IRS Lowers PTIN Fees for Tax Preparers

The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday that federal tax preparers will soon pay less for a preparer tax identification number, or PTIN, and reminded non-credentialed tax preparers of major upcoming changes regarding which preparers can represent clients in matters before the IRS, starting next year. Effective Nov. 1, 2015, the annual fee for 2016 PTINs will be $50 for both new applications and renewals. The IRS will collect $33 as a user fee to support program costs and a third-party vendor will receive $17 to operate the online system and provide customer support. In preparation for the fee change, PTIN open season, which normally begins in mid-October, will begin in early November. PTIN open season is when the IRS begins accepting renewals and new registrations for the upcoming year. Federal agencies are required to review user fees every other year and make adjustments as appropriate. The current PTIN fee is $64.25 for a new registration and $63 for renewal. Source: www.accountingtoday.com