The renewal period for CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs) for the 2025/2026 cycle begins August 1, 2025, and ends October 31, 2025.
How to Renew Online
To renew your registration online, visit the CTEC homepage and click the CRTP Login button located at the top of the page.
Ensure you have the following ready:
- Basic personal information.
- Current bond information—including any bond claims; see below for details.
- 20 hours of continuing education (10 hours federal tax law, 3 hours federal tax law updates, 2 hours ethics, 5 hours state) already uploaded into the CTEC database by your education provider.
- A current IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
- Visa or MasterCard to pay the $33 registration fee plus a $2 processing fee.
Important Note: Some CRTPs mistakenly believe they have completed the renewal process by reprinting their certificate for $10. Please follow all renewal steps outlined above and pay all required fees to ensure your registration is successfully renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if My Education Has Not Been Reported?
To renew online, all continuing education must be electronically reported to CTEC by your education provider(s). If your hours are missing, contact your education provider(s) directly and confirm they have your valid CTEC ID number so they can upload your hours. CTEC policy gives education providers until the end of the quarter to report your hours outside of the renewal cycle and up to ten business days from the course completion date to report your hours during the renewal cycle (August 1 through October 31).
Note: CTEC education providers only submit your education hours; they do not register you with CTEC. You must complete the final registration steps yourself, as outlined above.
Can I Use Unused Education from Last Year?
CTEC’s registration cycle runs from November 1 through October 31 each year. Any education completed within those dates is valid for that specific cycle. For example, if you took a course on or after November 1, 2024, and did not use it for your 2024/2025 renewal, it can be applied toward your 2025/2026 renewal.
Important: If your 2023/2024 registration expired and you registered as a new tax preparer for 2024/2025, any continuing education completed before your new registration cannot be counted towards renewal. Do not complete continuing education hours before your new registration is active.
What Happens if I Have a Bond Claim?
CRTPS are required by California law to report bond claims. Under your CTEC account there’s an option to select “Add New Paid Bond Claim.” You need to enter the information on this page if a client made a claim against your bond for any damage you reportedly committed; this includes fraud, dishonesty, misstatement, misrepresentation, deceit, or any unlawful acts or omissions.
If this is not the case, and you did none of the above—then your bond information does not need to be added on this page. If you have submitted a paid bond claim in error, you must remove the claim submission by selecting “Remove Paid Bond Claim.”
Do I Have to Display My Certificate?
Yes, all current CTEC certificates must be clearly visible to consumers at your primary place of business. Certificates may be displayed at the entrance, on desks, or in another prominent location where business is conducted.
