California Tax Education Council
CTEC Now Accepting New Applications
Monday, November 1, 2021 - 75 commentsRegistration for new applicants starts November 1, 2021. As of last year, new registrants must also pass a background check before their application can be approved.
California Business & Professions Code Section 22251.3 was amended to require new applicants who would like to become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) to pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprint images to CTEC to determine an individual’s eligibility to register.
This means new registrants must complete the following before their application will be considered:
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Complete 60 hours (45 hours federal, 15 hours state) of qualifying education (QE) by an approved CTEC education provider
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Obtain a $5,000 tax preparer surety bond
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Register for an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
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Complete a criminal background check and submit fingerprint images to CTEC
The new requirements are NOT applicable to current CRTPs, only new applicants who register on or after July 1, 2020.
However, CRTPs who allow their CTEC registration to expire and would like to reregister with CTEC on or after July 1, 2020, will not only be required to retake the 60 hour QE course, they will also be required to go through a background check and resubmit fingerprint images to CTEC.
Already completed the requirements? Click here to register >>
Comments
If I apply and got accepted do I have to wait till November 1st to buy a training course to register or do I wait till November 1st to start everything for the registration?
If you applied as a new tax preparer and got accepted, you can now purchase a training course, get a bond and then register November 1st.
CTEC Team -- the renewal website is down! Your internal systems do not seem to be recognizing the extended January 18th deadline and are showing licenses as expired as of January 16th! Please fix!
what are the "disqualifying offenses" that CTEC is looking for in the background check? If i have a criminal record but have since turned my life around, what steps do I need to do in order to be approved? is there a completion certificate or some thing I can provide that shows that criminal activity is now in my PAST, or is it going to haunt me for the rest of my life?
CTEC reviews these types of circumstances on a case by case basis.
IM A TAXPREPARER
What is the deadline for new applicants?
New applicants have 18 months from the date the QE course was completed to register with CTEC.
the process for becoming a taxpreparer is stressful
how long is the live scan process?
It can take anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks.
I sent my CTEC ID to Liberty tax I called the office and they said corporate update the 60 hours education information but since 12/09 it not being updated so far. Is there a number I can call to liberty corporate office.
Call the CTEC office at 877.850.2832 for assistance.
I completed my education requirement with Pronto Tax School and CTEC still shows as uncompleted. This was complete last week.
Education providers have 10 days from the date the course was completed to report the hours to CTEC.
On 12/7 I email my Certification of Completion that I received from H & B, it contained the CTEC Number: 1040-QE-2538. Your office email me and advised that the provider had to electronically send them this. I contacted H & R Block. On 12/09 I received email from Joyce Hernandez, of H & B Block, (ITSOperations@hrblock.com) letting me know that the CTEC QE hours had been uploaded. As of this morning my CTEC application still shows that this information has not ben received. How long does it take to update? Is there something I can do to resolve this, or do I just sit tight. Thank you very much for your assistance.
Please call the CTEC office at 877.850.2832 for assistance.
Please advise if the background check has been completed on your end. I've called the DOJ and they've advised they completed said check. Please advise ASAP so I can purchase the tax program for 2021. Thank you.
You need to call the CTEC office at 877-850-2832 for assistance.
What is the deadline for NEW test takers to be submitted?
Once you completed the registration requirements (including passing a background check), you have 18 months from the date your QE course was completed to register with CTEC.
How do I add PTIN and Bond information online?
You can log into your account and follow the prompts. For step by step instructions, call 877.850.2832.
My application indicates that my provider has not electronically reported to you my education. I have just processed live scanning. What steps to do to get a bond?
You can contact your insurance agent for a reference.
I am very worry for this situation. i was informed by he DOJ that my background check was completed, whoever i did not receive any guidance whoever the time is running out. please call me or provide guidance as soon as possible positive or negative.
CTEC is required to review the background check after it is completed. Call the office at 877.850.2832.
I want to become a CRTP new applicant; I see that Jan 15 is the late due date to renew. Is there a due date for new applicants? Thank you in advance!
No, that is only for CRTPs already registered and still need to renew. New applicants who complete the registration requirements (including a background check, obtaining a bond and PTIN) must also pass a 60 hour QE course and have 18 months from the date of completing that course to register. That is the only deadline for new applicants.
My application indicates that my provider has not electronically reported to you my education. I have contacted H & R Block twice and they state that this information has already been forward. I was provided with CTEC Number: 1040-QE-2538, which appears on my Certificate of Completion. Can I email this to you or how can I resolve this pertaining issue. Thank you very much for your asssistance.
You can email CTEC staff at info@ctec.org with a copy of your certificate for further assistance.
How do I submit my surety bond online?
If you're already registered with CTEC, log into your account here https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/Login- then input the information. If you're new and waiting for the application to process, you can only submit the bond information after approval.
