STEP 1. Complete a CTEC 60 Hour Course

To become a CTEC Certified Tax Preparer, your very first step is to successfully complete a  CTEC Approved 60 Hour Qualifying Education Tax Course. Tax Course Central offers the CTEC 60 hour course online, so you can take it while in the comfort of your own home, and at your own pace.

 

Contained within the course are various chapters covering everything you need to know to become a CTEC certified tax preparer. Upon completing each chapter there is a set of review questions, enabling you to test your knowledge and understanding of the material. Students are encouraged to take these review tests as often as they feel necessary until they are fully confident that they have a sound understanding of the course material. There are 2 final exams at the very end of the course, of which the student must receive a 70% or higher to successfully complete the ctec 60 hour course.

 

You have unlimited attempts at the Final Exam, so if you don’t pass the first time, you retake as many times as you need until you pass. And although there is technically no time limit within which to complete the course, we encourage our students to take their time. Becoming a CTEC Certified Tax Preparer is an amazing opportunity, but should not be rushed by any means. It is also important to note that there is a section of the course that relates to the current year’s tax requirements, and obviously these can change on an annual basis, so make sure to pay close attention here.

To become a CTEC Certified Tax Preparer, your very first step is to successfully complete a  CTEC Approved 60 Hour Qualifying Education Tax Course. Tax Course Central offers the CTEC 60 hour course online, so you can take it while in the comfort of your own home, and at your own pace.

 

Contained within the course are various chapters covering everything you need to know to become a CTEC certified tax preparer. Upon completing each chapter there is a set of review questions, enabling you to test your knowledge and understanding of the material. Students are encouraged to take these review tests as often as they feel necessary until they are fully confident that they have a sound understanding of the course material. There are 2 final exams at the very end of the course, of which the student must receive a 70% or higher to successfully complete the ctec 60 hour course.

 

You have unlimited attempts at the Final Exam, so if you don’t pass the first time, you retake as many times as you need until you pass. And although there is technically no time limit within which to complete the course, we encourage our students to take their time. Becoming a CTEC Certified Tax Preparer is an amazing opportunity, but should not be rushed by any means. It is also important to note that there is a section of the course that relates to the current year’s tax requirements, and obviously these can change on an annual basis, so make sure to pay close attention here.

STEP 2. Apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

The next step on your journey towards becoming a Certified Tax Preparer is to apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or a PTIN. There are four steps in the overall process, and each step is equally important. The fact that you have passed part one will count for nothing if you have not obtained a PTIN number from the IRS.

Having your PTIN is essential as that piece of information much be included on every tax return that you complete, where you are charging a fee for your services.Think of the PTIN as a unique identifying number, similar to your social security number. You are not authorized to prepare any tax returns without this number, so it is essential that you apply and subsequently keep on top of your annual renewal requirements.

NOTE: Whenever you apply for your PTIN number, certain checks will be conducted by the IRS. Please be aware that if there are any issues with your recent personal tax returns, the IRS can slow down your application, or in the worst case scenario deny your registration. It is therefore worthwhile ensuring your records are in order, before moving forward with the application process. The Tax Preparer Helpline is always a great place to contact should you wish to discuss your eligibility. They can be reached at 916-845-7057.

What You Need Before Applying For a PTIN:

Before you begin your PTIN application, be sure you have the following information available:

Personal information (name, mailing address, date of birth)Business information (name, mailing address, telephone numberPrevious year’s individual tax return (name, address, filing status) 1Explanations for any felony convictions 2Explanations for problems with your U.S. individual or business tax obligations (if any) 2Credit or debit card for the $50.00 PTIN user fee

If applicable, any U.S.-based professional certification information (CPA, attorney, Enrolled Agent, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent, Enrolled Actuary, Certified Acceptance Agent, or state license) including certification number, jurisdiction of issuance, and expiration date

 

Step 1. Create Your Account

First you must create an account. Go to the online PTIN system and click on “New User.”

Follow the prompts to complete the account setup process and obtain a temporary password. Then use your User ID and temporary password to login to the system. Your User ID is the email address you used when you created your account.

You will be prompted to change your password upon logging in for the first time.

Once logged in, if you have a social security number, you must select: “Sign Up with SSN.” Follow the prompts to apply for the calendar year or prior year/s, and obtain a PTIN.

If you do not have a social security number, refer to the PTIN FAQs for guidance regarding your eligibility for a PTIN and how to obtain one.

