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The cost of a preparer tax identification number is going down slightly again this year.
The IRS Return Preparer Office conducted a biennial review of the PTIN user fee in 2025 and determined that the full cost of issuing or renewing a PTIN should be reduced from $11 to $10, plus $8.75 payable directly to a third-party contractor.
This newly established $10 user fee will be effective for the start of the next PTIN renewal cycle beginning on Oct. 16, 2025. The PTIN fee is non-refundable. Failure to have and to use a valid PTIN may result in penalties.
The IRS projects that over 900,000 individuals will apply for an initial or renewal PTIN during each of the next three PTIN renewal cycles.
The Treasury and the IRS are also inviting comments and requests for a public hearing on the notice of proposed rulemaking by Oct. 30, 2025. Commentors are encouraged to use the Federal e-Rulemaking portal to submit comments (indicate “IRS” and “REG-108673-25”). Requests for a public hearing must be submitted as prescribed in the “Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing” section. Paper submissions should be sent to: CC:PA:01:PR (REG-108673-25), Room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, D.C. 20044.
Anyone who prepares or helps prepare a federal return or claim for refund for compensation must have a valid PTIN from the IRS and needs to include the PTIN as their identifying number on any return or claim for refund filed with the IRS. All Enrolled Agents must also have a valid PTIN to maintain their active status.
PTINs expire on Dec. 31 of the calendar year for which they are issued. Paid tax return preparers and EAs, who need to apply for an initial PTIN or renew a PTIN expiring on Dec. 31, 2025, should use the online portal, which takes about 15 minutes to complete.
A paper option, Form W-12, “IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal,” along with the instructions, are also available for PTIN applications and renewals. However, the paper form can take about six weeks to process.
