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PTIN Reminder for the 2027 Filing Season Tax professionals preparing federal tax returns for compensation must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). To prepare 2026 tax returns during the 2027 filing season, preparers must obtain or renew their PTIN for calendar year 2027. The IRS generally opens PTIN applications and renewals in mid-October, so watch IRS.gov beginning in October 2026. Complete the process by December 31, 2026, because PTINs expire at the end of each calendar year. Online applications and renewals usually take approximately 15 minutes. First-time applicants must create an account, complete the application, and pay the required fee. Existing preparers can sign in and renew their PTIN. The IRS has not yet announced the official 2027 PTIN fee or exact opening date. Apply only through the official IRS PTIN system⁠ irs.gov Team reminder: Each paid preparer must have their own valid PTIN; PTINs cannot be shared.

🔐 TAX TEAM KNOWLEDGE OF THE DAY Protecting Our Clients' Information As tax professionals, we are trusted with some of our clients' most sensitive information—Social Security numbers, income information, banking information, addresses, identification documents, and dependent information. According to the IRS, tax professionals are frequent targets of cybercriminals because of the valuable taxpayer information they maintain. TEAM SECURITY REMINDERS Never share your PTIN, EFIN, passwords, or login credentials. Use multi-factor authentication whenever it is available. Do not open unexpected links or attachments. An email may appear to come from the IRS, a tax software company, another tax professional, or even a potential client and still be a phishing attempt. Verify suspicious emails before opening attachments. If someone unexpectedly sends tax documents, contact the person through a trusted method before opening the files. Protect taxpayer documents. Sensitive taxpayer information should not be casually sent through unsecured email, text messages, or other unprotected methods. Limit access to client information. Employees should only have access to taxpayer information necessary to perform their jobs. Protect your EFIN. Criminals may attempt to steal an Electronic Filing Identification Number and other credentials to file fraudulent returns. 📌 DID YOU KNOW? The IRS says professional tax preparers are required to maintain an information security plan to protect client information. This is commonly called a Written Information Security Plan (WISP). Your WISP should address areas such as: • Employee training and management • Protection of information systems • Identifying security risks • Responding to security incidents • Protecting sensitive taxpayer information ⭐ TEAM MESSAGE Protect the return. Protect the taxpayer. Protect the business. Every employee plays a role in data security. One careless click, weak password, or improperly handled document can put both the taxpayer and the tax office at risk.

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Tax Preparer Due Diligence 📚 TAX PREPARER EDUCATION: DUE DILIGENCE MATTERS Due diligence is more than checking boxes in tax software. As a paid tax preparer, you are responsible for asking appropriate questions, reviewing the information provided, and following up when something appears incorrect, inconsistent, or incomplete. The IRS requires specific due diligence when determining eligibility for: ✅ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) ✅ Child Tax Credit / Additional Child Tax Credit / Credit for Other Dependents ✅ American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) ✅ Head of Household filing status The 4 Key Due Diligence Responsibilities: 1. Complete and submit Form 8867 – Paid Preparer’s Due Diligence Checklist when required. 2. Complete the appropriate worksheets or calculations for applicable credits. 3. Meet the knowledge requirement — don't ignore information that doesn't make sense. Ask reasonable follow-up questions and document the answers. 4. Maintain required due-diligence records for 3 years, including Form 8867, applicable worksheets, documents relied upon, and records of additional questions and answers. ⚠️ Important: Tax software does not replace a preparer's professional responsibility. If information appears questionable, incomplete, or inconsistent, additional questions may be necessary before the return is completed. Protect your PTIN. Protect your business. Protect your clients. Education + Documentation + Compliance = A Stronger Tax Professional Fresh Start Pro Tax Academy / Tax Nation