I do I submit my surety bond online?
the time to register is over and I did not receive any guidance to access the application to register. What can i do in this situation, please provide guidance as soon as possible. Thanks.
You can call the CTEC office at 877.850.2832 for further guidance.
I logged in the DOJ and I was informed that my background check was completed and for further inquiries to contact the agency that requested it. Time is running out and I was given until November 30 to register. However, I am unable to access the application to register. Please provide guidance as soon as possible.
I do not know how to update my application with new information that I was informed to do. was informed on the site to "Select from the options below to view or update information for your account (as needed)." But it will not prompt
You will need to call the CTEC office for assistance at 877.850.2832.
Do we need a special code in order to do the Live Scan process for the CTEC?
No special code is required. However, you need to print the live scan form found within your new application. You will need to take that live scan form with you to a location authorized by DOJ. The form has all the required information populated for CTEC.
i just completed my qualifying education and i need to purchase a tax preparer surety bond. Where can I find an approved surety bond company. Thank you
You can contact your insurance agent for assistance.
ACCORDING YOUR INFORMATION YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE LIVE SCAN RESULTS. NOW I HAVE COMPLETED MY 20 HOURS CE COURSE CAN I REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE IN PAPER OR ANY WAY I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE LIVE SCAN RESULT.
CTEC cannot approve your ability to register until the live scan results are in. You will have to wait.
I HAD TRYING MANY TIMES TO REGISTER FOR 20 HOURS CONTINUE EDUCATION, BUT HAD BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER IN THE APPLICATION EVERY TIME I INTENT TO DO IT I FOUND THIS EXPLANATION "WE ARE WAITING FOR LIVE SCAN RESULT' TELL ME WHAT CAN I DO. THANKS BEFORE HAND.
You will have to wait for the result before registering with CTEC.
I HAD TRYING MANY TIMES TO REGISTER FOR 20 HOURS CONTINUE EDUCATION, BUT HAD BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER IN THE APPLICATION EVERY TIME I INTENT TO DO IT I FOUND THIS EXPLANATION "WE ARE WAITING FOR LIVE SCAN RESULT' TELL ME WHAT CAN I DO. THANKS BEFORE HAND.
I HAD TRYING MANY TIMES TO REGISTER FOR 20 HOURS CONTINUE EDUCATION, BUT HAD BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER IN THE APPLICATION EVERY TIME I INTENT TO DO IT I FOUND THIS EXPLANATION "WE ARE WAITING FOR LIVE SCAN RESULT' TELL ME WHAT CAN I DO. THANKS BEFORE HAND.
i need notice from you.
I COMPLETED THE TWO COURSES ONE FOR 60 HOURS AND THE OTHER ONE FOR 20 HOURS. DO I NEED TO REGISTER TWICE, ONE REGISTRATION FOR EACH COURSE.
Yes, you will need to register twice if this is your first time registering with CTEC. First for completing the 60 hours course. Once that registration is complete, you can then renew your registration.
I COMPLETED THE TWO COURSES ONE FOR 60 HOURS AND THE OTHER ONE FOR 20 HOURS. DO I NEED TO REGISTER TWICE, ONE REGISTRATION FOR EACH COURSE.
i want to see the register application
none
Angelica ya tengo mi PTIN PARA HCER IMPUESTOS FEDERALES PARA HACER DEL ESTADO DE CALIFORNIA NECESITO OTRO PTIN?
No, solo IRS PTIN.
i want to see my registration
Log into your account here - https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/Login
n/a
Where do I email/send my application electronically to? Is there a email address, or a link?
Once you've completed all the registration requirements, you can log into your CTEC account to register and pay the $33 fee.
I am applying as a New Preparer, where do I mail the Live Scan application to?
Take the completed Live Scan Form with you to the Live Scan location you have selected where they will complete the fingerprinting process and send the information electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The Live Scan Facility will return the completed form to you for your records. DO NOT send this form to CTEC.
I want to register.
To register as a new tax preparer, click here for more information - https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/NewApplication/index. To renew a registration, click here - https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/Login
I WANT TO REGISTER
To register as a new tax preparer, click here for more information - https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/NewApplication/index. To renew a registration, click here - https://www.ctec.org/App/Preparer/Login
What is final date to submit for ctec for 2021
The final late renewal date is January 15, 2022.
How do you renew CTEC, this site is not helpful. I have my PTIN which exp 12/31/2022
In addition to having a current PTIN, you can only renew with CTEC if you completed 20 hours of continuing education from an approved provider, plus have proof of a current bond. Any education you completed must be uploaded by your provider. They have ten days from the date the course was completed to do so.
Brody wya🥺
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RENEWAL OF CTEC LIC