Find a Tax Preparer

Individuals who prepare federal or state tax returns in California, or assist in the preparation, must comply with the California Business and Professions Code, Section 22250-22259 by completing the required education, maintaining a $5,000 tax preparer bond, and registering with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

All CTEC registered tax preparer (CRTP) registrations are due to be renewed annually by October 31 in order to allow individuals to prepare taxes (or assist in the preparation) for a fee in California. Individuals who have not complied with registration requirements by the due date MAY NOT prepare taxes for a fee. Such individuals are able to renew his/her registration within a one-year grace period by submitting an application to report the required education and bond information. Registrations of individuals who do not renew within the one-year grace period become expired, and he/she will be required to complete a 60-hour qualifying education course, maintain a $5,000 tax preparer bond, and register as a new preparer with CTEC prior to preparing tax returns (or assisting in the preparation) in California. 

Just as a reminder, an individual preparing taxes for a fee may also be a CPA (www.dca.ca.gov/cba), an Enrolled Agent (www.irs.gov), or an attorney (www.calbar.ca.gov). You may wish to check the websites indicated to be sure the individual in question is not a CPA, EA or attorney, and, therefore, exempt from registering with CTEC. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact CTEC.

To find a tax preparer, enter your search criteria below. You may enter one or more criteria. Additional criteria will narrow the search. Partial spellings are OK.