Tax pros – a primer in what’s needed when our information changes

Tax pros have many responsibilities, including notifying the IRS when there is a change to our information. The process of changing our personal information is not as simple and straightforward as one might think. There has been discussion on NATP’s Facebook group regarding the confusion professionals are experiencing and so we thought it would be helpful to provide some information summarizing the topic.

PTIN and EFIN

Paid preparers are required to have and maintain an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN). The PTIN is a number that identifies the tax preparer when they file a return for a paying client. If the tax preparer wants to electronically file tax returns, they also need an electronic filing identification number (EFIN). E-services is a web-based tool that allows tax preparers to complete transactions online with the IRS.

Most tax professionals are not aware that changing the name on their PTIN account will not change the name on other IRS accounts. For example, Riley Agnor, EA, needs to change her name as she recently got married. Changing her name on her PTIN account will not change her name on other IRS accounts such as EFIN, EIN or EA. She will need to contact the other appropriate business unit(s) for name changes on other accounts.

If a tax pro needs to update their information with the IRS, they can do it online or by mailing in a written request. Tax pros can update their credentials by calling the PTIN Information Line, but they cannot update any additional personal information this way.

Online

For pros with an online account, most PTIN information can be updated online.

The first step is to log into your account.

After logging in, here is a summary of what can be updated.

Item to Update	Where	How
Personal mailing address	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Personal phone number	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Business name	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Business website address	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Business phone number	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Business mailing address	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
CAF	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
EIN	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
EFIN	Online account	Select “Manage PTIN Account information”
Email address	Online account	Select “View or Edit Account Login Information”
Professional credentials (1 of 2 methods)	Online account	Update when renew PTIN
Professional credentials (2 of 2 methods)	Phone IRS Tax Professional PTIN Information Line	PTIN Account Information Line: Toll-Free: 877-613-PTIN (7846),  Toll Number for International Callers: +1 915-342-5655,  Hearing Impaired Callers: TTY: 877-613-3686,  Hours of Operation:  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CST)
Name change – PTIN (1 of 2 methods)*	Online account	Under the “Manage PTIN Account” section select “Submit a name change request” from the drop-down menu and follow the online prompts to enter name change and upload supporting documents. You will be prompted to review the requested change and documents and attest to the accuracy of the information to complete.
Name change – PTIN (2 of 2 methods)*	Written request	Along with the required supporting documents, include preparer’s name and PTIN, clear statement of action needed and signature and date by the preparer. Mail to: IRS Tax Pro PTIN Processing Center, PO Box 380638, San Antonio, TX 78268

*To change the name associated with your PTIN account, the IRS will accept the following documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered legal name change
• Certificate of naturalization
• Certificate of citizenship
• Social Security card
• Government issued photo identification

It is important to note, the IRS cannot accept faxes or make name changes over the phone. The processing of a written or online request can take four to six weeks.

Paper account holders

For those pros without an online account, information can be updated by sending a written request.

The written request must be signed and include the requestor’s:

• Name
• PTIN
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Clear statement of action requested
• Updated account information

To change their name, tax pros must include a notarized or certified copy of a document to support the name change. Documents would include a Social Security card, marriage certificate, divorce decree, government issued photo ID, or certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

Written requests should be sent to:

IRS Tax Pro PTIN Processing Center
PO Box 380638
San Antonio, TX 78268

A wait time of four to six weeks is needed for a reply.

EFIN

Once tax pros have completed the EFIN application process and received their EFIN, the e-file application must be updated within 30 days of any changes to individuals involved, addresses or telephone numbers. Failure to do so may result in the inactivation of the EFIN.

Through e-services, tax pros can access and update their EFIN application. Updates would include adding new principals or responsible officials, updating any business address changes, including adding new locations.

Remember, an EFIN is not transferable and if you sell your business, the new principals must obtain their own EFIN.

Also, for those pros who are expanding and adding office locations, an EFIN application is required for each location where e-file transmissions occur.

EA

For those pros who are EAs and their contact information has changed since the last renewal, you will need to notify by fax or email the address change to:

Office of Practitioner Enrollment
P.O. Box 33968
Detroit, MI, 48232

or

Fax: 855-889-7959

Please include your name, prior contact information, new contact information, Social Security number or tax identification number, and the date.

The IRS has a great deal of information on its website for tax professionals who have additional questions on items specific to pros.