IRS reminder: Tax professionals should renew their PTINs for 2027

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ISSUE NUMBER: IR-2026-130

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded 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 have a valid preparer tax identification number (PTIN). PTINs must be renewed each year.

How do I renew my PTIN for 2027 and when is the PTIN renewal deadline?

Tax professionals can renew their PTINs now through the IRS PTIN system on IRS.gov. Current PTINs remain valid through Dec. 31, 2026, and must be renewed for the 2027 tax year.

“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.”

What is the fastest way to renew a PTIN?

The fastest way to renew a PTIN is online through the IRS PTIN System. Most PTIN renewals can be completed online in about 15 minutes.

To renew:

  • Access the PTIN system on IRS.gov.
  • Sign in to PTIN account and select “Renew my PTIN.”
  • Review and update account information.
  • Submit the application and pay the $18.75 fee, which is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

After submitting the application and payment, tax professionals receive confirmation that their PTIN renewal has been completed.

Tax professionals who prefer to renew by mail can submit Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal.

Paper applications can take about six weeks to process.

Who needs a PTIN?

Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refund for compensation must have a valid preparer tax identification number. This requirement applies to paid tax return preparers, including enrolled agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and other tax professionals who prepare returns for clients.

What can tax professionals do with a PTIN account?

The IRS online PTIN system offers additional tools and resources beyond PTIN renewal. Tax professionals can use their PTIN accounts to:

Tax professionals should also keep their mailing address, email address and other contact information current to ensure they receive important PTIN and IRS Tax Professional Management Office communications.

Annual Filing Season Program for non-credentialed tax return preparers

Non-credentialed tax return preparers may also consider participating in the voluntary Annual Filing Season Program.

The program can help tax professionals demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional standards, particularly in states that do not require a preparer credential or license.

Preparers who meet the program’s continuing education and other requirements receive a Record of Completion, are included in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications and may have limited representation rights.

More information about continuing education requirements, Record of Completion eligibility and limited representation rights is available through the Annual Filing Season Program on IRS.gov.

Reminder: PTIN renewal is separate from enrolled agent renewal

Enrolled agents must renew their PTINs annually, just like other paid tax return preparers. PTIN renewal is a separate requirement from enrolled agent enrollment renewal.

Enrolled agents whose Social Security numbers end in 7, 8, or 9, as well as those without an SSN, are in the current enrollment renewal cycle, which runs through Jan. 31, 2027. Enrolled agents in this group must submit their enrollment renewal by Jan. 31, 2027, to maintain their enrolled agent status.

Enrolled agents should ensure they complete both their enrolled agent renewal requirements and their 2027 PTIN renewal, if applicable.

Disclaimer:

The content of this article has been adapted from the original IRS publication, “IRS reminder: Tax professionals should renew their PTINs for 2027” and revised for enhanced search engine visibility and Q&A search compatibility. The underlying information and guidance remain unchanged.