Renewing your PTIN online can be easy, but you can run into problems if you omit information or miss a screen. Here are some tips to ensure you get your PTIN:

• Select the correct link to log in to your existing account: https://rpr.irs.gov/datamart/login.do

If you are a returning user, be sure to enter in your user ID and password located directly below “Returning Users”.

• If you received an e-mail reminder to renew, once logged in, you will see a page called “Main Menu.” It lists “Functions” on the left and “Maintain Your PTIN” on the right. Click on Renew PTIN under “Maintain Your PTIN”.
• Once you are logged on and have started the renewal process, review the information listed in all fields on each page for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary changes as you go through the screens.
• Scroll to the bottom of each page to make sure you see everything on the screen.
• Make sure you enter the expiration date for your professional license/registration number.
• While going through the renewal screens, you will come across a page that lists your professional license/registration information. You must add your expiration date(s) on this screen. You must then click on the “edit” button to add the date(s).
• If you are unable to enter your payment information:
• There is likely an error that is causing this. Review the bullets located towards the bottom of the last screen to determine where the error is located. Please note that one of the errors listed will state that you must submit payment. Check to see if there is another error listed directly above this error. You must then go back to that screen and correct the error before you are allowed to put in any payment information. Once you have corrected the error, you will be able to submit payment for your renewal.
• If you get a message saying the three-digit ID number on your credit card is incorrect and to enter it again, you may have entered the credit card number incorrectly. If reentering the ID number doesn’t work, go back and reenter your credit card number and ID number.

The IRS has posted a short tutorial on how to renew your PTIN. Go to www.irs.gov/ptin to access the tutorial. They have also added a link to some online troubleshooting tips. Go to www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=218611,00.html to access these tips.

If you need additional assistance, you may call the IRS Tax Professional PTIN Information Line at (877) 613-PTIN (7846). This line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST).