CTEC Tax Preparer
New Application
This is the application to apply for CTEC registration. Completing this application does not guarantee registration. Once your background check is approved, you will receive an email from CTEC that your application has been approved and you can go into your account and begin the registration process.
An asterisk on the application is a required field (* Required fields).
If you were previously registered with CTEC and let your registration expire, you must re-take the 60-hour qualifying education course from an approved education provider, pass a background check, and register as a NEW applicant.
If required, be sure to select the appropriate application cycle year and type of application.
Complete Online Application for New Preparers
NOTE: You have the option to start your required 60-Hour Qualifying Education (QE) Course before beginning the Online Application; however, if you take the 60-Hour QE Course but do NOT pass the background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan), you will not be able to register with CTEC.
Click the link below to begin your Online Application. You will be required to enter personal information, complete a background questionnaire, and create your login account. Be sure the email address you provide is current and accurate. Adding a secondary email address is optional, but recommended. Email addresses are used for communication during the background review process as well as registration renewal notifications. You will also be required to create a new User ID and password. This new User ID and password will replace any credentials associated with a previous account. To submit a new application, you must pay a $100 nonrefundable application fee plus a $2 processing fee.
Complete Live Scan Process
CTEC requires all new applicants to complete a background check and fingerprinting (Live Scan) before becoming registered. Log in to the account you created in Step 1 using the link below to access the required Live Scan forms, locate a Live Scan site near you, and complete the background questionnaire.
All offenses MUST be fully reported, even if they have been adjudicated, dismissed, expunged or have occurred more than 10 years ago.
You will have the opportunity to upload any supporting documents that may assist with the background investigation. You will also be required to download and complete a Live Scan Request Form. Take the completed form to the Live Scan location you have selected, where the Live Scan operator will complete the fingerprinting process and electronically submit your fingerprints to the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Live Scan operator will return a copy of the completed form to you for your records. Do not send this form to CTEC.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) will electronically transmit your background information to CTEC for review. This process typically takes 2 to 8 weeks.
NOTE: Your application will remain “Pending” until CTEC receives your Live Scan report from the California Department of Justice and the completion of 60 hours of qualifying education course.
CTEC Notification of Live Scan Approval or Denial
CTEC will receive and review your background information from the California Department of Justice. If additional information is needed, CTEC will contact you by email. Failure to respond to a request for additional information may result in a proposed denial of your application.
Once the review is complete, CTEC will notify you of its decision. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions to continue the registration process. Your Certificate of Completion will be mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks after your registration is approved and payment has been received.
If your application is denied, CTEC will notify you by both email and USPS. The denial letter will explain the reason for the decision and provide information about the appeal process.
CTEC Registration Process
Take a 60-hour Qualifying Education (QE) Course from a CTEC Approved Provider
Complete the required 60-Hour Qualifying Education (QE) Course from a CTEC Approved Provider. Click the link below to find a CTEC Approved Provider.
Obtain or Have a Valid Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS
Go to IRS.gov/tax professional to apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). You are required to have this number for CTEC registration.
Purchase or Have a Valid Tax Preparer Surety Bond
As required by California law, you must purchase a $5,000 Tax Preparer Surety Bond from a surety company before you can register with CTEC. You can search online for a surety bond provider. Once you obtain your bond, log in to your CTEC account and upload a copy. Instructions for uploading your bond are available within your account.
Complete Online CTEC Registration and Submit Payment
Once you have completed your 60-hour QE course from your CTEC approved provider, received your PTIN number from the IRS, and received your $5,000 tax preparer surety bond, you will need to complete the online CTEC registration process. Click the link below to access your CTEC account and finalize your registration.
FAQs
Getting Started
Can I start an application now but register for the next cycle year instead?
The CTEC registration cycle runs from November 1 through October 31. When you begin a new application, it will automatically be opened for the current registration cycle.
If you intend to register for the upcoming registration cycle, you may complete all application requirements and wait to make the final registration payment until after November 1.
Example 1: If you complete your registration payment before October 31, you will be registered for the current registration cycle. To renew for the following cycle, you must complete the required 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) and pay the annual registration renewal fee by October 31 for a standard renewal or January 15 for a late renewal.
Example 2: If you complete your registration requirements but wait until after November 1 to make your final registration payment, you will be registered for the upcoming registration cycle and will not need to renew until October 31 of the following year.
Applications that remain open and have not been completed by October 31 will automatically roll over to the next registration cycle on November 1.
Important Timeframes
- CTEC applications: Valid for up to three years from the date the application is submitted.
- Live Scan results: Valid for up to three years from the date the application is submitted.
- Qualifying Education (QE): Valid for up to 18 months from the date the course is completed.
Do I need a business address to register?
A business address is not required to register with CTEC. However, please note that the mailing address on file is public information and will appear on the Find/Verify a Preparer page. Your physical address is used for internal purposes only and is not displayed publicly. If you do not have a business address and do not wish to use your home address as your public mailing address, you may use a P.O. Box
Can I prepare any type of tax return with my CTEC registration?
California Business and Professions Code Sections 22250–22255 do not place limitations on the types of tax returns that a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) may prepare.
Any non-exempt person who prepares tax returns for compensation is required to register with CTEC.
Under Business and Professions Code section 22251, a “tax return” includes a return, declaration, statement, refund claim, or other document required to be filed in connection with federal or state income taxes or California bank and corporation franchise taxes.
Reference: Business and Professions Code section 22251.
Education Providers
How do I find a CTEC-approved education provider near me?
A list of CTEC-Approved Education Providers is available on the CTEC website. To locate a provider near you, please use the Find a CTEC-Approved Education Providers page and use the Map Tool to search by location.
