The Internal Revenue Service today reminded paid tax return preparers to renew their preparer tax identification number for 2027.
Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refund for compensation must have a valid preparer tax identification number (PTIN). PTINs must be renewed each year, and current PTINs expire Dec. 31, 2026.
“The PTIN program helps the IRS identify legitimate paid preparers and reinforces the responsibility that comes with preparing federal tax returns,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “ IRS appreciates the time and effort that tax practitioners take each year to comply with the requirement to renew or obtain a PTIN.”
Renew PTINs online
The fastest way to renew a PTIN is online through the IRS PTIN System. Online renewal generally takes about 15 minutes.
To renew:
- Access the PTIN system on IRS.gov.
- Sign in to PTIN account and select “Renew my PTIN.”
- Review and update account information.
- Submit the application and pay the $18.75 fee, which is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Once completed, applicants receive confirmation of their PTIN renewal.
Tax professionals who prefer to renew by mail can submit Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal. Paper applications can take about six weeks to process.
Other PTIN account features
The online PTIN system offers more than renewal. Tax professionals can use their accounts to:
- Check their completed continuing education.
- View the number of Form 1040 returns filed using their PTIN.
- Review communications from the IRS Tax Professional Management Office.
- Track their progress in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program.
Tax professionals should also keep their contact information current to ensure they receive important PTIN communications.
Annual Filing Season Program
Non-credentialed tax return preparers may also consider participating in the voluntary Annual Filing Season Program. Preparers who meet the program’s continuing education and other requirements receive a Record of Completion, are included in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications and may have limited representation rights. More information is available through the Annual Filing Season Program on IRS.gov.
Reminder for enrolled agents
PTIN renewal is separate from enrolled agent renewal. Enrolled agents whose Social Security numbers end in 7, 8, or 9, as well as those without an SSN, are in the current enrollment renewal cycle, which runs through Jan. 31, 2027. Enrolled agents should also renew their PTINs for 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2027 IRS PTIN Renewal
Anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or claims for refund for compensation must hold a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Because PTINs are issued on a calendar-year basis, all current 2026 PTINs expire on December 31, 2026, and must be renewed before you prepare any paid returns in 2027.
The 2027 PTIN renewal fee is $18.75 ($10 IRS application fee plus $8.75 payable to the third-party system contractor). This fee is nonrefundable, nontransferable, and applies individually to each preparer rather than per firm.
You have two renewal options:
Online (Fastest): Sign in to the IRS PTIN System on IRS.gov (using ID.me credentials if you have a Social Security number), select “Renew my PTIN,” verify your details, and submit the $18.75 payment. Online renewal takes about 15 minutes and provides immediate confirmation.
By Mail: File paper Form W-12 (IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number Application and Renewal) with a check or money order. Paper applications take approximately six weeks to process.
Yes. PTIN renewal and Enrolled Agent enrollment renewal are separate processes. EAs must renew their PTIN every year by December 31—even if they do not prepare tax returns—to maintain active EA status. Additionally, EAs whose Social Security numbers end in 7, 8, or 9 (or who have no SSN) are in the active enrollment renewal cycle, which runs through January 31, 2027.
Your online PTIN account acts as a central compliance dashboard where you can:
Check completed continuing education (CE) credits.
Track your progress toward an Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Record of Completion (which grants non-credentialed preparers limited representation rights and inclusion in the IRS public directory).
View the total number of Form 1040 returns filed under your PTIN.
Read official secure messages from the IRS Tax Professional Management Office.
Suresh holds a Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree and is a dedicated personal finance researcher and writer. Combining his advanced academic background in commerce with deep industry research, he covers complex topics like taxation, banking systems, credit analysis, and personal finance strategies. As the founder of Tax Assistant (taxassistant.org), Suresh is committed to translating complicated financial guidelines and economic data into simple, accurate, and actionable educational resources for everyday readers.
