2027 PTIN Renewal: Fees, Deadline, and IRS Requirements
2027 PTIN renewal is now open. Review the $18.75 fee, ID.me login requirements, and December 31, 2026, expiration date for current PTINs.
2026 IRS Security Summit: How Tax Professionals Can Protect Client Data
Learn about the 2026 IRS Security Summit’s guidance for tax professionals, including security plans, phishing scams, and tools to protect client data.
New IRS Mobile App Replaces IRS2Go: Features and How to Download
The new IRS mobile app replaces IRS2Go, making it easier to check refund status, make payments, and access tax records. Explore its features and how to download it.
October 15, 2026 Tax Extension Deadline: Filing Requirements and Disaster Relief
The October 15, 2026 tax extension deadline is almost here! Review filing deadlines for 2025 tax returns and learn which taxpayers may qualify for extra time under IRS disaster relief.
Federal Mileage Rate Update and Key Federal Tax Provisions for 2026
The IRS has updated the federal mileage rates for the second half of 2026, and several new tax law changes are now in effect. Learn about the updated mileage rates, farmland tax deferral election, changes to charitable contribution deductions, enhancements to the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and the expanded Educator Expense Deduction.
IRS Tax Pro Account
The IRS introduced the Tax Pro Account in 2021 as an online tool for qualified tax professionals. Since its launch, the IRS has continued to expand its functionality, making it easier for tax professionals to assist clients with tax-related matters. The IRS Tax Pro Account was designed to help qualified tax professionals manage authorizations and access taxpayer information when issues arise with tax returns they prepared and signed. What Can Tax Professionals Do in a Tax Pro Account? Using an IRS Tax Pro Account, qualified tax professionals can: Multi-Practitioner Firms Multi-practitioner firms can link their firm’s CAF number to the firm’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). Firm administrators can then assign specific access levels and permissions for employees who need access to the firm’s Tax Pro Account. Who Can Use the IRS Tax Pro Account? The IRS Tax Pro Account is available to qualified tax professionals, including: To use the Tax Pro Account, a qualified tax professional must also have a valid Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number that is in good standing and assigned to them. Additional IRS Resources For more information about the IRS Tax Pro Account, see the following resources on the IRS website:
Complete List of 32 States with a Taxpayer Access Point or Online Account
The following States offer some version of a taxpayer online account.
Advantages of Creating an IRS Online Account
Creating an IRS Online Account For your average taxpayer, filing their yearly tax return can be confusing and frustrating. There are many tools and resources out there that can help the individual taxpayer, and one of them is an IRS Online Account. From accessing the adjusted gross income (AGI) from their prior year’s tax return, which is needed to file their current year tax return electronically, to tracking the status of their refund, creating an IRS online account is worth the effort. Why Should an Individual Set up Their IRS Online Account? By gaining access to their IRS Online Account an individual, at a minimum, will have access to the information on their most recently filed federal tax return as well as the three prior year returns. They will also have the ability make payments, see their payment history, have access to any notices that were sent to them, and other information related to their account with the IRS. What Information is Included in an IRS Online Account? An individual can view the following while in their IRS online account: An individual can also use their IRS online account to: How to Set Up an IRS Online Account To set up their IRS Online Account, an individual will go to Your Online Account on the IRS website and select “Sign into your Online Account”. What Information is Needed to Create an Online IRS Account? To access their account information, an individual will need the following to verify their identity: Once they have these items, they will select “Create an account with ID.me” on the IRS Online Account Sign in page and will do the following: Once they have completed the verification process when setting up their IRS Online Account, the taxpayer will also have access to other IRS online tools such as: For more information see the following: Is There an Online IRS Account for Businesses? The IRS has enabled a business online account. For now, the business online account is only for sole proprietors who have employees and/or must file highway use tax Form 2290. Here is what a sole proprietor may do inside their business online account related to their employment tax or highway use tax: For partnerships and S-Corporations, a partner or shareholder who has an SSN and was issued a K-1 may view the following: The IRS will be adding more functionality to the business online account in the future. See the following on the IRS website for more information: IRS News Release IR-2023-194 (IRS launches new initiatives using Inflation Reduction Act funding to ensure large corporation pay taxes owed; continues to improve and modernize technology with launch of business tax account) CrossLink Professional Tax Software CrossLink is the industry’s best professional tax software solution for high-volume tax businesses. Built based on the needs of busy tax offices and mobile tax preparers that specialize in providing their taxpayer clients with fast and accurate tax returns, CrossLink has been a trusted software solution since 1989. CrossLink’s in-depth tax calculations, advanced technological features, and paperless solutions allow you to prepare the most complicated tax returns with confidence and ease while providing your customers an unparalleled experience.
Tax Terms
Tax Terms and Definitions
Written Information Security Plan
Federal law requires all tax preparers to create and implement a written information security plan.