Deadline Approaches for New Tax Return Preparer Number Registration

Under new final regulations issued by the IRS under Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code, all tax return preparers must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The PTIN must be obtained by tax return preparers with respect to all U.S. tax returns or claims for refund filed after Dec. 31, 2010. To obtain a PTIN, a tax return preparer must be an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or “registered tax return preparer” authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. A new PTIN must be obtained even if the tax return preparer had been assigned a PTIN prior to the promulgation of these new regulations.

Prior to the new regulations (Treas. Reg.§ 1.6109-2), individuals who prepared tax returns were required to furnish either their Social Security number or PTIN on the tax returns or refund claims they prepared and signed. Moreover, obtaining a PTIN was a mere administrative task with no substantive qualification requirements. Commencing in 2011, furnishing the tax preparer’s Social Security number or previously issued PTIN will not be acceptable.