EA Renewal Dates

Enrollment Cycles

What is an “initial enrollment cycle”?

When you first become an enrolled agent, the period up until your first re-enrollment date is considered your “initial enrollment cycle.” Review Enrolled Agent initial enrollment cycle requirements here.  Your initial enrollment period can be anywhere from 3 to 38 months long–it is usually not the normal 3 year period.

What is the “standard enrollment cycle”?

After completing your initial enrollment cycle (i.e. you have completed your first renewal), you will be on the standard 3 year enrollment cycle.

How often does an EA renew their license?

Every 3 years, except the initial enrollment cycle is typically less than 3 years.

When can I renew my EA license?

The IRS EA renewal system is open every year from November 1st to January 31st

The IRS PTIN renewal system opens October 15th for the following year’s PTIN

All EAs are required to have a valid PTIN, regardless of whether or not they prepare taxes.  

PTIN is an annual renewal separate from the EA renewal.

EA is renewed every 3 years after the initial enrollment period

When is my renewal date?

Your renewal date is based on the last digit of your social security number. This chart shows the next series of renewal dates and related CPE reporting periods.

SSN Ends: 
0 | 1 | 2 | 3

This Cycle Ends: 12/31/24

Renew By: 01/31/25

Effective Date: 04/01/25

Years in your CE Cycle:

2022
2023
2024

SSN Ends:
4 | 5 | 6

This Cycle Ends: 12/31/22

Renew By: 01/31/23

Effective Date: 04/01/23

Years in your CE Cycle:

2020
2021
2022

SSN Ends in:
7 | 8 | 9 | none

This Cycle Ends: 12/31/23

Renew By: 01/31/24

Effective Date: 04/01/24

Years in your CE Cycle:

2021
2022
2023

What is the cost of renewal?

Effective November 1, 2022 the Enrolled Agent renewal fee increases to $140 for the renewal cycle (normally 3 years unless it is your initial enrollment period).

Renewal cost history

  • 11/01/2019 to 10/31/2022
    EA renewal was $67
  • 11/01/2011 to 10/31/2019
    EA renewal was $30

EAs must also renew PTIN

Effective October 27, 2022 the cost to obtain or renew PTINs is $30.75.  All EAs are required to have an active PTIN, and PTINs are renewed annually.

How do I apply for renewal of my EA enrollment?

In the past, the IRS mailed a Renewal of Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS (Form 8554), however it appears they no longer do this.

Put your renewal date on your calendar

1)  File by mail and pay by check

You can fill out form 8554 online and print the filled out form to mail, along with your check or money order.

OR

2)  File and pay electronically (recommended)

You can fill out the form and pay online by credit card.

Does FunCPE report the CPE hours earned by each Enrolled Agent to the IRS?

Yes, beginning in mid 2012 CPE sponsors started reporting CPE hours by PTIN to the IRS. You can login to your IRS PTIN account to review CPE hours that have been reported for your PTIN.  Use the dropdown menu in your PTIN account to see prior years of CPE.

We also retain a record of all of your course completions indefinitely. You can reprint a certificate of completion at any time, even after your course expires.

Will I need to mail in my certificates of completion with my license renewal?

No, you do not include copies of your certificates with your renewal, you simply self-report the CPE hours earned per year on the renewal Form 8554. You should retain copies of your certificates in your files in case you are selected for a random CPE audit.

If you allow your license to lapse and get placed on inactive status, the IRS usually requires you to mail in copies of your certificates along with your renewal form.  The IRS letter will tell you how to proceed with reactivation.

The IRS requires you to retain copies of certificates for four years from date of renewal.  This means that some certificates from the beginning of your renewal period could be up to seven years old.