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How do I become a CTEC (California Tax Education Council) Registered Tax Preparer?

First, Obtain 60 hours of qualified education (QE) from a CTEC approved provider - A&B Office Tax School. Second, Obtain a $5,000 Tax Preparer Bond, our sister company FinanGroup, Inc. DBA: Saavedra Insurance Agency can provide you with this bond at a cost of $80 which covers you for two years (click on our Bonds Page). Third, submit an application to CTEC with a $25 registration fee. Once you have your certificate, bond ,and registered with CTEC; you will be on your way to a new career as a Tax Preparer!

How can I locate an approved provider?

Write or call CTEC and request a List of Approved "Curriculum Providers" or visit www.ctec.org.

How will I know a tax class meets the “qualifying education” requirements?

A “qualifying education” tax course meets requirements when no less than 60 hours of instruction is taught in basic personal income tax law, theory, and practice by an approved curriculum provider. Of the required 60 hours, 45 hours shall be concerned with federal tax curriculum and 15 hours shall be concerned with state tax curriculum.All approved courses by CTEC have an assigned three part course number that includes a "QE" such as (9999-QE-9999). These numbers are available from the provider and are found on the course completion certificate that is issued from the school to students who successfully complete the course.

How do I obtain a statement of compliance from CTEC?

Within 18 months of completing a qualifying education course (60-hr course), obtain a $5,000 Tax Preparer bond from an insurance/surety company and complete a New Preparer application from CTEC. Mail the application to CTEC along with a check for $25. You will receive your statement of compliance as a Registered Tax Preparer within 4 to 6 weeks.

How do I obtain a tax preparer bond?

Saavedra Insurance Agency, our affiliate sister company provides a quick and convenient way to obtain a bond at an affordable price. Note that you must submit proof that you are at least 18 years old. For more information or to apply for a Tax Preparers Bondclick here.

I've been subject to the tax regulations and have been registered with CTEC; currently my tax bond is set through my employer. I want to prepare taxes on my own; do I need to start from the beginning and take the Qualifying Education requirements?

Your previous bond will most likely not cover your tax business outside of your employer. Until you obtain a valid bond to cover your new tax business, state law will prohibit you from preparing taxes.

When does the time period for continuing education start?

Once you are registered with CTEC, you must complete 20 hours (12 federal, 4 state and 4 of either federal or state) of continuing education by October 31st of each year. CTEC begins taking renewal registrations from preparers on August 1st of each year.

When can I legally prepare taxes?

You may begin preparing tax returns after you complete the required education, obtain your bond and are registered with CTEC.

I've never taken a home-study course. Can I really learn by mail or Internet?

Certainly! Millions of people all over the world are using this method, especially now with the convenience of the Internet. Many people are taking advantage of our home study course and are preparing themselves for a new career, pay increase, job advancement, or simply for personal enrichment.

Do I need prior schooling to take the 60-hrs course?

It would be helpful to have a high school diploma or an equivalent examination. However, if you can read and write and have average intelligence and the sincere desire to succeed, you should be able to master this course.

Is A&B Office Income Tax Training School accredited?

A&B Office, Income Tax Training School is recognized by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). To confirm call (916) 492-0457, or visit www.ctec.org See approval Letter.

Are there any extras I must buy?

No. Your 60hr course tuition covers the entire cost of the course. All your course material is included in the one low price you pay.

How long will it take me to complete the Qualifying Education course?

If you study regularly, you should be able to graduate within 30 days. The school automatically allows students 90 days to complete the course; note that if an extension is needed we can allow up to four months to complete the course. The course and final test must be completed within 12 months from the date of purchase.

How can I get my license?

To practice income tax preparation in California, upon completion of the course, you must register with the California Tax Education Council and post a bond. You must also be at least 18 years of age.

What is the continuing education (20-hr course) requirement?

20 hours of CTEC approved continuing education (12 hours of federal taxation, 4 hours of California taxation and 4 hours of either federal or California). This education must be taken from a CTEC approved curriculum provider and completed by October 31st of each year.

When and how do I report my continuing education?

Every year in August, CTEC sends renewal applications to all registered preparers. By October 31st of each year, you should submit your renewal registration application by mail or by using CTEC's online registration.

What happens if I don’t complete my continuing education and apply for a statement of compliance by October 31st?

Your status will be changed to "delinquent" until you complete the required education and complete the renewal application. You will also need to pay the $38.00 delinquent fee, ($25.00 registration fee and $13.00 late fee).Your status will remain delinquent until your application is processed by CTEC. Note that during this time your bond may be canceled by your insurance/surety company, and a tax preparer may not conduct business without a current surety bond. If you do not apply within one year of October 31st, your registration will expire and you will have to meet the qualifying education (60hr course) requirements again and apply as a new tax preparer for a Certificate of Completion.

Does the statute allow CTEC to approve work experience in lieu of qualifying education?

CTEC is authorized to consider “a minimum of two recent years experience in the preparation of personal income tax returns” to determine if an individual has achieved “the equivalent of the required qualifying education”. Those who prepared taxes in violation of the statute may not use such time to qualify for this exception. Call CTEC to receive an Experience In Lieu of Education Application. The above means that anyone who has had a CPA, EA, or Attorney License for the last two years; anyone who was employed by one of those three for the last two years; or anyone moving to CA from out of state with two years experience, may apply to receive an exemption from taking the full 60-hr qualifying course.You may only use this application (which must be requested by e-mail at info@ctec.org, or by calling 1-877-850-2832) if you fit into one of the above three categories. Please do not try to use this application if you do not qualify.

Who is exempt from the Tax Preparers Act?

Generally speaking, CPAs, Attorneys, Enrolled Agents and anyone employed by these individuals are exempt from the Act. (For a full description of all requirements set for exemption see Section 22258).

Who is required to comply with the Tax Preparers Act?

Any person who for a fee, assists with or prepares a State or Federal tax return, or assumes responsibility for such a return, or who offers these services.

Does the statute allow CTEC to approve courses offered by schools that are not approved curriculum providers?

No. The Council has no authority to certify any educational course which is not provided (by a curriculum provider) approved in advance by CTEC. Schools that want to offer courses that qualify for the Tax Preparers Act should apply to CTEC to become an approved curriculum provider.

Do I have to pay a separate application fee for multiple business locations?

No. You only need to pay one fee for each preparer.

Where can I learn more about what I must do to comply with the requirements of the Tax Preparer Act (Business and Professions Code)?

Copies of the "Tax Preparer Act" as well as copies of the“General Information for Tax Preparers” guide are available from CTEC.

What is the California Tax Education Council?

The responsibility for approving tax schools was transferred by the Legislature and the Governor to the California Tax Education Council effective July 1, 1997. The Council is a private industry association made up of appointees from non-profit tax preparer associations and for-profit corporations. Representatives to the Council are appointed as described in Section 22251. In addition to approving providers of tax education, the Council is charged with providing a list of approved curriculum providers, verifying the required tax education, and insuring that preparers provide valid bond information before issuing a statement of completion/compliance to the preparer.

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