PTIN Renewals

Reminder to tax return preparers: obtain or renew your PTIN for the 2018 filing season (IR-2017-180, 10/26/17). PTINs obtained for 2017 expire on December 31, 2017. There is no annual fee for the PTIN. A federal district court earlier in 2017 ruled that the IRS has the authority to require PTINs but not to charge for them (Adam Steele, DC-DC, 6/1/17).

Annual filing season program. For preparers who are not attorneys, accountants, or enrolled agents, the voluntary IRS Annual Filing Season Program allows non-credentialed preparers to be listed in the IRS’ public directory of preparers . They must complete 18 hours of continuing education, have a valid 2018 PTIN, and agree to adhere to the requirements under Treasury Department Circular 230.

Note: The government has filed a notice of appeal in the Steele case seeking to reverse the court’s decision about the PTIN fee. Likely the 2018 tax filing season will be well underway before there is any ruling from an appellate court. If the government loses, it may be possible for preparers to obtain tax refunds of prior PTIN fees.