Need help understanding a confusing section on the PTIN application online?

I just went through the PTIN application process about 2 months ago, also coming from an accounting background. That section is probably asking about your professional credentials like CPA, EA, attorney, etc. If you don't have any of those specific tax credentials, you simply select "None" from the dropdown. If you're referring to the professional responsibility section, they're asking if you've maintained the required continuing education credits and if you're in compliance with tax filing and payment obligations. Since you're new to tax preparation, you'd indicate that you don't have any previous tax preparation experience. Make sure you have your Social Security Number, personal information, and business information handy. The application fee is $30.75 for 2025, and once approved, your PTIN is valid through December 31, 2025.

I struggled with the PTIN application too until I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which was incredibly helpful for navigating the application process. I uploaded my professional credentials and documentation there, and it analyzed everything to help me understand exactly what I needed to include on my application. It highlighted specific sections where accountants transitioning to tax prep typically make mistakes and offered guidance tailored to my situation. The tool helped me understand the difference between just getting a PTIN versus the requirements for becoming an Enrolled Agent or other tax professional designations.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after seeing it recommended here and it was incredibly helpful! I was struggling with the same sections of the PTIN application, especially around professional responsibility and previous experience. The tool analyzed my accounting background and gave me crystal clear guidance on exactly how to fill out each section. It even flagged a potential issue with how I was categorizing my previous work experience that could have delayed my application. Saved me from making a mistake that might have required me to restart the whole process! Got my PTIN approved in just 4 days, and now I'm ready for tax season. Definitely recommend it if you're making the transition from accounting to tax preparation.

If you're having trouble with the PTIN application or have questions about specific sections, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get connected directly with an IRS agent. I was stuck on my application for weeks because I couldn't get clear answers on how to list my part-time accounting experience. After trying multiple times to call the IRS directly and spending hours on hold, I tried Claimyr (there's a video that shows how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). Within 20 minutes, I was speaking with an actual IRS representative who walked me through the exact requirements for each section of the PTIN application.

I have to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it anyway since I was getting nowhere with my PTIN application questions. I couldn't believe it when they actually got me through to an IRS agent within 35 minutes! The agent walked me through the exact sections I was confused about and explained that my accounting experience DOES count as relevant professional background, even though I haven't prepared tax returns before. She also clarified which continuing education requirements apply to me based on my credentials. I would have been stuck in application limbo for weeks without getting those answers. The PTIN application is now submitted and I already received confirmation it's being processed. Honestly shocked at how well this worked after spending days trying to get through on my own.

Just a heads up about the PTIN application - make sure you're using the official IRS website (IRS.gov) and not one of those third-party sites that charge extra fees. I nearly got tricked into paying an additional $50 "processing fee" on a site that looked official but wasn't actually the IRS. The legitimate application is found through the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System. The basic application fee should be $30.75 for 2025. Anything substantially higher than that is probably a third-party charging additional fees.

Another thing to consider with the PTIN application - if you check "Yes" to any of the felony conviction questions, be prepared for a much longer review process. A colleague of mine had a 15-year-old non-tax related conviction and his application took nearly 3 months to process, while mine was approved in 3 days.

I went through the PTIN application process last year as someone transitioning from pure accounting work to tax preparation. The section you're probably stuck on is likely the "Professional Experience" part - it can be really confusing because it's not clear whether they want ALL professional experience or just tax-related experience. Here's what I learned: list your accounting experience as relevant professional background, but be specific about what type of work you've done. Since you mentioned bookkeeping and financial statement prep, that definitely counts as relevant experience even though it's not direct tax preparation. For the professional credentials section, if you don't have a CPA, EA, or law degree, just select "None" - that's completely normal for new tax preparers. The IRS is mainly trying to identify people who already have advanced credentials that might affect their responsibilities. One tip: before you submit, double-check that all your personal information matches exactly what's on your Social Security records. Any mismatches can delay processing significantly. Good luck with your application!