It’s California Law
Unless you are an exempt tax preparer, California requires you to register with CTEC.
Quick Access Tools
What is CRTP?
A CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) is a tax professional who has met the following requirements:
Submitted a live scan and passed a California Department of Justice background check
Completed 60 hours of qualifying tax education before registering
Completes 20 hours of approved continuing tax education each year
Maintains a $5,000 surety bond to protect taxpayers from fraud
Obtains an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
Resources
CTEC Registrants FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most from current CTEC Registered Tax Preparers, organized by topic.
Account & Registration
What if I have issues logging into my account?
If you have forgotten your username or password, click the “Forgot Username or Password” link on the CRTP Login page.
If you are already registered, but do not remember your CTEC ID number, you can locate it by searching for your name on the Find or Verify a Preparer page.
If you are still unable to access your account, please contact CTEC staff by phone or email for further assistance.
What should I do if I do not receive the authentication code to log in to my account?
First, confirm that you are using the correct username. You can do this by selecting the “Forgot Username or Password” link and entering your CTEC ID number to verify your username.
If your username is correct and you do not see the authentication code in your inbox, please check your junk, spam, or trash folders. The authentication email is sent from Advocation Strategies (noreply@advostrat.com) with the subject line “CTEC Auth Code.”
If you are still unable to locate the authentication code, please contact CTEC by phone or email for further assistance.
How do I get a copy of my certificate?
Certificates are automatically mailed once your registration has been completed. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from the date your registration is completed for processing and delivery.
If you need proof of your registration before receiving your certificate by mail, you may print a Registration Verification/Receipt from your online CTEC Preparer account.
To print your Registration Verification/Receipt through the CTEC website:
- Select CRTP Login.
- Log in to your account.
- From the Main Menu, select Completed Registrations.
- Choose Print Verification/Receipt.
You may also print a copy of your receipt immediately after completing your registration payment.
How long does it take to receive my certificate?
Certificates are generally mailed within 2 to 6 weeks after registration is completed.
How do I change my name?
All name change requests must be submitted in writing by email or fax.
Please include the following information:
- Current full legal name
- New full legal name
- CTEC ID number
You must also provide two supporting documents:
- Government-issued identification (one of the following):
- Driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Proof of the name change (one of the following):
- Updated Social Security card
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Naturalization document
- Court order for a legal name change
Renewal & Continuing Education
When do renewals open and what are the renewal deadlines?
Renewals open on August 1 each year and must be completed by October 31.
If you miss the standard deadline, CTEC offers a late renewal period through January 15.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
The standard renewal deadline is October 31 each year. If you miss this deadline, CTEC provides a late renewal period through January 15, which is the final deadline for late renewals. If you do not complete your renewal by January 15, your registration will expire and you will be required to start over with a New Preparer Application and complete all required steps.
New Preparer Application Requirements:
- Payment of the $35 annual registration fee.
- Payment of the $102 application fee.
- Completion and passing of a Live Scan background check.
- Completion of the 60-hour Qualifying Education (QE) course through a CTEC-approved education provider.
- A valid Preparer Tax Identification Number from the IRS (PTIN).
- Obtaining a $5,000 tax preparer bond.
How early can I complete my Continuing Education (CE) for the next renewal cycle?
If your registration is current and active, you may begin completing CE for your next renewal cycle on November 1, as long as those credits are not used for your current renewal.
For example, CE completed on or after November 1, 2025, may be applied toward the 2026/2027 renewal cycle, due October 31, 2026, provided the credits were not used for a previous renewal.
If your registration has expired and you are required to reapply as a new preparer, you must first successfully complete the qualifying education course. Any CE completed before you finish the qualifying education course will not count toward your registration or renewal requirements.
My education credits are missing. What should I do?
Step 1: Verify that the provider reporting deadline has passed (see Policy CP-19).
Step 2: Contact the education provider to confirm they have your correct CTEC ID number. Advise the provider which hours are missing and request that they report the credits as soon as possible.
Step 3: If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the provider, email CTEC staff at info@ctec.org. Include a copy of your completion certificate(s) and your CTEC ID number. CTEC staff will work directly with the education provider to resolve the issue and ensure the credits are properly reported.
PTIN & AFSP Questions
Why are my continuing education (CE) credits showing on my CTEC account but not on my PTIN account? Can CTEC report them to the IRS for me?
CTEC is not responsible for reporting continuing education (CE) credits. The education provider is responsible for reporting completed credits to both CTEC and the IRS.
In order for the education provider to properly report your credits, it is the responsibility of the tax preparer to provide the education provider with both their CTEC ID number and PTIN. If your CE credits are showing on your CTEC account but are missing from your PTIN account, please contact the education provider with whom you completed the course and verify that they have your correct PTIN. The education provider will be responsible for reporting the credits directly to the IRS.
