Renewal season is here, and CTEC receives many of the same questions each year from registered tax preparers. Whether you’re waiting for your education hours to appear, wondering if unused education can be applied to a future renewal, or have questions about bond claims or certificate requirements, we’re here to help.
Below are answers to some of the most common renewal-related questions to help you complete your registration accurately and avoid unnecessary delays.
What If My Education Has Not Been Reported?
To renew online, all continuing education hours must be electronically reported to CTEC by your approved education provider(s).
If your hours are missing, contact your education provider directly and confirm that they have your correct CTEC ID number. Providers are responsible for uploading completed coursework to CTEC.
During the renewal period (August 1–October 31), providers have up to ten business days from your course completion date to report your hours. Outside of the renewal period, providers have until the end of the calendar quarter to submit completed coursework.
Important: Education providers only report your education hours. They do not register or renew your CTEC registration. You must complete the renewal process yourself through your CTEC account.
Can I Use Unused Education From Last Year?
CTEC’s registration cycle runs from November 1 through October 31 each year. Continuing education completed during that period may be applied to that specific registration cycle.
For example, if you completed a course on or after November 1, 2025, and did not use it for your 2025–2026 renewal, those hours may be applied toward your 2026–2027 renewal.
Important: If your 2024–2025 registration expired and you subsequently registered as a new tax preparer for 2025–2026, any continuing education completed before your new registration became active cannot be used toward renewal requirements. Do not complete continuing education hours until your new registration is active.
What Happens If I Have a Bond Claim?
California law requires CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs) to report paid bond claims.
Within your CTEC account, select “Add New Paid Bond Claim” if a client has made a claim against your bond for damages involving alleged fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation, deceit, unlawful acts, or omissions.
If no paid bond claim exists, you do not need to enter information on this page.
If you submitted a paid bond claim in error, you may remove it by selecting “Remove Paid Bond Claim” within your account.
Do I Have to Display My Certificate?
Yes. California law requires current CTEC certificates to be clearly visible to consumers at your primary place of business.
Certificates may be displayed at the entrance, on a wall, on a desk, or in another prominent location where business is conducted. The goal is to ensure consumers can easily verify your current registration status.
