California Tax Education Council
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California is one of the few states to have set requirements for professional tax preparers. State law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee to be either an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), CTEC registered tax preparer (CRTP) or enrolled agent (EA).
In some cases, CTEC registration is required for tax preparer employees who "assist"with preparing your tax return OR bundle it with other services, such as offering insurance or travel planning. Learn more about those requirements here...
Choosing a tax preparer who is not one of those four professionals may prevent you from legal recourse against fraud. It may also increase your chances for additional taxes, interest and fines. Always verify the legal status of a tax preparer before handing over your private tax information. Verify or find a tax preparer...
Did Your Tax Preparer Sign?
Tax preparers who charge a fee to do your taxes, but never sign your tax return are breaking the law. No signature? Means no accountability. No proof of existence.
Hiring a tax preparer (often referred to as "ghost tax preparers") will increase your chances for tax fraud, penalties and additional taxes.
If they sign as "self prepared" or with business labels, those are red flags for fraud. Learn more...
Conozca A Su Preparador De Impuestos
La ley de California dice que sólo un abogado, contador público certificado (CPA), agente inscrito (EA) o preparador de impuestos registrado con California Tax Education Council (CTEC) puede preparar declaraciones de impuestos por una tarifa.
Siempre verifique el estatus legal de un preparador de impuestos cada año. ¡Las licencias y registros pueden ser suspendidos o revocados sin previo aviso!
Todos los preparadores de impuestos pagados están obligados por la ley a firmar (escrito a máquina o manuscrito) las declaraciones de impuestos estatales y federales que preparan para usted. También están obligados a incluir su Número Individual de Identificación Fiscal (PTIN) del Preparador del IRS en todas las declaraciones de impuestos federales que preparan. Aprende más...
Other Helpful Links
IRS Tax Preparer Regulations
FTB - California Tax Preparer Enforcement
California Board of Accountancy
IRS - Enrolled Agents
The State Bar of California
US Department of Justice