Why is my AFSP showing missing credits?
If you renewed your CTEC registration after the October 31 deadline, the IRS may not immediately recognize your exemption from the 6-hour Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course. Until the IRS updates your PTIN account, it may temporarily show missing AFSP credits or indicate that you are not yet eligible for an AFSP Record of Completion.
Under the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), unenrolled tax return preparers generally must complete 18 hours of continuing education, including:
- 6 hours of Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR);
- 10 hours of other federal tax law topics; and
- 2 hours of ethics.
Active CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs) are generally exempt from the AFTR requirement if they complete their required 20 hours of continuing education and renew their CTEC registration by October 31 each year.
To help avoid delays, renew your CTEC registration by October 31. CTEC does not report registration information directly to the IRS. Instead, the IRS verifies your registration by accessing the CTEC registration database.
Reference:
IRS AFTR Requirements
IRS AFTR Exemptions
Bonds & Professional Resources
Why won't the system let me update my bond?
CTEC should always have your current bond on file. For this reason, the system does not allow bonds to be uploaded with a future effective date. The effective date on the new bond must either be in the past or within the next 10 days.
For example, if your current bond does not expire until next month and your new bond becomes effective next month, you will need to wait until you are within 10 days of the new bond’s effective date before uploading it to your CTEC account.
Can I use the CTEC logo on my business card or marketing materials?
Yes, please follow the CRTP Logo Guidelines, which are available in your online preparer account.
To access the Logo Guidelines on the CTEC website:
- Select CRTP Login.
- Log in to your account.
- Select CTEC Logo Slicks.
From there, you may download:
- CRTP Logo Guidelines
- CRTP Logo files
Education Providers
Where do I find a list of approved education providers?
To access a list of CTEC-approved education providers on the CTEC website:
- Select Tax Preparer.
- Under Quick Access Tools, select Find a CTEC-Approved Education Provider.
- Providers may be filtered by Education Type or Course Offering (Delivery Method).
How does CTEC ensure the quality of approved education providers?
Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Sections 22250–22255, CTEC has established education standards, policies, and procedures designed to promote high-quality Qualifying and Continuing Education. These standards and policies are reviewed on a regular basis with the goal of improving the quality of education and, in turn, supporting competent tax return preparation.
The Curriculum Provider Standards Committee is responsible for several statutory duties, including setting standards and procedures for curriculum providers, approving or denying schools as curriculum providers, enforcing compliance, and providing CTEC Registered Tax Preparers and the public with a list of approved curriculum providers.
Reference: Policy CP-01
Please note that CTEC does not provide education directly.
Can I see reviews or ratings for CTEC-approved education providers?
CTEC does not maintain ratings or reviews for education providers. However, all approved providers:
- Undergo an initial curriculum review.
- Are subject to three-year periodic reviews.
- May be audited.
- Must continue to meet CTEC standards and compliance requirements to maintain their approval status.
Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Notices
How do I dispute a Notice of Failure to Register from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB)?
Questions or disputes regarding penalties must be directed to the FTB Tax Preparer Enforcement Program.
If you receive a Notice of Failure to Register from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), CTEC can assist you with the registration or application process so you can become compliant. However, CTEC does not have authority over FTB penalties.
FTB Tax Preparer Enforcement:
Phone: (916) 845-6193
Fax (for proof of registration): (916) 845-9391
FAQs
How do I obtain a tax preparer bond?
Many insurance and surety companies offer surety bonds. You must be at least 18 years old.
Who is exempt from the Tax Preparers Act?
Generally speaking, California certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and attorneys with the State Bar of California are exempt.
What is the California Tax Education Council?
The Council is a nonprofit organization mandated by state law to ensure nonexempt tax preparers are educated and bonded.
How do I report my continuing education?
CTEC-approved providers are required to electronically submit your hours to CTEC.
Does the IRS have tax preparer requirements?
The IRS requires paid tax preparers to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
What is the IRS Annual Filing Season Program?
The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary offering for tax professionals. CTEC registrants qualify for exemptions.
How do I become a registered tax preparer in California?
Individuals who are not CPAs, attorneys, or enrolled agents are generally required to register with CTEC before preparing tax returns for a fee. Requirements for CTEC registration include:
- Completing a background check and fingerprint scan
- Completing a 60-hour qualifying education course from a CTEC-approved provider
- Obtaining an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
- Purchasing and maintaining a $5,000 surety bond
- Completing annual continuing education requirements
- Renewing registration annually
- Paying applicable registration fees
Individuals interested in becoming a CTEC-registered tax preparer (CRTP) can begin the registration process through the official CTEC New Preparer Application page.
