Can I mask the PTIN on a tax return?
Software reference · Written guide Content date 1 min read
At the end of every tax and information return that can be prepared in Tax Processors Plus (Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-SS, 1040-NR, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120-S, 706, and 709) is a section labeled "Paid Preparer Use Only". This section includes a field for the preparer's PTIN.
The IRS requires that a paid preparer's PTIN appear in this field, thus the PTIN cannot be masked in the printed return.
The PTIN field can only be left blank if the return is being self-prepared, whether by the taxpayer or, if an entity, an employee of the entity, or if the return is being prepared by someone at no charge.