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Tax preparer education requirements by state

Pick your state. You get what the page shows for this credential and the date we read it.

State Cert Guide

Last checked Nov 13, 2026

How we check

Verified states

Verified so far: 1 of 51 states

Tax preparer education: rules by state
StateWhat the state saysLast checked
CaliforniaIf you prepare tax returns for a fee in California and aren't an exempt attorney, CPA or enrolled agent, state law says you must register with CTEC. You pass a background check and get a PTIN and a surety bond. You also finish 60 hours of qualifying education from a CTEC approved provider, or show experience in lieu. New applicants may not prepare returns for clients until CTEC approves them.

States without a page yet

We don't have a page for these states yet:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

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