The IRS this week opened the 2026 renewal process for preparer tax identification numbers (PTIN), which the nation’s more than 800,000 tax preparers are required to renew annually.
By law, anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refunds for compensation must have a valid PTIN and include it on all returns and claims filed with the IRS.
Also, all enrolled agents, regardless of whether they prepare tax returns, must renew PTINs annually to maintain their active status. Enrolled agents are licensed at the federal government level and include attorneys who represent taxpayers before the IRS.
PTINs expire on Dec. 31 of the calendar year for which they are issued. All 2025 PTINs will expire on Dec. 31, 2025.
The nonrefundable fee to renew or obtain a PTIN remains $18.75 for 2026.
The IRS encourages tax professionals to renew online, a process that takes less than 15 minutes. A paper renewal option is available, using Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal PDF, but it can take six weeks for processing to be completed.
Tax pros can also use the online PTIN system to:
- Check their completed continuing education.
- View the number of 1040 returns filed using their PTIN.
- Review communications from the IRS Return Preparer Office.
- Track their progress for participation in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.
The IRS Tax Professional PTIN System now uses a new, secure sign-in option: ID.me. ID.me is a trusted technology provider of identity verification and sign-in services, for taxpayers to securely access IRS tools. Tax preparers that do not have an ID.me will need to create one to access the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System.
