If you haven't registered for your preparer tax identification number (or PTIN) yet, you'll have to wait a few more days to do so.

The IRS has announced that its new online PTIN registration system will not be available this weekend “while IRS.gov services undergo scheduled maintenance and upgrades in preparation for the 2011 filing season.”

The system will be offline from 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 through 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Looks like you'll have to find something else to do with your free time this weekend.

According to the IRS, all paid tax return preparers “who prepare all or substantially all of a tax return” must use the online system to obtain their PTINs.

If you have questions about the process — and who doesn't? — you'll find answers here or here.

Have you obtained your PTIN yet? How was the process? Was it simple? A pain in the butt? Post a comment and tell us about your experiences.