IRS PTIN System Online Again

The IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) system was restored online effective February 2, 2013.  It had been "down" after January 18, 2013, due to litigation in federal court.  See: PA EE&F Law Blog posting IRS PTIN Registration System is "Down" (01/28/13).

According to an online notice updated by the IRS on February 4, 2013, upon request of the IRS, the legal stay was narrowed to permit continued operation of the system to register paid tax preparers.

On Friday, Feb. 1, the court modified its order to clarify that the order does not affect the requirement for all paid tax return preparers to obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Consistent with this modification, the IRS has reopened the online PTIN system.

The IRS continues to have confidence in the scope of its authority to administer this program and is working with the Department of Justice to address all options, including a planned appeal.

Please continue to check this site for additional information as it becomes available.

For a concise history of the conflict over the IRS PTIN system, which remains ongoing, see: Court Upholds Injunction; IRS Revives PTIN System, by Terri Eyden, posted on Accounting Web (02/06/13).