Note: PTINs are issued for a specific calendar year. A current year PTIN refers to a PTIN for the current calendar year while next year refers to a PTIN for the upcoming calendar year. PTIN applications for the upcoming year can be submitted beginning in mid-October each year.

 

Step 2. Receive Your PTIN

After completion of the online application, your PTIN is provided online.

The next step on your journey towards becoming a Certified Tax Preparer is to apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or a PTIN. There are four steps in the overall process, and each step is equally important. The fact that you have passed part one will count for nothing if you have not obtained a PTIN number from the IRS.

Having your PTIN is essential as that piece of information much be included on every tax return that you complete, where you are charging a fee for your services.Think of the PTIN as a unique identifying number, similar to your social security number. You are not authorized to prepare any tax returns without this number, so it is essential that you apply and subsequently keep on top of your annual renewal requirements.

N.B.: Whenever you apply for your PTIN number, certain checks will be conducted by the IRS. Please be aware that if there are any issues with your recent personal tax returns, the IRS can slow down your application, or in the worst case scenario deny your registration. It is therefore worthwhile ensuring your records are in order, before moving forward with the application process. The Tax Preparer Helpline is always a great place to contact should you wish to discuss your eligibility. They can be reached at 916-845-7057.

What You Need Before Applying For a PTIN

 

Before you begin your PTIN application, be sure you have the following information available:

Personal information (name, mailing address, date of birth)

Business information (name, mailing address, telephone number)

Previous year’s individual tax return (name, address, filing status) 1

Explanations for any felony convictions 2

Explanations for problems with your U.S. individual or business tax obligations (if any) 2

Credit or debit card for the $50.00 PTIN user fee

If applicable, any U.S.-based professional certification information (CPA, attorney, Enrolled Agent, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent, Enrolled Actuary, Certified Acceptance Agent, or state license) including certification number, jurisdiction of issuance, and expiration date

 

 

Apply For PTIN Step 1. Create Your Account

First you must create an account. Go to the online  PTIN system and click on “New User.”

Follow the prompts to complete the account setup process and obtain a temporary password. Then use your User ID and temporary password to login to the system. Your User ID is the email address you used when you created your account.

You will be prompted to change your password upon logging in for the first time.

Once logged in, if you have a social security number, you must select: “Sign Up with SSN.” Follow the prompts to apply for the calendar year or prior year/s, and obtain a PTIN.

If you do not have a social security number, refer to the PTIN FAQs for guidance regarding your eligibility for a PTIN and how to obtain one.

Note: PTINs are issued for a specific calendar year. A current year PTIN refers to a PTIN for the current calendar year while next year refers to a PTIN for the upcoming calendar year. PTIN applications for the upcoming year can be submitted beginning in mid-October each year.

 

Apply For PTIN Step 2. Receive Your PTIN

After completion of the online application, your PTIN is provided online.

 

STEP 3. Purchase a $5,000 Tax Preparer Bond (Cost $25 a year)

Although this next point is a legal requirement, it makes good business sense. To become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer, you must have a Tax Preparer Bond, that gives you cover up to and including $5000. This is a legal requirement in California, so it is essential that you maintain your coverage. Don’t worry, they don’t actually cost $5,000. You can find them anywhere from $20-$30 a year.

Think of a bond as the equivalent to insurance; a form of protection for the local community, should your actions cause specific problems or issues. 

One of the reasons why the bond is so cheap is because it is extremely rare for the tax preparer to face any liability. This is because the responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided on the tax form is that of the taxpayer. The only time a tax preparer is likely to be found liable is if they deliberately commit fraudulent or illegal acts.

You can find cheap tax preparer bonds at  BondsExpress.com

STEP 4. Register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

Last but not least, to become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer you must register yourself with the  California Tax Education Council (CTEC) Please remember that you will be unable to register with CTEC if you have not completed steps 1-3. 

To register, visit the California Tax Education Council website at  https://ctec.org/ and follow the instructions for new registrations. This is a quick and easy process, but as with all of the steps, should you have any questions or need any advice, give our friendly customer service team a call at 800-349-8905 and they will guide you through the process.

As soon as you complete this final step, you will have fulfilled all of the requirements of CTEC and can now call yo

urself a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer, or CRTP for short.

Provided you are focused and determined to succeed, there is no reason whatsoever that you will not be successful in your attempts to complete the CTEC 60 Hour Tax course. We provide high-quality materials, and offer a first class support system, to ensure your success. The possibilities and potential that this course unlocks cannot be underestimated. Don’t hesitate, enroll today and begin your path to success.