Preparers of federal returns must renew Preparer Tax Identification Numbers that expire Dec. 31.
Anyone who prepares or helps prepare a federal tax return or claim for refund for compensation must have a valid 2018 PTIN from the IRS. The PTIN must be used as the identifying number on prepared returns. Enrolled agents, regardless of whether they prepare returns, must also have a PTIN to maintain their status.
Those with a 2017 PTIN can renew online at
Paper applications and renewals take four to six weeks to process.