How can I verify if an education provider is CTEC-approved?
To verify whether an education provider is approved by CTEC, please refer to the Find a CTEC-Approved Education Providers page on the CTEC website. This page contains a current list of all CTEC-Approved Education Providers.
Can I see reviews or ratings for CTEC-approved education providers?
CTEC does not maintain or publish ratings or reviews for CTEC-Approved Education Providers. However, you may search online for reviews or feedback regarding education providers through third-party websites.
All CTEC-Approved Education Providers undergo an initial curriculum review and are subject to three-year periodic reviews and audits to ensure they continue to meet CTEC’s education standards and compliance requirements.
Live Scan & Background Review
Where do I find the Live Scan form?
The Live Scan form is available on your CTEC application page after you have submitted the $102 application fee. Once the fee has been paid and your application is on file, a “Download Live Scan Form” link will appear on your application page.
To access the form, log in to your CTEC Application and select “Download Live Scan Form” from your application page.
Where do I find a Live Scan location?
Search for a Live Scan location directly on the CA DOJ website:
https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations
A link to the CA Department of Justice (DOJ) Live Scan locations is also available on your CTEC application page.
Why does it take so long to get an application approved?
All new applications require a Live Scan background check. Once the background report is received by CTEC’s Legal Department, it must be reviewed and approved before the application can proceed. Background records are reviewed in the order they are received. The CTEC background review process generally takes approximately 2 to 8 weeks from the date the background report is received by CTEC.
Reference: Policy TP-12
I checked the DOJ website and it says my Live Scan was completed, but it is not approved on my application. Why?
The status of “Completed” on the CA Department of Justice (DOJ) website indicates that the DOJ has completed processing your fingerprints and transmitted the background report to CTEC. The date shown as “Completed” is the date the report was received by CTEC’s Legal Department.
Once the report is received, it must be reviewed by CTEC’s Legal Department. The background review process generally takes 2 to 8 weeks, and records are reviewed in the order they are received.
What if my application is still showing "Pending" after 8 weeks?
If it has been more than 8 weeks since you completed your Live Scan, please contact CTEC by phone or email. CTEC Staff can verify whether your background report has been received and provide you with an update and any additional instructions, if necessary.
I'm located outside of California. Can I still register with CTEC and how do I complete the Live Scan requirement?
Out-of-state tax preparers are welcome and encouraged to register with CTEC. The application process is the same; however, because the CA Department of Justice (DOJ) does not accept electronic Live Scan submissions from applicants located outside of California, the background check must be completed using FD-258 fingerprint hard cards and submitted by mail directly to the DOJ.
You will be notified by email if your application is approved, and your application status will also update on your application page. If additional information is required, CTEC’s Legal Department will contact you by email with further instructions.
Please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Log in to your CTEC application and select “Download Live Scan Form.”
The provided form, BCIA 8016 – Request for Live Scan Service, will already have the top section prefilled with CTEC’s information, which authorizes the DOJ to electronically transmit the background report directly to CTEC.
· Complete the Applicant Information section. Everything below the applicant signature line may be left blank unless otherwise instructed.
Step 2: Obtain FD-258 fingerprint hard cards.
· FD-258 fingerprint cards may be obtained from a local police department or fingerprinting agency that offers ink fingerprinting services.
· CTEC does not provide FD-258 fingerprint cards.
· The CA DOJ recommends that you complete two fingerprint cards (two sets of prints).
Step 3: Mail the required documents to the CA DOJ
You must mail the following items directly to the CA Department of Justice:
· Completed BCIA 8016 – Request for Live Scan Service form;
· Completed FD-258 fingerprint hard card(s); and
· A check or money order for $32, payable to CA DOJ.
Please note: CTEC does not cover the cost of fingerprinting or Live Scan processing.
Mail To:
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
Attn: Pre-Scan Unit
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Important: Do not mail these documents to CTEC. They must be mailed directly to the California Department of Justice.
Step 4: CTEC Background Review Process
Once the DOJ processes your fingerprints, the results will be electronically transmitted to CTEC. After the background report is received, CTEC’s Legal Department will review the record. Background reports are reviewed in the order they are received. The CTEC background review process generally takes 2 to 8 weeks from the date the report is received from the DOJ.
Registration & Fees
Where can I upload my bond for a new application?
If you are still in application status and your Live Scan has not yet been approved or your education has not yet been reported, you will not have the option to upload your bond.
Once both your Live Scan has been approved and your education has been reported, a “Click Here to Register Now” button will appear on your application page. After selecting this button, you will be prompted to upload your bond and complete the remaining registration requirements.
I already paid the $102 application fee. Why am I being asked to pay another $35?
The $102 fee is a one-time application fee required to start a new preparer application. This fee is only required for new applications.
Once all application requirements have been completed and approved, you must pay the $35 annual registration fee to complete your initial registration. After you become registered, the registration fee must be paid annually by the renewal deadline to maintain your CTEC registration for the following cycle year.
Why isn't my CTEC ID number showing up in the Find or Verify a Preparer search
If your application is still in progress, you will not appear in the Find or Verify a Preparer search because you are not yet a currently registered CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP).
Once all application requirements have been completed and your CTEC registration becomes active, your information will be added to the Find or Verify a Preparer database and will be available for public verification.
Account Access
What can I do if I did not receive an authentication code to log into my account?
First, confirm that you are using the correct username. You can verify your username by selecting the Forgot Username or Password link and entering your CTEC ID number.
If your username is correct and you do not see the authentication code in your inbox, check your junk or spam folders. The email is sent from Advocation Strategies (noreply@advostrat.com) with the subject line “CTEC Auth Code.”
If you still cannot locate the authentication code, please contact CTEC by phone or email for assistance
