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IRS reminder: Tax professionals should renew their PTINs for 2027

 

IR-2026-130, Nov. 4, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded paid tax return preparers to renew their preparer tax identification number 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, and current PTINs expire Dec. 31, 2026. 

“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.”

Renew PTINs online

The fastest way to renew a PTIN is online through the IRS PTIN System. Online renewal generally takes 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.

Once completed, applicants receive confirmation of their PTIN renewal. 

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. 

Other PTIN account features

The online PTIN system offers more than renewal. Tax professionals can use their accounts to: 

Tax professionals should also keep their contact information current to ensure they receive important PTIN communications. 

Annual Filing Season Program 

Non-credentialed tax return preparers may also consider participating in 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 available through the Annual Filing Season Program on IRS.gov.

Reminder for enrolled agents

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 Jan. 31, 2027. Enrolled agents should also renew their PTINs for 2027.