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How do I become a CTEC registered tax preparer in California?

If 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.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Paid tax preparers who aren't State Bar attorneys, verified CPAs or enrolled agentsCTEC says the requirement comes from state law.
Verified. ctec.org (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
A 60-hour qualifying education course from a CTEC approved providerCTEC calls it the required QE course.
Verified. ctec.org (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cost
$102 to apply (one time), then a $35 registration fee every yearThe $102 is only for new applications, and the registration fee is paid again every year after you are registered.
Same source and date as above
Renewal
20 hours of CE and the renewal fee by October 31, or by January 15 if lateCTEC separates a standard renewal from a late one.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
CTEC's provider search covers online and in-person coursesThe search page lists qualifying and continuing education courses.
Verified. ctec.org (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether you must register. CTEC says that if you plan to prepare tax returns for a fee in California and are not an attorney licensed by the State Bar of California, a CPA or accounting firm that the California Board of Accountancy verifies, or an enrolled agent, state law requires you to register with CTEC. Under Business and Professions Code section 22251, a "tax return" includes a return, declaration, statement, refund claim, or other document required to be filed in connection with federal or state income taxes or California bank and corporation franchise taxes. New applicants are not permitted to prepare tax returns for clients until CTEC has completed and approved their sign-up.

  2. Step 2. Choose a CTEC approved provider for the required 60-hour QE course. CTEC's provider search covers online and in-person courses. CTEC approves and monitors providers. CTEC's webinar says new preparers need a live scan and background check. They also need a PTIN and a $5,000 surety bond, as well as 60 hour qualifying education or experience in lieu. Fees apply too.

  3. Step 3. Take the course and get your PTIN. CTEC says qualifying education is valid for up to 18 months from the date the course is completed. You can start the 60-hour course before beginning the online application. But if you take it and do not pass the background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan), you will not be able to register with CTEC. Apply to the IRS for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), because you are required to have this number to sign up with CTEC.

  4. Step 4. Apply with CTEC and finish signing up. CTEC requires all new applicants to complete a background check and fingerprinting (Live Scan) before becoming registered. CTEC's background review generally takes approximately 2 to 8 weeks from the date it receives the background report. The $102 fee is a one-time fee to start a new preparer application. Once everything on the application is completed and approved, you must pay the $35 annual fee to finish your first sign-up.

Before you pay

Check that the provider is on CTEC's list of approved providers before you pay. CTEC approves and monitors them.

CTEC does not maintain or publish ratings or reviews for approved providers, so compare courses yourself.

Plan the order. You can start the 60-hour course before applying, but if you do not pass the background check and Live Scan, you will not be able to register with CTEC.

We haven't confirmed what providers charge for the 60-hour course.

Questions

I live outside California. Can I still register with CTEC?

CTEC says out-of-state tax preparers are welcome and encouraged to register, and the process is the same. The California Department of Justice does not accept electronic Live Scan submissions from applicants outside California, so the background check must be completed with FD-258 fingerprint hard cards mailed directly to the DOJ.

What happens if I prepare returns without registering?

CTEC says preparers operating illegally may face penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. California law requires individuals who prepare tax returns for a fee and are not attorneys, CPAs, or enrolled agents to register with CTEC.

Do I have to show clients my bond?

CTEC says registered tax preparers must provide clients with their bond information, including the name of the surety company and bond number. It also says they are the only tax professionals in California required to maintain a $5,000 surety bond.

Can a registered preparer prepare any type of return?

CTEC says California Business and Professions Code Sections 22250 to 22255 do not place limits on the types of tax returns that a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer may prepare.

What if I let my CTEC status lapse?

If you were previously registered with CTEC and let your registration expire, you must re-take the 60-hour qualifying education course from an approved provider, pass a background check, and register as a new applicant.

What to do next

Start with CTEC's new preparer application page, and use CTEC's provider search to pick a course. Check first that you are not exempt.

ctec.org

Sources we read