in Washington. Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
