IRS Begins Verifying Paid Preparer Identification Numbers

The IRS will start verifying preparer tax identification numbers, or PTINs, an agency official said.
Thousands of individuals are using expired or fabricated PTINs, an identity number all paid tax return preparers are required to put on every single tax return they prepare, said Kimberly Rogers, director of the Return Preparer Office at the IRS. She was speaking at the IRS Tax Forum in Baltimore Wednesday.

The IRS previously wasn’t double checking the PTIN, which professionals must renew each year, Rogers said.

• Suspect paid preparers will be referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility, Sharyn Fisk, director of the office, ...