How to become a tax preparer in Georgia.

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.
• Learn federal and Georgia returns. No course is required, but you'll prepare Georgia individual returns for most clients, so learn the state forms as well as federal.
• Set up your business. Form an LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State ($100 filing fee plus a service charge; then an annual registration each year) or operate as a sole proprietor. Get a free EIN, a business bank account, and your city or county business license.
• 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.
• Follow Georgia's e-file mandate: when you're required to e-file a client's federal return, you must e-file their Georgia return too.
• 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.

What's different about Georgia

Unlike Texas or Florida, Georgia has a state individual income tax — so most clients need a state return, and your software must handle Georgia forms. Make sure your package includes Georgia before you enroll.

Start your Georgia office

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.