The CTEC Registration Deadline is Coming Up Quick: Here’s How You Won’t Miss Out

If you plan on being compensated for preparing people’s taxes, you must register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). Registration can be complicated, and it requires 60 hours of education including 45 hours of national tax information and 15 hours of state tax information.

Need to renew with CTEC? You will need to complete a 20-hour training course and submit your renewal application before the deadline on October 31, so it’s coming up quick. And if you don’t hit the deadline, you’ll have to pay a $55 fine.

Latino Tax Pro provides everything you need to register with CTEC. Read on to find out how to make sure you are registered on time.

What is CTEC?

The California Tax Education Council is a non-profit organization mandated by California. It provides a list of registered tax prep experts qualified to process taxes for a fee. You must be registered with CTEC to embark on a career as a tax preparer in the state of California.

What Do I Need to Do to Register with the CTEC as a First Time Preparer?

There are certain steps you will need to take to register with the CTEC. These are as follows: 

  • Complete the online application for new preparers on the CTEC website
  • Take the 60-hour course from a CTEC approved provider
  • Pass the background check and fingerprinting. Note, the fingerprinting process requires a live scan that can take weeks or even months to be approved.
  • Take the final exam and pass with a score of at least 70%. Your provider will upload your certificate to the CTEC to ensure you are registered.
  • Go to the IRS and apply for a PTIN number.
  • Buy a $5000 surety bond and upload it to your CTEC profile. Note, the bond will not cost $5000, that is just the amount the bond covers. It should cost closer to $50.
  • Get your official certificate for framing. This will look very impressive to clients who see it on your wall.

Does the CTEC Need to Be Renewed?

Yes, CTEC tax preparers will need to renew every year. To do this, you will need to complete a 20-hour training course. The course includes 10 hours of federal tax law, 3 hours of federal tax updates, 2 hours of ethics and 5 hours of state tax law. If you do not complete the course by the October 31 deadline, you will need to pay a $55 late fee.

If you do not renew by January 1 of the following year, you will need to start all over with the 60 hours of education.

Registration for CTEC has started and tax preparers are advised not to waste a minute. If they jump on the chance to register right away, they will be able to bring in income as a tax preparer for the coming tax season. They will not have to deal with late fees, and they will not have to take the 60 hours of education all over again.

Who Provides the CTEC Training?

The CTEC website has a listing of all approved CTEC education providers. Latino Tax Pro is included on that list.

Latino Tax Pro is a great choice for CTEC education because we provide an excellent curriculum created by tax preparers that work during tax season every year. Our staff knows the questions and struggles that you’ve encountered as a tax preparer. We offer the course in English and Spanish so you can understand tax terms in both languages. We provide home study, live online and in-person formats so you can choose the one that best fits your learning style.

We provide both the 60 hours of qualifying education and the 20 hours of renewal education.

Benefits of Registering with CTEC

Registering with CTEC will allow you to embark on a career as a tax preparer and it also provides the following benefits.

  • Listing in the IRS Tax Prep Directory: You will be listed in the tax prep directory which will help you attract more clients.
  • Refreshes You for the Tax Season: The CTEC course will get you updated on the coming tax season so you can provide clients with the best service possible.
  • Limited Representation: If you sign the Circular 230 form you will be able to represent clients during an examination of returns you prepared.

 

Renewing tax pros, the Oct. 31 deadline for CTEC is coming up soon. If you are late, you will have to pay a fine and you may even be unable to process taxes in the coming year.

Latino Tax Pro has everything you need to get registered in time and we provide excellent CTEC services that will get you prepared for the year ahead. Contact us today to make sure you don’t get left behind or click here to get your course!

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