WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today the annual fee for 2021 that tax return preparers must pay to apply for or renew their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The agency determined that the full cost to administer the PTIN program going forward is $21 per application or renewal.

Does Ptin cost money?

In T.D. 9903, the IRS issued final regulations reinstituting fees for obtaining and renewing preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs) for tax return preparers in 2021. The new fee is $21 plus a $14.95 fee paid directly to a third party for processing applications and renewals.

What does a PTIN allow you to do?

A Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is a number issued by the IRS to paid tax return preparers. It is used as the tax return preparer’s identification number and, when applicable, must be placed in the Paid Preparer section of a tax return that the tax return preparer prepared for compensation.

Are tax preparers responsible for mistakes?

If your tax preparer makes a mistake resulting in you having to pay additional taxes, penalties or interest, you have to pay these fees — not your tax preparer. Since it is your tax returns, it’s your responsibility.

How long does a PTIN last?

When do I need to renew my PTIN each year? (posted 10/15/20) All PTINs expire on December 31 of each year. PTIN renewal open season begins approximately October 15 each year for the following year. You can renew online by logging into your PTIN account or by submitting a paper Form W-12 with the “Renewal” box checked.

How many PTIN holders are there in the US?

However, the agency does not know how many of those 1 million PTIN holders are still active tax return preparers. Nor, does the agency know how many total tax return preparers there are in the United States. It estimates the number at 900,000 to 1.2 million.

What is the tax preparer identification number ( PTIN )?

The Preparer Tax Identification Number ( PTIN) is an identification number that all paid tax return preparers must use on U.S. federal tax returns or claims for refund submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How much does it cost to get a PTIN?

Most first-time PTIN applicants can obtain a PTIN online in about 15 minutes. The fee is $35.95 and is non-refundable. View this checklist to get started.

How long does it take to get a PTIN from the IRS?

It only takes about 15 minutes to apply for or renew your PTIN online. But if you prefer to use the paper option, Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application (PDF), it will take 4-6 weeks to process.