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Global Desk The IRS has said that the 2026 PTIN renewal is now open. In the U.S., more than 800,000 people are paid to prepare tax returns for others. To do this job, they must have a special number called a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). They also need to renew this number every year.The IRS said, “A PTIN must be obtained by all enrolled agents, as well as all tax return preparers who are compensated for preparing, or assisting in the preparation of, all or substantially all of any U.S. federal tax return, claim for refund, or other tax form submitted to the IRS.”PTIN renewal deadline and feesThere are some exceptions for specific tax forms. You can find more details on the IRS website. Anyone who prepares or helps prepare federal tax returns or refund claims for money must have a valid PTIN. They also need to write this number on every return or claim they file with the IRS, according to CPA Practice Advisor.PTINs are valid only for one year. PTINs expire on December 31 of the year they are given. All 2025 PTINs will end on December 31, 2025. Tax preparers must renew them before that date to work in the 2026 tax season. The cost to renew or get a new PTIN for 2026 is $18.75, and this fee cannot be refunded.How to renew PTIN online and offlineThe IRS is encouraging tax professionals to renew their PTINs online because the process takes less than 15 minutes. To renew online, tax pros should go to IRS.gov/taxpros, click on “Renew or Register,” log in with their user ID and password, and then click “Renew my PTIN” from the main menu. Live EventsOnce the process is complete, applicants will receive confirmation that their PTIN has been renewed. There is also a paper option available. Tax preparers can use Form W-12, IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal PDF, but this process can take up to six weeks to finish. The online PTIN system can also be used by tax professionals to check their completed continuing education credits. Continuing education credits from CPA Practice Advisor’s Ensuring Success online conference, held on December 10–11, 2025, are free for attendees. The online PTIN system also lets users see how many 1040 returns were filed using their PTIN. Tax professionals can review messages from the IRS Return Preparer Office through the same system. They can also track their progress in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program using the PTIN account. A new feature has been added for 2026 — the IRS PTIN System now uses ID.me, a secure sign-in and identity verification service. ID.me helps verify the identity of users and keeps the login process safe.Tax preparers who have a Social Security number will be automatically directed to ID.me for identity verification and login. Those who do not already have an ID.me account must create one to access the IRS PTIN system. Tax preparers who do not have a Social Security number will continue to use their current sign-in process. The IRS is reminding all tax professionals to renew their PTINs before December 31, 2025, to make sure they can continue working legally in the 2026 tax season. FAQsQ1. When is the deadline to renew PTIN for 2026?The deadline to renew your PTIN for 2026 is December 31, 2025, according to the IRS.Q2. How much does it cost to renew a PTIN for 2026?The renewal fee is $18.75, and it is non-refundable, as per the IRS update.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onIRSirs approves direct depositPTIN renewal 2026IRS PTIN deadlinetax preparer renewal 2026IRS ID.me loginPTIN renewal onlineIRS tax professional updatePTIN renewal fee 2026how to renew PTIN (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onIRSirs approves direct depositPTIN renewal 2026IRS PTIN deadlinetax preparer renewal 2026IRS ID.me loginPTIN renewal onlineIRS tax professional updatePTIN renewal fee 2026how to renew PTIN(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123
