PTIN renewal season begins

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

The nation’s more than 768,000 federal return preparers can now renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers for 2019. All current PTINs expire Dec. 31.

Anyone paid to prepare or help prepare any federal return or claim for refund must have a valid PTIN from the IRS, which they must use as the identifying number on any returns prepared. Failure to have and use a valid PTIN may result in penalties.

For those who have a 2018 PTIN, online renewal takes just a few moments, according to the IRS. Those who cannot remember their user ID and password can find online tools to assist them. First-time registrants can also complete the PTIN application online. There is no fee for obtaining or renewing a PTIN.

Enrolled Agents, regardless of whether they prepare returns, must renew their PTIN annually to maintain their active status.

The paper W-12 is available for paper applications and renewals, and takes four to six weeks to process.