1. I am a tax return preparer and my information is wrong in the directory. What should I do? (updated May 24, 2023) The information is directly from your information on your PTIN account. Log into your online PTIN account at IRS.gov/ptin. On the Main Menu, select “Edit Account Information,” choose “Update My PTIN Account Information.” Click “Edit” for the information section you need to update. If you do not have an online PTIN account, contact the PTIN Helpline. 2. I am a tax return preparer and I am not listed in the directory. Why not? (updated May 24, 2023) The directory contains only certain federal tax return preparers. It contains those with an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN) who are also one of the following: Enrolled Agent Certified Public Accountant Attorney Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent Enrolled Actuary Annual Filing Season Program Participant The directory does not list non-credentialed return preparers who are not Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) participants. If you believe you meet these criteria, log into your online PTIN account at IRS.gov/ptin and confirm your information. Have you self-reported your professional credential if you have one? If not, you can add it by selecting the “Edit Account Information” tile from the main menu of your PTIN account. Click “Edit” next to Professional Credentials and follow the on-screen prompts to add your professional credentials. You can also review your AFSP status and information using your online PTIN account. Log into your account and select the “Annual Filing Season Program” tile. The directory is updated weekly, but it may take up to four weeks for new or revised information to appear. If you still can’t determine why you are not listed, contact the PTIN Helpline. 3. I am a tax return preparer and my information is included in the directory. I do not want it to appear. What should I do? (updated May 24, 2023) Log into your online PTIN account at IRS.gov/ptin. From the main menu, select the “Edit Account Information” tile. Click the “Preparer Directory Opt Out/In” option under the “Account Actions” section and follow the prompts. If you do not have an online PTIN account, contact the PTIN Helpline. 4. I am a taxpayer. Can you provide more information about someone in the directory? No, the information shown is all that is publicly available. Try the phonebook or an Internet search, etc. if you need more information to locate the preparer. 5. I am a taxpayer. I searched for a specific preparer but they are not listed in the directory. Why not? What should I do? All paid tax return preparers are not listed. There are many other valid preparers who have a current year preparer tax identification number from the IRS, but who do not have a professional credential and are not participating in the voluntary IRS Annual Filing Season Program. Also, some paid tax return preparers who would normally be listed in the directory have opted not to be included. Talk to your preparer and ask about their qualifications, education, and training. Choose any preparer carefully. More tips are available at IRS.gov/chooseataxpro. 6. I am a taxpayer. What are the differences in the types of return preparers? What should I consider when hiring a tax return preparer? The IRS has many tips available at IRS.gov/chooseataxpro. Return to the Return Preparer Regulations Homepage
