To legally prepare tax returns for a fee in the State of California you must be registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

To become a "registered tax preparer" you need to complete the following steps:

• Complete an approved 60 hour tax training program such as our California Tax Preparer Course which consists of 45 hours of study in Federal taxation and 15 hours in California State taxation.
  
  Our CTEC approved California Tax Preparer Course satisfies, and greatly exceeds, the above minimum study requirements. Upon successful completion of our California Tax Preparer Course, you will receive our Certificate of Completion and we will provide your course completion information electronically to CTEC.
   

• Purchase a $5000 surety bond. Bond costs range between $50 and $250 - depending on the applicants credit history - the first year, and usually lower in subsequent years. Tax preparer bonds can be purchased from most insurance or surety companies, and can be found in your local yellow pages or through your insurance agent. Bonds can be purchased even before you finish the tax course.
   

• Register with CTEC on-line at http://www.ctec.org

For more information contact the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) (916) 492-0457
Our CTEC Provider number is: 1025