It’s PTIN Renewal Season! Are You Ready?

December 8, 2022

In late October, the IRS announced that it was time for all tax preparers to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers. Here’s a quick guide to the PTIN from the experts at IRS Solutions – what it is, why you need one, and everything you need to know about PTIN renewal – along with information about some other critical IRS identification numbers.

What is a PTIN?

The PTIN is an identification number that the IRS issues to professional tax preparers such as Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Enrolled Agents (EA).

PTIN System Enhancements

The IRS rolled out some enhancements and upgrades to the online PTIN renewal system this year. The agency has announced that the enhancements you can expect include the following:

The system is now mobile responsive/mobile friendly, so you can access it conveniently with your smartphone or tablet.
A dynamic new system design adapts based on your responses and guides you to the correct application.
Paid preparers can renew/register for multiple calendar years at one time, taking one thing off your to-do list.
Webchat agents are now available for assistance with PTIN account questions.

Do I Need Any Other IRS ID Numbers?

Anyone in practice working with tax resolution clients must be identified by a Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number. The Centralized Authorization File (CAF) is a database that the Internal Revenue Service uses to manage information regarding professionals appointed to act on behalf of others. The CAF number identifies the file containing any legal authorizations filed by a particular tax resolution professional. Getting a CAF number is easy and there are 2 way to secure this number

The quickest way to secure your CAF Number is to go to the Tax Pro Account site that lets tax professionals request and receive their CAF numbers completely online with no waiting and no forms to fill out. https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/tax-pro-account

To get your CAF number, you will need to use ID.me to verify your identity. https://id.me/

If you don’t have a Tax Pro account yet, it’s easy to sign up for one. Visit the Tax Pro Account page and click the “Log in to Tax Pro Account” button. You can then create an account or sign into an existing account.

Once logged in to your Tax Pro Account, you can use the “Get One Now” link to request your CAF number. If your request is completed, you will receive a success message that displays your CAF number.

If you experience issues with requesting your CAF number or lose your CAF number, you can call the Practitioner Priority Service for assistance.

Another way to have a CAF Number assigned to you is to mail or fax in a Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) for your first client. When prompted for your CAF number, write “none” on the form and in a couple of weeks, the IRS will mail your CAF Number to you.

Paid preparers who file more than 10 tax returns for clients each year also need an IRS Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). This ID is required if you use IRS e-file to file tax returns on behalf of clients. The EFIN is issued once and does not require renewal. You can get an EFIN by completing the IRS e-file Application to become an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. There is no fee to obtain an EFIN.

Unlike PTINs, EFINs are not specific to individuals. Instead, one ID covers you and anyone working in your practice. However, you will have to update your file within 30 days when changes occur at your firm. If you don’t make the required updates within 30 days, your EFIN can be inactivated, and you may have to file for a new one. These necessary updates include:

Staff changes in your tax preparation department.
Address or contact information changes for tax preparers working at your practice.
Changes in the principal (the person authorized to act as your business’s authorized representative in tax and legal matters) that you listed on your original application.
Additions to or changes in other responsible officials that you listed on your application.
Business address additions or changes (each location requires its own EFIN).
The sale or closure of your business.

This is all in addition to your Taxpayer Identification Numbers such as your Employer Identification Number and Social Security Number. Fortunately, you’re a tax professional and numbers are your thing!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Stone

Founder and President

After years of working as an IRS Officer, David changed sides and became an Enrolled Agent. In 2011, he used his experience to create IRS Solutions, a fully integrated system that incorporates all the tools that tax resolution pros need to streamline cases.

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It’s PTIN Renewal Season! Are You Ready?

What is a PTIN?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Stone

Founder and President

Sign up for the Newsletter:

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