IRS reminds tax preparers to renew their ID numbers

The Internal Revenue Services has begun notifying about 1 million tax return preparers to remind them that they must renew their preparer tax identification numbers if they are still paid preparers.
Use of the numbers will be required on all federal returns prepared by paid tax return preparers starting Jan. 1, 2011.
 Tax return preparers can register immediately using a new sign-up system available through www.IRS.gov/taxpros.
Preparers will need to create an account, complete the PTIN application and pay a $64.25 fee before receiving their ID numbers.
 The IRS has sent about 125,000 notification letters each week to remind tax-return preparers.
The notifications are based on those tax-return preparers who currently have ID numbers.
Tax-return preparers who received their ID numbers prior to the new system launch on Sept. 28 must register using the new sign-up system.
Existing ID number holders who register through the new system will generally be reassigned their same numbers.
The ID number was created several years ago as a nine-digit number that tax-return preparers could obtain from the IRS to use on tax returns instead of their Social Security numbers.
The ID number requirement is one of the main provisions in a new oversight program to help regulate the tax preparation industry.
Anyone paid to prepare all or substantially all of any federal tax return or claim for refund must have an ID number.
The requirement applies to all tax-return preparers, including those who are enrolled agents, certified public accountants and attorneys.