Who is required to obtain a ptin

A PTIN is only required for professional tax preparers that accept payment to prepare tax returns. Individual taxpayers are not required to have a PTIN to file taxes. In general, you need a PTIN if you:. If you're not being paid for tax preparation services, you are not required to have a PTIN, even if someone pays you to file or e-file their return. Sometimes an employee will be asked to help gather information or prepare a tax return for their company as part of their normal duties.

Even though employees are compensated for their time, they are not required to have a PTIN. This is because the employee is not:. You can use the directory to find professional, credentialed tax preparers in your area. The search result will give you the names, credentials, addresses, and distances of all PTIN holders in your area.

The directory does not list all tax return preparers with PTINs; it contains only tax preparers who,. Looking for expert tax help? Any certification information including certification number, jurisdiction of issuance, and expiration date for all certifications you hold including CPA, attorney, enrolled agent, etc.

Applying for a PTIN online takes about 15 minutes. After completing the online PTIN application, most tax preparers will receive their Preparer Tax Identification Number immediately once the application is complete. If desired for your records, print the screens of your PTIN application after you complete them, as the IRS will not email you a copy of your completed application.

PTINs expire on the last day of the year, December Prepares should renew their PTINs before filing tax returns in the new year. The general rule of thumb is if you prepare or assist in preparing federal tax returns and are paid for preparing those returns, you must have a valid PTIN before preparing returns. View this checklist to get started. It is included with all electronic return data transmitted to the IRS. Nearly 80 percent of all individual federal returns are now e-filed and IRS e-file has safely and securely transmitted more than 1 billion tax returns since Providers need an EFIN to electronically file tax returns.

If you don't have one and prepare returns for money, you could be subject to penalties Luckily, it's a relatively painless process to get one. Download MileIQ to start tracking your drives Automatic, accurate mileage reports. Get Started. How to apply for a PTIN? You will need your Social Security Number, personal information, business information, previous year's tax returns, professional certification information and more.

You can pay via credit card or debit card. How have you been tracking your miles?