{"id":57254,"date":"2021-06-02T14:49:44","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T19:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=57254"},"modified":"2021-06-03T11:32:53","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T16:32:53","slug":"ptin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/tax-preparation-and-services\/ptin\/","title":{"rendered":"IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN): Why it\u2019s important your tax pro have one"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acronyms and jargon are common when it comes to taxes. After all, it\u2019s a technical subject matter. In this post, we\u2019ll define the acronym PTIN \u2013 including \u201cwhat is a PTIN number?\u201d, as well as why it\u2019s important and how to conduct a PTIN lookup. Let\u2019s dig in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a PTIN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

First, we\u2019ll answer \u201cwhat is a PTIN?\u201d PTIN is short for Preparer Tax Identification Number. It\u2019s issued by the IRS to federal tax return preparers. Tax professionals who file federal tax returns and are compensated for it should include their PTIN on each return. If you\u2019re filing taxes online (on your own), you don\u2019t need a PTIN. This includes filing a joint return, returns for friends and family, any return filed through a volunteer position, or even if you file someone else\u2019s tax return, assuming you weren\u2019t being paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodically, an employee will prepare a tax return for their company. In this case, they don\u2019t need a PTIN. This is because the employee isn\u2019t paid for their services exclusively in tax preparation or required to sign the return. The company\u2019s officer or treasurer should sign the return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an example of the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A PTIN is an eight-digit number preceded by the letter \u201cP\u201d and looks like this: P12345678.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is an IRS PTIN important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re legally responsible for what\u2019s on your tax return, so you want to make sure you choose a trusted and professional tax preparer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a PTIN lookup<\/a>, a public online directory, to find tax pros with a PTIN by: zip code (250 mile radius), additional credentials (Enrolled Agent or Certified Public Accountant), or last name. The search results will display registered tax pros with a PTIN and an additional professional designation recognized by the IRS within your search parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PTIN requirements and tax expertise at H&R Block<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having a PTIN isn\u2019t the only thing you should look for when choosing a tax pro, however. In fact, tax preparers have differing levels of expertise, skills, education, and qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At H&R Block, all of our tax pros have a PTIN\u2014and some of our pros are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)<\/a> or Enrolled Agents (EAs).<\/a> You can find out more about the difference between those designations in our CPA vs EA post<\/a>, but for a quick definition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n