How to Get a PTIN

Protect your identity using a PTIN instead of your Social Security number on client's tax paperwork.

A PTIN, short for Preparer Tax Identification Number, is a specialty type of tax identification number used exclusively by tax preparers. Because tax preparers are required to disclose their name and Social Security numbers on each tax return they prepare for customers, the IRS developed PTINs to allow tax preparers to conceal their SSNs for protection while still giving the IRS a way to identify each individual preparer. To get a PTIN, you must be an individual paid tax preparer; tax preparation companies are not eligible to get a PTIN and must use their Employer Identification Number instead.

Instructions

1. Obtain IRS Form W-7P (Application for Preparer Tax Identification Number), which is the application to get a PTIN. Take care to get Form W-7P, and not Form W-7 - the application to get an Individual Tax Identification Number for aliens. You can visit your local IRS office in person to obtain one, or call the IRS toll free helpline to request a form be mailed to your home at 1-800-829-4933, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time (PST for Hawaii and Alaska). You can also download and print the application to get a PTIN from the IRS website.

2. Complete Form W-7P by providing your name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and Social Security number; be sure to provide your signature the bottom. When finished, make a copy of the completed form and retain the copy for your personal records.

3. Submit your application to get a PTIN to the IRS. There are a few ways to do this; mail the original signed Form W-7P to the IRS using the address below:

   Internal Revenue Service
   ATTN: PTIN Operations
   P.O. Box 9020
   Holtsville, NY 11742-9020

   Fax the completed form to get a PTIN at [phone]. You can also complete and submit the entire application to get a PTIN online through the IRS e-services website.

4. Wait to get your PTIN in the mail. Regardless of how you submit your application to get a PTIN, you will receive your new PTIN in the mail within six weeks of submission -- even if you complete Form W-7P online. Until then, you will need to provide your Social Security number when preparing tax returns for clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you get a PTIN, you must disclose your PTIN on every tax return you prepare (with the sole exception of your own -- use your Social Security number, instead) and comply with IRC section 6109(a)(4). Failure to comply could lead to revocation of your PTIN.

• For more tax-related help, check out Regal-Legal.com for all of our tax how-to guides, free tax forms and instructions, tax assistance forum, tax definitions, and more!

References

• IRS: Tax Information for Tax Professionals
• IRS: PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers
• IRS: PTIN Application Checklist: What you need to get started