CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Education Online Course
CTEC 60 Hour Course
Qualifying Education
For those who wish to prepare tax returns for compensation in the state of California, you are required to first complete a CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Education Course in order to become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer. Our 60 hour qualifying education course teaches you everything you need to know about preparing California State and Federal tax returns and is approved by the California Tax Education Council.
All earned credits will be reported to CTEC.
This course is an online “Take at your own pace” interactive video and reading course. You can watch the videos online at your own pace, or if you prefer reading, you can download the PDF which can be read online or printed and read while away from the computer.
24/7 Online Access to our video courses from your Computer, Laptop, Tablet, or even your smartphone. All Exams are Included. Additional Course PDF at no extra cost.
$179.95
Online Video Course:
24/7 Online Access to our video courses from your Computer, Laptop, Tablet, or even your smartphone. All Exams are Included. Additional Course PDF at no extra cost.
$279.95
Online Video Course + Book Package:
Access to the online course and exams, plus a physical book will be shipped to you that includes all of the same content in the online course. This is great for taking physical notes, highlighting certain topics, and studying while away from the computer.
Have questions before enrolling? Give us a call at 562-746-4744
Requirements to Become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer
1. Complete a New Preparer Application with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). There are three (3) steps to this process:
STEP 1 – Complete the New Preparer Application online at the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) website. Click here to go to the application page.
STEP 2 – Complete the Live Scans Process. You must pass a background check and undergo a fingerprinting scan (Live Scan Process) in order to register with CTEC. Click here for more information on this step.
STEP 3 – CTEC Notification of Live Scan Approval or Denial. Click here for more information on this step.
NOTE: You have the option to start your required 60-Hour Qualifying Education (QE) Course before beginning the New Preparer Online Application; however, if you take the 60-Hour QE Course but do NOT pass the new CTEC requirements of a background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan), you will not be able to register with CTEC. If you purchase the 60 hour QE course with California Tax Courses, but do NOT pass your background check, we will issue you a full refund as long as proof of CTEC Denial is provided to us.
2. Complete a CTEC Approved 60 Hour Qualifying Education Course
After you’ve completed the first step of applying to CTEC as a new preparer and have received your CTEC Notification of Live Scan Approval, you’re ready for the second step which is to enroll in and complete a CTEC Approved 60 hour qualifying education course.
3. Obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) Number with the IRS
You can obtain a PTIN number for free by going to https://rpr.irs.gov/datamart/mainMenuUSIRS.do. You can apply for your PTIN at anytime before, during, or after taking the CTEC 60 Hour course.
4. Purchase a $5,000 Tax Preparer Bond
You can purchase tax preparer bonds from many different places online, and they typically cost anywhere in between $25 and $40.
5. Register with CTEC within 18 months of your 60 hour course completion
Once you’ve completed the first three steps, you can then go online to ctec.org and register as a CRTP (CTEC Registered Tax Preparer). You must also pay the $33 Registration fee online while registering. You must register within 18 months from the time you’ve completed the 60 hour qualifying education course. If you wait until after 18 months, you’ll be required to retake the CTEC 60 hour qualifying education course.