IRS Opens PTIN Renewal Period for 800,000 Tax Preparers Ahead of 2026

Washington, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service has announced that more than 800,000 paid tax preparers in the United States can now renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) for the 2026 tax season. The renewal period opened this week, providing necessary updates for tax professionals ahead of the upcoming filing season.

Tax preparers are legally required to hold valid PTINs to prepare and submit federal tax returns for compensation. All individuals who prepare or assist with tax returns must include their PTIN on every submission made to the IRS. It is also essential for enrolled agents to renew their PTINs to maintain active status.

The IRS has set the expiration date for the current PTINs for the 2025 tax year as December 31, 2025. The fee for renewing or obtaining a new PTIN for 2026 is $18.75, which is non-refundable, and payments can be completed online.

Renewing a PTIN online is expected to take less than 15 minutes. However, for those who prefer to submit their renewal via mail using Form W-12, the IRS warns that processing could take up to six weeks.

In addition to the renewal process, the IRS is implementing new security measures for the 2026 tax season. Tax preparers with a Social Security number will be required to use a third-party identity verification service called ID.me to access the PTIN renewal system. Preparers without an SSN will retain access through the traditional login method.

An IRS spokesperson stated, “The Internal Revenue Service today reminds the more than 800,000 paid tax preparers that preparer tax identification numbers must be renewed annually, and the 2026 renewal period is now open.” Failing to file with a current PTIN can result in penalties under Internal Revenue Code section 6695, as well as compliance repercussions.

Tax professionals are advised to start the renewal process early to mitigate any potential technical issues or delays, especially given the new multi-factor authentication requirements.