IRS Reminders for Tax Professionals: What to Know for the 2025–2026 Filing Season
1. Renew Your PTIN by December 31, 2025
All paid tax return preparers must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to prepare or assist with federal tax returns for compensation.
PTINs must be renewed annually, and the renewal deadline for the 2026 filing season is December 31, 2025. Tax professionals who do not renew their PTIN by the deadline may not legally prepare or sign federal tax returns.
PTINs can be renewed online through an IRS Tax Pro Account or by submitting Form W-12.
PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers
IRS Reminds Tax Pros to Renew PTINs for the 2026 Tax Season
2. Use IRS Tax Pro Tools and Resources
The IRS provides a dedicated online hub for tax professionals that includes timely updates, secure tools, and official guidance. These resources help practitioners remain compliant and informed throughout the year.
Key resources include Tax Pro News for official IRS updates, e-Services for secure access to transcripts and TIN matching, and authorization forms such as Forms 2848 and 8821.
IRS Resources for Tax Professionals
IRS Tax Pro News
3. Prepare Early for the 2026 Filing Season
The IRS encourages tax professionals to begin preparing for the filing season well in advance. Early preparation helps reduce last-minute issues, ensures clients provide complete documentation, and allows time to identify available credits and deductions.
Proactive communication with clients before the filing season opens can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy.
IRS Tax Tips for Tax Professionals
4. Stay Alert to Security Threats and Scams
Cybersecurity remains a major concern during tax season. The IRS warns tax professionals to watch for phishing emails and text messages impersonating the IRS, fake refund claims or urgent payment demands, and attempts to steal sensitive taxpayer data. Tax professionals should educate clients and maintain strict data-security practices.
IRS Security Summit
Report Phishing and Online Scams
5. Continuing Education and Professional Development
Ongoing education is critical as tax law and technology continue to evolve. The IRS offers several educational opportunities for tax professionals, including webinars that may qualify for continuing education credits and the Nationwide Tax Forum.
IRS Webinars for Tax Practitioners
Nationwide Tax Forum
Conclusion
As the 2025–2026 filing season approaches, tax professionals should take proactive steps to remain compliant and informed. Renewing PTINs on time, monitoring IRS updates, strengthening cybersecurity practices, and investing in continuing education will help ensure a smooth and successful filing season.
Relying on official IRS resources is the best way for tax professionals to maintain accuracy, compliance, and readiness throughout the year.
2025 Federal Income Tax Form 1040 (Excel) – Free Download
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