Paid Preparers: Renew Your PTIN Before Current Numbers Expire on December 31, 2026
The IRS reminds paid tax return preparers to renew their PTIN for 2027. Here is how to renew online or by mail, and what else the PTIN account offers.
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- IRS source: IRS reminder: Tax professionals should renew their PTINs for 2027
Paid preparers: renew your PTIN before December 31, 2026
The IRS is reminding paid tax return preparers to renew their preparer tax identification number (PTIN) for 2027. Anyone who prepares or helps prepare federal tax returns or claims for refund for compensation must have a valid PTIN. PTINs must be renewed each year, and current PTINs expire December 31, 2026.
Who needs to renew
The requirement applies to anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or refund claims for pay. A PTIN does not renew itself, so check your account before your current number expires. Clients who use a paid preparer may also want to confirm that the preparer has a valid PTIN, since the IRS requires one.
The fastest way: renew online
The IRS says the fastest way to renew is through the online IRS PTIN System. Online renewal generally takes about 15 minutes. To renew:
- Access the PTIN system on IRS.gov.
- Sign in to your PTIN account and select “Renew my PTIN.”
- Review and update your account information.
- Submit the application and pay the $18.75 fee. The fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
After you complete the process, you receive confirmation of your PTIN renewal.
Renewing by mail
Preparers 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, so mailing late leaves less time before the expiration date.
Other things your PTIN account can do
The online PTIN account offers more than renewal. From your account, you can:
- Check your completed continuing education.
- View the number of Form 1040 returns filed using your PTIN.
- Review communications from the IRS Tax Professional Management Office.
- Track your progress in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.
Keep your contact information current so you receive important PTIN communications.
Annual Filing Season Program
Non-credentialed preparers may consider the voluntary Annual Filing Season Program. 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 is on IRS.gov.
Enrolled agents: PTIN renewal is separate
PTIN renewal is separate from enrolled agent 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 January 31, 2027. Enrolled agents should also renew their PTINs for 2027.
This article summarizes IRS news release IR-2026-130, issued November 4, 2026. Check IRS.gov for current steps and requirements before you act.
Informational only, based on the IRS source linked above; not tax or legal advice for a specific situation.