Individual Tax Preparer Registration Details


Individual Tax Preparer Registration

General Info - Statewide Registration

An individual must obtain the Individual Tax Preparer registration before soliciting or preparing tax returns in the state of Maryland. 

  • s

    Approval time

  • $100.00

    Application cost

Obtaining the Registration

Ready to get your registration? - Steps, Requirements, and Documents

  1. Registered tax preparers are required to hold a current Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. See the IRS-PTIN website for further information. The PTIN must be renewed each tax year.

  2. Pass the Maryland Individual Tax Preparers examination (click Here) with a score of at least 70%.

  3. Update the expiration date of the PTIN each year and submit a copy of the IRS PTIN Confirmation Certificate to the Board prior to the beginning of each tax year.

Apply for the Registration

  • Online Application

    Complete the form

    Apply Now

Maintaining Your Registration

Renewal and maintenance -

Maintaining your Registration (aka Related forms/requirements to maintain Registration/stay in good standing)

  1. The Board of Individual Tax Preparers requires registered tax preparers to complete, upon registration renewal (every two years), at least 16 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). The relevant regulations for CPE are available at COMAR 09.38.02. Four of the 16 hours must be in Maryland State tax-related subjects. Two of the four Maryland hours may be satisfied by a federal or state course in ethics.

  2. If you are chosen for audit… The following is a link to the CPE Audit Checklist, which can be used to keep a record and a running total of CPE hours if you are chosen for audit. Upon renewal, the "total hours earned" should equal at least 16. If asked by the Board to submit proof of CPE hours, this checklist should be certified with your signature and submitted with course documentation.

    Continuing Professional Education Audit Checklist

Agency/Contact

Registration Issuer - Information

Who issues the registration?

Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation

Contact Information

Shanai R. Jordan

Email: DLOPLTaxPrep-DLLR@maryland.gov

Tel: (410) 230-6257 / Fax: (410) 962-8482

Work hours:

Address

Address: 500 N Calvert Street, 3rd floor, Baltimore, MD, 21202

Purpose

Why the Registration is required?

The mission of the Board of Individual Tax Preparers is to establish educational and professional standards of competence and conduct for individual tax preparers providing federal and state tax return service for Marylanders. The Board accomplishes this mission through a framework of examination, registration, continuing education, investigation of consumer complaints, and enforcement of State law and regulations.

Legal Authority

What laws and regulations give Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation the legal authority to issue this approval?

Title 21, Business Occupations and Professions, Annotated Code of Maryland