We are a proud provider of CTEC Approved Qualifying and Continuing Tax Education. We offer the CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Education Tax Course for those who are interested in becoming a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer, as well as the CTEC 20 Hour Continuing Education Course for those who are already registered with CTEC and need to renew. All of our courses are offered online in video/text format, which means you can watch the video or read the text, which ever you prefer. You can even watch the video and read the course at the same time! For those who love to read, you can purchase a physical copy of the course to your door, for just $30 extra and free shipping. Be sure to select the “Online Course + Physical Book” option before clicking the “Buy Now” button. Need assistance of any kind? Feel free to give us a call at 800-654-1746. We’re open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm PST, and offer live chat and email support on the weekend. 

Requirements of All CTEC Tax Preparers

Step 1 – Complete a CTEC 60 Hour Tax Course

Step 2 – Purchase a $5,000 Tax Preparer Bond (Cost $25 a year)

Step 3 – Apply and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) with the IRS

Step 4 – Register with CTEC online at www.CTEC.org and pay $33 Registration Fee

CTEC Renewal Requirements / Steps

Step 1 – Complete 20 hours of CTEC approved continuing tax education each year

Step 2 – Maintain a valid PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS

Step 3 – Maintain a Tax Preparer Bond of $5000

Step 4 – Renew CTEC registration and pay $33 CTEC Renewal Fee by October 31st of each year

Failure to Register With CTEC

California law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee within the State of California and is not an exempt preparer to register as a tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

“ Failure to register as a tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council, as required by Section 22253 of the Business and Professions Code, unless it is shown that the failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

(1) The amount of the penalty under this subdivision for the first failure to register is two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). This penalty shall be waived if proof of registration is provided to the Franchise Tax Board within 90 days from the date notice of the penalty is mailed to the tax preparer.

(2) The amount of the penalty under this subdivision for a failure to register, other than the first failure to register, is five thousand dollars ($5,000).”

For more information on the requirements and regulations of the California Tax Education Council, visit www.ctec.org/Preparer/WhatCRTP