PTIN renewal season opens

Sign in front of IRS building in Washington, D.C.
The IRS building in Washington, D.C.

Preparer Tax Identification Number renewal season has begun, the IRS announced.

Anyone who charges for preparing or assisting in the preparation of federal tax returns must have a valid 2018 PTIN beforehand. All Enrolled Agents must also have a valid PTIN. All PTINs expire on Dec. 31 and must be renewed for the 2018 filing season.

There is no fee for a 2018 PTIN. Applying for or renewing a PTIN takes about 15 minutes online, according to the IRS. Paper applications, Form W-12, take four to six weeks to process.

The IRS temporarily closed the PTIN system earlier this year after losing a lawsuit over registration and renewal fees, but re-opened it a few weeks later with a format that allows preparers to register or renew their PTIN without paying for it.

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