FOIA Awareness for PTIN Holders

[JRS]

In case anyone is interested:

FOIA Awareness for PTIN Holders

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires the IRS to release certain information about PTIN holders including:

• Name
  
• Business name
  
• Business website address
  
• Business phone number
  
• Business mailing address – Either a physical address or a P.O. Box is acceptable as a business address.
  
• Email address – Any valid email address that you check regularly for PTIN communications is acceptable.
  
• Professional credentials
  

PTIN application changes

The IRS is changing the “Permanent Mailing Address” box on the PTIN application to “Personal Mailing Address”. This change clarifies that the information is personal and exempt from public disclosure under FOIA rules.

Also, the IRS is removing the prohibition on entering a post office box in the “Business Mailing Address” box on the PTIN application. PTIN holders may now enter a P.O. Box as their business mailing address.

If you used your Personal Mailing Address as your Business Mailing Address or used a street address when you would have preferred to provide a P.O Box as your Business Mailing Address, you may want to update your contact information. This information is not exempt from disclosure under FOIA rules and it will be released even if it is the same as your Personal Mailing Address.

Updating your contact information

To maintain the privacy of your personal information, PTIN holders can update contact information.

• Instructions for online account holders
  
• Instructions for paper account holders
  

Unwanted solicitations

If you receive unwanted solicitations due to this required disclosure, the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection provides guidance on whether an email or other contact violates the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 and how to report violations.

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