Promoting Proficiency and Professionalism

Since 1997, the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) has been a steadfast guardian of California taxpayers. Established by the state legislature, the Council is committed to upholding the standards of tax preparation and protecting taxpayers.

Our Mission
and Establishment

The Council continues to focus on the protection of taxpayers by enforcing strict standards for nonexempt tax preparers.

Why California Tax Preparation and Compliance Matters

This registration not only signifies compliance with state law, it also represents a commitment to maintaining high standards of industry knowledge and professionalism.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of volunteers appointed by qualified organizations. All inquiries should be directed to the CTEC Administrator.

The Council is composed of appointed individuals from qualified organizations and six elected CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs).

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CTEC Officers

CTEC Directors at Large

Board Meetings

Notice of Public Meetings

The Board of Directors meeting agenda is posted 10 days before the meeting date.

For inquiries about attending the meeting, contact Amanda Harden at (877) 850-2832 or by email at aharden@ctec.org.

2025

Annual Board Meeting

Nov 12, 2025

- Nov 13, 2025

San Jose, CA

The Board of Directors Meeting Agenda and Zoom links will be posted 10 days before the meeting date.

Qualified Organizations

Criteria

The Council is composed of appointed individuals from qualified organizations and six elected CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs).

Qualified Organization Definition:

A single nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code made up of not more than one representative from each California nonprofit corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that represents tax preparers, enrolled agents, attorneys, or certified public accountants with a membership in California of at least 400 in each of the previous three calendar years.
A single organization made up of not more than one representative from each for-profit tax preparation corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that had at least 400 employees or franchisees, which number can include the employees of a franchisee, in California during the previous calendar year and that has been operating in California for the last three years.

Research & References: 22251(d)

(d) “Council” means the California Tax Education Council that is a single nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code made up of not more than one representative from each California nonprofit corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that represents tax preparers, enrolled agents, attorneys, or certified public accountants with a membership in California of at least 400 in each of the previous three calendar years, and not more than one representative from each for-profit tax preparation corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that had at least 400 employees or franchisees, which number can include the employees of a franchisee, in California during the previous calendar year and that has been operating in California for the last three years.

CTEC Administrator

The Council contracts with Advocation Strategies to provide administrative services. All inquiries should be directed to the administrator.

Tabitha Bolkish

Advocation Strategies, Inc

PO Box: 458 Lincoln, CA 95648

Committees

The Council consists of multiple committees to carry out daily tasks.

Council Mission Statement

The California Tax Education Council (CTEC) will continue to protect the public by establishing professional tax education standards, approve tax education providers who comply with these standards, and facilitate tax preparer compliance.

The Audit Oversight Committee oversees the audit process and works with an outside auditor.

The Executive Committee acts in place of the Council between board meetings. All actions are fully communicated to the Council.

The Budget and Finance Committee balances income and expenses to carry out the Council’s duties and responsibilities.

The Bylaws Committee reviews all amendments and submits it to legal counsel and board members for approval.

The Communications & Technology Committee ensures the Council effectively communicates to its total audiences using available technology.

The Curriculum Provider Professional Standards Committee sets standards and procedures for education providers, enforces compliance, and provides a public list of approved education providers.

The Governance Committee works with other committees to ensure long-term quality and effectiveness of the Council.

The Governmental Relations Committee stays informed on all legislative actions that may affect the Council and represents the Council to governmental agencies.

The Public Awareness Committee implements a communications program targeted to anyone interested in CTEC and its mission.

The Tax Preparer Committee develops and implements board standards and procedures for registrants’ compliance.

Legislative Authority

CTEC was established by the California State Legislature in 1997 to regulate and register unenrolled tax preparers in California.

Promoting Proficiency and Professionalism

Our Mission
and Establishment

Why California Tax Preparation and Compliance Matters