How to get a PTIN, and how to renew it for 2027
A PTIN is the number the IRS gives paid tax preparers. To get one, create an account at rpr.irs.gov and apply online. The IRS says most first-time applicants finish in about 15 minutes. To renew, log in to the same account. Both cost $18.75 for 2027, and 2027 applications and renewals are open now.
Who needs a PTIN
The IRS says anyone paid to prepare, or help prepare, federal tax returns or claims for refund must have one. All enrolled agents must have one too, so if you plan to become an EA, it's the first step. If you are a preparer with a PTIN but no credential, the Annual Filing Season Program is the IRS's voluntary step up. PTINs can't be shared. Everyone who needs one must get their own.
What it costs
| Way to apply or renew | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online at rpr.irs.gov | $18.75 | About 15 minutes for most first-time applicants |
| Paper Form W-12, mailed | $18.75 | 6 weeks to process |
The fee is $18.75 for 2027. It is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online, you pay by credit, debit or ATM card, or eCheck.
How to apply for the first time
- Gather what you need (listed below).
- Create an account. The IRS says to go to the online PTIN system, click "Create An Account" and follow the prompts. If you have a Social Security number, you sign in with ID.me.
- Register for a PTIN. Once your identity is verified, select "Register for a PTIN."
- Pay the $18.75 fee.
PTINs are issued by calendar year, not tax year. Applications for next year generally open in mid-October.
What to have ready
The IRS checklist lists:
- Your Social Security number.
- Your legal name, mailing address and date of birth.
- Your business name, mailing address and phone number.
- The name, address and filing status from a previous year's individual tax return. The IRS says to use a previous year's return if you filed in the past 8 weeks.
- A credit, debit or ATM card for the fee.
- Details of any U.S. professional credential, such as a CPA, attorney, enrolled agent or state license: certification number, issuing jurisdiction and expiration date.
- An explanation of any felony conviction, or any problem with your individual or business tax obligations, if either applies.
- Your most current personal email address. Most PTIN messages arrive by secure online messaging in your PTIN account.
You don't need last year's AGI.
Paper option: Form W-12
Form W-12 is the paper application, for new PTINs and renewals. The IRS says to mail it with $18.75 to the IRS Tax Pro PTIN Processing Center, PO Box 380638, San Antonio, TX 78268, and that it takes 6 weeks to process. Online is much faster.
How to renew
- Log in to your online PTIN account.
- Select the "Renew my PTIN" tile on the main menu and follow the prompts. You verify your personal information and answer a few questions.
- Pay $18.75 by card or eCheck. You get confirmation that your PTIN is renewed.
Sources: IRS renewal FAQ and renewal checklist. The renewal checklist asks for the same kinds of details as the application, minus your date of birth and prior return. If the renewal option is missing, the IRS says to call the PTIN Information Line.
The deadline, and an expired PTIN
The IRS says all PTINs expire on December 31 of each year, and must be renewed to stay current. It gives no later cutoff. Renewal for the next year opens in mid-October, so the window for 2027 is now through December 31, 2026.
If yours has already expired, the IRS says you must renew for each expired year in which you prepared federal returns for pay or were an enrolled agent. If it has been inactive or expired for more than three years in a row, you submit a new registration instead.
Renewing your PTIN is separate from renewing an EA enrollment, which runs on its own three-year cycle.
Forgot your PTIN or login
- Check your status. It shows in the box at the top right of your PTIN account main menu.
- Forgot your user ID. Most people's user ID is their email address. Otherwise, use "Forgot User ID" on the login page and it is emailed to you. For a forgotten password, use "Forgot Password" for a reset link.
- Linked to ID.me? Use Help.ID.me. If not, call the PTIN Information Line at 877-613-7846, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm Central time.
Name changes take 6 weeks, and the IRS can't take them by fax or phone. More here.
Sources, checked October 27, 2026: IRS: PTIN requirements · IRS: PTIN application checklist · IRS: Accessing your PTIN account · IRS: PTIN renewal checklist · IRS: PTIN application and renewal assistance FAQ · IRS: How do I renew my PTIN? · IRS: How do I register for a PTIN? · IRS: PTIN cost · IRS: PTIN status · IRS: Do I need a PTIN? · IRS: PTIN name change · IRS: Troubleshoot PTIN issues · IRS: About Form W-12. Fees and dates can change, so check the IRS pages before you pay.