Safeguarding California's Taxpayers

Stay informed, stay compliant. Work with approved professionals and access essential California tax education services to effectively navigate tax preparation.

Attention CTEC Registered Tax Preparers: Your CTEC registration certificate will be sent to the mailing address on file within 4–6 weeks of your registration date.
Verify Your Tax Preparer Before You File
The Community We Empower

Taxpayers

Let us be your guide to confident tax filing. Find verified tax preparers, learn about fraud prevention, and access helpful resources.

Tax Preparers

Have a trustworthy partner in us for tax preparation success. 
Stay compliant, access education, and build your reputation.

Education Providers

Streamline your course management and ensure quality. Keep in the loop on industry trends and deliver top-notch tax education.

Essential Tax Resources for Californians

Get everything you need for informed tax filing.

Check Registrations

Confirm your tax preparer’s credentials using our searchable database.

Get Registered

Learn how to become a registered tax professional and find the necessary forms as well as other requirements.

File a Complaint

Help protect others and yourself by reporting misconduct by tax preparers and education providers.

For Taxpayers
For CTEC Preparers

Keep Up-to-Date

Access the latest news, resources, and compliance guidelines on tax preparation so you can stay informed.

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Check Registrations

Confirm your tax preparer’s credentials using our searchable database.

Get Registered

Learn how to become a registered tax professional and find the necessary forms as well as other requirements.

File a Complaint

Help protect others and yourself by reporting misconduct by tax preparers and education providers.

For Taxpayers
For CTEC Preparers

Keep Up-to-Date

Access the latest news, resources, and compliance guidelines on tax preparation so you can stay informed.

Important Announcements

Never miss a beat. Be informed on the latest tax preparation news and regulatory changes.

Got any questions?

CTEC is Now Accepting New Preparer Applications.

New applications open for submission starting November 1.

1 Nov 2025

Upcoming CTEC Board Meetings

View the scheduled board meetings for 2026–2027.

Maintaining Industry Knowledge and Professionalism

As a state-mandated nonprofit, the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) is committed to ensuring that California taxpayers receive proficient tax preparation services. Established in 1997, we oversee tax preparer education and registration, and work tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry.

Our dedicated Board of Directors, comprised of volunteer members from qualified organizations, guides our mission. Through our efforts, we protect taxpayers and promote ethical tax practices in the state.

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Your Guide to CTEC Registration

Get the information you need on requirements, 
state law exemptions, and enforcement.

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Tune into Taxpayer Beware

Stay in the loop with more updates and news via our podcast.

English
12:59 min
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How to Outsmart Tax Scams

Host Ray Davis sits down with Andrew Lepage from the Franchise Tax Board Public Affairs Division to break down the latest tax-related scams….
Spanish
32:48 min
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Cómo Detectar y Reportar Estafas de Impuestos Fantasma

Fernando Angell le da la bienvenida a Alma Galván, portavoz nacional del Better Business Bureau (BBB), para una conversación reveladora sobre estafas tributarias, preparadores fantasmas y cómo las empresas fraudulentas se dirigen a la comunidad latina en California.
English
26:16 min
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Spotting Tax Scams Before They Spot You

BBB’s Alma Galvan and Ray Davis reveal top tips to spot, avoid, and report the latest tax scams—and how to verify trustworthy tax pros in California.
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