Step by step
- Get your PTIN. Every paid preparer needs one: $18.75 for 2027, about 15 minutes online through the IRS PTIN system, and it expires December 31. See how to get or renew a PTIN.
- Complete the IRS Annual Filing Season Program for the year and get your AFSP Record of Completion — Connecticut requires it to apply for or renew a permit (unless you're exempt).
- Apply for your Paid Preparer Permit online through the DRS eLicense system. Permits go to individuals, not businesses — each preparer in an office who signs returns needs their own.
- Renew every two years ($50), with a current AFSP record each time.
- Apply for an EFIN if you'll e-file as your own business. There's no IRS fee, the application includes a suitability check, and it can take up to 45 days — apply well before January. See how to get an EFIN.
- Choose professional tax software and, if your clients need it, enroll in bank products so fees can come out of refunds. As a partner office you pay $0 upfront for software, setup and training, and we help you get clients.
- Write your security plan (WISP). The FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS Publication 4557 expect every preparer to protect client data — multi-factor authentication, encryption, backups.
Who needs a permit — and who doesn't
- Needs one: anyone preparing more than 10 CT returns (or federal returns for CT clients) for a fee, including employees of a tax firm who sign under their own PTIN.
- Exempt: VITA, TCE and IRS-affiliated Low Income Taxpayer Clinic volunteers; employees preparing only their own employer's returns; an employee who helps an exempt preparer without signing or using their own PTIN.
- Not an exemption: having an AFSP record or the former RTRP designation.
Preparing returns in Connecticut for 2027? Get your software lined up.
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Refund products in Connecticut
Connecticut regulates refund anticipation loans and checks: the bank may charge its fee, but you may not add your own fee because a client chose a refund product. Set up your bank products with that rule in mind.
Start your Connecticut office
Connecticut has a state income tax, so make sure your software handles CT returns. Partner offices get software with state returns, setup, training and support for $0 upfront, with launch help and local search setup to bring in clients — see pricing. Compare with every other state in our tax preparer requirements by state table.
Connecticut tax preparer FAQ
Do you need a license to prepare taxes in Connecticut?
You need a DRS Paid Preparer Permit if you prepare more than 10 Connecticut returns (or federal returns for Connecticut clients) for a fee, unless you're exempt.
How much is a Connecticut tax preparer permit?
$100 to apply, and $50 to renew every two years, per DRS guidance. Confirm current fees on the DRS eLicense portal.
Is AFSP required in Connecticut?
Yes, for non-exempt preparers: you need a current AFSP Record of Completion to apply for or renew the permit.
Can I charge a fee for refund anticipation checks in Connecticut?
No. The bank may charge its fee, but preparers may not add their own fee for a client choosing a refund anticipation loan or check.
Sources
Program rules change; confirm current requirements with the IRS and your providers.