PTIN Certificate Email is Unofficial- Don’t Det Duped!

Third party for-profit organizations have obtained the PTIN list under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and created an online directory of tax professionals. Be aware that the information these services received includes names, addresses and phone numbers, but not actual PTINs. We want to warn you not to provide these websites with your PTIN, as it may lead to fraudulent use. These services are now contacting professionals with the email subject line “Your PTIN Certificate is now available.” These certificates are not official; the IRS does not provide an official certificate for PTIN holders.