If you’re a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP), now is the time to make sure your registration is ready for the upcoming tax season.
The deadline to renew your CTEC registration for the 2026/2027 registration cycle is October 31, 2026. CRTPs who miss the October 31 deadline can still renew during CTEC’s late renewal period through January 15, 2027, but additional fees will apply.
If you plan to prepare tax returns for a fee in California, don’t wait until the deadline to discover that a requirement is missing.
Your CTEC Renewal Checklist
Before you submit your renewal, make sure you have completed each of the following:
1. Complete your 20 hours of continuing education
CRTPs must complete 20 hours of CTEC-approved continuing education each year:
- 10 hours of federal tax law
- 3 hours of federal tax law updates
- 2 hours of ethics
- 5 hours of California tax law
Your CTEC-approved education provider must report your completed hours electronically to CTEC.
If your education hours are missing from your account, contact your education provider. Make sure the provider has your correct CTEC ID number so your completed education can be properly reported.
2. Make sure your IRS PTIN is current
Paid tax preparers must maintain a current IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Check your PTIN before completing your CTEC renewal so you don’t encounter an issue during the application process.
3. Confirm your surety bond information
CRTPs must maintain the required tax preparer surety bond and provide current bond information as part of the renewal process.
If your bond information has changed or you have questions about a bond claim, make sure those issues are addressed before submitting your renewal.
4. Complete the renewal application
Completing your continuing education does not automatically renew your CTEC registration.
Your education provider reports your completed education hours to CTEC, but you must still log in to your CTEC account, complete the renewal application and pay the required fees.
For the 2026/2027 renewal cycle, CTEC lists a $33 registration fee plus a $2 processing fee.
Don’t Confuse Your Certificate With Your Registration
One important reminder from CTEC: reprinting your CTEC certificate does not renew your registration.
Likewise, completing your continuing education alone does not complete the renewal process.
Your renewal is complete only after you:
- Log in to your CTEC account.
- Complete and submit your renewal application.
- Pay the required fees.
What Happens If You Miss October 31?
If you don’t renew by October 31, 2026, CTEC provides a late renewal period through January 15, 2027.
A $55 late fee will apply in addition to the $33 renewal fee and $2 processing fee.
January 15 is the final deadline for late renewal. If you do not renew by that date, your CTEC registration will expire and you will have to start over with a New Preparer Application.
That means completing the requirements for new registration rather than simply renewing an existing registration.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Week
The best time to discover a missing education credit, outdated PTIN or bond issue is before the renewal deadline.
Log in to your CTEC account now and check your renewal status. If everything is complete, submit your renewal rather than waiting until October 31.
If something is missing, you’ll have time to contact your education provider or address the issue before the deadline.
Ready to Renew?
Visit CTEC’s registration renewal resources for the complete requirements and instructions, then log in to your CTEC account to complete your renewal.
Renew by October 31, 2026, to avoid the late renewal fee.
