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 80-hour basic personal income tax course at a Board-approved school.
- Pass the Oregon tax preparer exam, which covers Oregon and federal personal income tax law and practice.
- Apply for your Licensed Tax Preparer license with the Board ($85 initial, $110 to renew).
- Work under a Licensed Tax Consultant while you build experience — a preparer can't run an independent practice.
- Upgrade to Licensed Tax Consultant after 1,100 hours of preparer work in at least two of the last five years and passing the consultant exam ($95 initial if you're an active preparer, $125 to renew). Consultants can work on their own and supervise preparers.
- Register your tax business with the Board ($150; branch offices $30).
- 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.
Staying licensed
Complete 30 hours of continuing education each year, including 2 hours of ethics (waived for your first renewal), and renew your PTIN every year as well.
Preparing returns in Oregon 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.
Preparer or consultant?
| Licensed Tax Preparer | Licensed Tax Consultant | |
|---|---|---|
| Can work independently | No — under a consultant | Yes |
| Requirements | 80-hour course, exam, PTIN | 1,100 hours experience (2 of last 5 years), consultant exam |
| Initial license | $85 | $95 (if an active preparer) |
| Renewal | $110 | $125 |
| Continuing education | 30 hours/year incl. 2 ethics | 30 hours/year incl. 2 ethics |
Opening your own Oregon office
To own an independent practice in Oregon you'll need a consultant (yourself or one you employ) and a Board-registered business. Plan your first season in Oregon around that timeline, then set up software and bank products. Partner offices pay $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.
Oregon tax preparer FAQ
Do you need a license to prepare taxes in Oregon?
Yes. Paid preparers need a license from the Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners, unless exempt (for example, as a CPA or attorney).
How many hours is the Oregon tax preparer course?
80 hours of basic personal income tax education at a Board-approved school, followed by the state exam.
Can a Licensed Tax Preparer work on their own in Oregon?
No. A Licensed Tax Preparer works under a Licensed Tax Consultant. Consultants can practice independently.
How much is an Oregon tax preparer license?
$85 for the initial preparer license and $110 to renew. A consultant license is $95 initially (for an active preparer) and $125 to renew. Tax businesses register separately for $150.
Sources
Program rules change; confirm current requirements with the IRS and your providers.