Registration for new applicants starts November 1, 20223. New registrants must also pass a background check before their application can be approved. California Business & Professions Code Section 22251.3 was amended to require new applicants who would like to become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) to pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprint images to CTEC to determine an individual’s eligibility to register. This means new registrants must complete the following before their application will be considered:
- Complete 60 hours (45 hours federal, 15 hours state) of qualifying education (QE) by an approved CTEC education provider
- Obtain a $5,000 tax preparer surety bond
- Register for an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
- Complete a criminal background check and submit fingerprint images to CTEC
The new requirements are NOT applicable to current CRTPs, only new applicants who register on or after July 1, 2020. However, CRTPs who allow their CTEC registration to expire and would like to reregister with CTEC, will not only be required to retake the 60 hour QE course, they will also be required to go through a background check and resubmit fingerprint images to CTEC. Already completed the requirements? Click here to register.
