The Internal Revenue Service says individuals must renew preparer tax identification numbers on a calendar-year basis, part of a number of issues addressed by the agency as it sets the rules for the regulation of professional preparers. The IRS set fees for PTIN applications and spelled out the forms that must be used while stating that an education requirement will go into effect next year. It is also requiring fingerprinting of those who have provisional PTINs.IRS Notice 2011-80 says that PTIN holders must renew via an online application or paper Form W-12 and pay a fee after October 15 and before January 1 each year. The fee for 2012 is $64.25.
The IRS said it would continue issuing provisional PTINs through at least April 18. Once it stops issuing these, preparers who are covered by the rules must complete a competency test and suitability requirements before obtaining a PTIN. Those covered by the requirements are paid preparers who are not attorneys, CPAs or enrolled agents.
A 15-hour continuing education requirement for these preparers takes effect in 2012. Registered Tax Return Preparers and individuals who must pass a competency examination before Dec. 31, 2013, must complete this requirement before renewing PTINs for 2013. Those who already have provisional PTINs must provide fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, although those who live and are employed outside this country will not be required to submit fingerprints.
The IRS proposes $33 as its portion of the fingerprinting fee and $27 for its portion of the testing fee. These would be in addition to fees charged by third-party vendors that administer the programs. The IRS expects total fees will range between $60 and $90 for fingerprinting and $100 and $125 for testing.
