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PTIN Help Page

Updating your PTIN should be easy but it isn't always. There are lots of questions, and the wording isn't always as clear as it could be. Follow the Step by Step instructions below and you should be on the right track. These are just general instructions, and meant for those who only prepare and e-file Form 2290. If you prepare any other federal tax forms, these may not be the best instructions for you.


The Steps in a Nut Shell

  • Step 1 - Go to the IRS Website and Login
  • Step 2 - Forgotten Password
  • Step 3 - Renew Your PTIN
  • Step 4 - Gather Your Information
  • Step 5 - Personal Information Review
  • Step 6 - Professional Credentials
  • Step 7 - Supervised Preparer
  • Step 8 - Tax Compliance
  • Step 9 - 1040 Filer
  • Step 10 - Felony Question
  • Step 11 - Review and Sign your Application
  • Step 12 - Pay the Annual Fee
  • Step 13 - Check Your Email for Confirmatio

Call the IRS directly with your questions:

Primary Toll-Free: 877-613-PTIN (7846)

TTY: 877-613-3686

Toll Number for International Callers: +1 915-342-5655

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CST)

A Quick Note Before We Start

The IRS understands that Trucking is different from other industries, and while they do still require a PTIN, they have made their requirements as easy as possible. You can check out the IRS FAQ's for yourself any time, but currently the IRS PTIN Requirement for anyone who prepares and e-files Form 2290 is as follows.


IRS.gov, Frequently Asked Questions: Do I Need a PTIN? Section b. PTIN Scenarios Question 11. Our company prepares Forms 2290 for our clients. It is the only federal tax form we prepare. Are our employees subject to any of the new regulations? (revised 2/7/13)


"Yes, any individual who receives compensation for preparing Forms 2290 is required to register with the IRS and obtain a PTIN." Roughly Translated: If the only Federal Tax Form you prepare is Form 2290, then you are required to get a PTIN. Renew annually and then get about the rest of your life! My step by step instructions below are designed for people who fit into this specific IRS Scenerio. If you prepare other Federal tax forms, my instructions may not be right for you. It's always important to read IRS instructions very carefully and answer the question to the best of your understanding

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Step 1 - Go to the IRS website and Login

Start at IRS.gov. Click on "Tax Pros"Then click on the "PTIN Open Season" link and it will take you to the PTIN login page where you can enter your User ID and Password.

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Step 2 - Forgotten Password

If you have forgotten your user name and/or password (like I do every year!) Then use the "Forgot User ID" and "Forgot Password" links. They will email all of your information to you. The email comes from TaxPro_PTIN@irs.gov but IRS Computers are slow so give your email 5-10 minutes to show up.

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Step 3 - Renew Your PTIN

Once logged in, you'll have some options. I chose to renew my PTIN because I didn't need to do any of the other things, but there are lots of options on this page. Be sure that you explore this account when you have some free time.

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Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

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Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

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Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

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Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

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Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

Back to top

Step 4 - Gather Your Information

Make sure you have all the items to the left so that you're ready to go!! Once you start your application, you will be timed, so it's important to have everything ready! As you can see, it's mostly easy stuff that you probably already have at the tip of your tongue. When you're ready, click "Next" to start your application.

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