What is Teaspiller’s IRS PTIN lookup tool?

Teaspiller wanted to create a free tool for clients (and employers) to see if an accountant or tax pro was registered with the IRS.

To do a search:

1.       Go to  www.teaspiller.com.

2.       Enter a first name and last name.   Use the name you use on forms.

3.       Enter a city (optional).  Hit the “Search” button.

Here’s a real example.   

The IRS estimates there are about 100,000 tax return preparers who are not compliant with new rules -- and many tax return preparers who aren't even signing returns.

Wow!  This is great – how did you create the  tool?

People wanted to work with only registered tax return preparers – but there wasn’t a tool available to the public.  

So Teaspiller acquired publically available information from the IRS to update our directory with the current "provisionally" registered tax return preparers in the world.  Each tax return preparer is required to register with the IRS (PTIN stands for "Preparer Tax Identification Number").

We also wanted to create a tool that was really simple to use for both clients and tax preparers.

I’m listed.   Can I add / change my information on Teaspiller?

If you’re listed, you can add (or even hide information).  Here’s how to edit your information on Teaspiller:

1.        Do a search on your name to find your listing: www.teaspiller.com.   Use the "Location" field (or keep it blank) if you have a popular name by entering your business city.

2.       Find your listing in the search results, and click your name.

3.       Click “Edit Listing”.  A notification will be sent to your business email with a link to login.

If you are not accepting clients, you can disable requests by clicking "Turn-off Requests".  This will hide your information and prevent clients/employers from contacting you.

NOTE:  Some information is protected.  For example, to make a name change (e.g like the spelling of your name), you will have to contact the IRS.

Example of accountant who found and edited her webstory.

To learn more about Teaspiller, click here