Quick tax prep 101 — because this one trip people up constantly. If you're getting paid to prepare tax returns, you are legally required to have a PTIN — a Preparer Tax Identification Number. No exceptions. The IRS issues it and it simply tells them you are being paid to file returns. But here's the part most people miss: a PTIN does NOT make you credentialed. It means you're registered. That's it. Registered ≠ Credentialed. Knowing the difference matters — for your practice and for your clients