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.
- Check you qualify: a natural person, at least 18, a U.S. citizen, legal resident or work-authorized, without disqualifying convictions (fraud, theft or dishonesty in the past 10 years) or a prior revoked registration.
- Get a $25,000 surety bond (businesses with several registrants carry larger bonds, from $25,000 up to $200,000).
- Register with the Nevada Secretary of State as a document preparation service and pay the $100 non-refundable fee. Registration lasts one year; renew for $50.
- Set up your client paperwork: Nevada requires a signed written disclosure and a written contract (price, services, completion date) before you start work, a non-attorney statement in your ads, posted notices in your office, and a receipt for every payment.
- 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.
Who's exempt
The law excludes Nevada attorneys, CPAs and certain financial planners preparing returns within their license, people licensed by a federal agency acting within that license, and businesses preparing their own returns. Enrolled agents should confirm their status with the Secretary of State.
Preparing returns in Nevada for 2027? Get your software lined up.
Professional tax software with $0 upfront, four bank partners, and help getting clients: your website, listings and ads set up for you.
Why it matters
Penalties are real: preparing returns without registering can bring civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation (more for non-registrants who profit), advertising violations can be fined, and willful violations can be criminal. Clients can also void a contract that doesn't meet the statute.
Start your Nevada office
With no state income tax, most Nevada clients need federal returns only (plus other states' returns for income earned elsewhere). Partner offices get software, 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.
Nevada tax preparer FAQ
Do tax preparers need to register in Nevada?
Yes, unless exempt. NRS 240A covers paid tax return preparers as document preparation services; register with the Nevada Secretary of State before preparing returns for pay.
How much is Nevada document preparer registration?
$100 to apply (non-refundable) and $50 to renew each year, plus the cost of a $25,000 surety bond.
Nevada has no income tax — why register?
The law covers preparing federal returns and refund claims for pay, not just state returns.
Do I need an EFIN in Nevada?
Yes, to e-file as your own business. Nevada registration and the EFIN are separate. See how to get an EFIN.
Sources
Program rules change; confirm current requirements with the IRS and your providers.