Deadline for PTIN Coming Soon

The deadline to register for or renew your PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) for 2013 is December 31, 2012.  All paid tax preparers must have a PTIN and it must be renewed annually.  This year only, RTRPs (Registered Tax Return Preparers) and prospective RTRPs must verify they have completed, or plan to complete, CPE (Continuing Professional Education) requirements by December 31, though uploading supporting documents is not required. RTRPs must complete 15 hours of continuing education (two hours of ethics, three hours of federal tax law updates, and 10 hours of other federal tax law) by December 31, 2012, and each year that follows.

The renewal fee for a PTIN is $63.  The initial application fee is $64.25.  The process to renew your PTIN online takes about 15 minutes, but you must have your username and password to get started.  Paper renewals take four to six weeks to process.

For information about what you need to get started, review the PTIN Application Process Checklist.  To see a list of frequently asked questions, visit PTIN Application/Renewal Assistance.  And to get started, visit the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System.