Become a Tax Preparer in California
California has the strictest requirements to be a tax preparer, but also one of the greatest needs for these professionals come tax season. This 100% online course will train you to work as a California Tax Preparer and meet the standards required by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime!
Course Details
- Accumulate the required educational experience to qualify as a California Tax Preparer set by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC)
- Gain the tax knowledge and experience needed to take the Enrolled Agent (EA) exam and Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Understand how to file tax returns for all individual U.S. taxpayers, small businesses, corporate partnerships and sole-proprietorships
CALIFORNIA INCOME TAX PREPARATION
How to prepare taxes for individuals in California; regulations and exceptions
INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX PREPARATION
Accounting ethics and laws that affect tax laws in California; auto expenses, self-employment tax, capital gains and losses
SMALL BUSINESS INCOME TAX PREPARATION
Business types, accounting methods, and financial statements; general business credits, tax issues related to business, and the financial side of selling or liquidating a business
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to take this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following materials will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Federal Forms
- Federal Worksheets
- Instructions
- Publication
- Tax Preparer Resources
Peoples Income Tax, Inc.
This is a self-paced course with additional support provided by experienced tax professionals at Peoples Income Tax, Inc., a subsidiary of The Income Tax School.
$1,995.00 (USD) per person.
This course is 100% online.
| Course Hours | Duration | Start Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 200 Course Hrs | 18 Months | Start anytime! |
Job Outlook
Forbes found that California is one of the top states for tax preparers to earn the most money. The average annual salary for California Tax Preparers is approximately $60,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
San Diego County has one of the greatest needs for tax preparers in California, according to workforce analytics firm Burning Glass.
The demand for tax professionals in San Diego County is expected to grow 9% over the next decade.
FAQs
WHAT IS A CHARTERED TAX PROFESSIONAL?
The designation of “Chartered Tax Professional” is given to tax preparers that pass six training modules on Federal income tax preparation. To earn this designation, individuals must meet and exceed the educational requirements set by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
HOW DO I BECOME A CALIFORNIA TAX PREPARER?
Per the State of California Franchise Tax Board, to work as a tax preparer in California, you must meet requirements set by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) and register with the CTEC.
WHAT ARE THE CTCE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A TAX PREPARER IN CALIFORNIA?
The CTCE requires that you:
- Have a minimum of 60 hours of educational training from a CTEC-approved provider
- Purchase a $5,000 tax preparer bond from an insurance/surety agent
- Obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
IS THIS COURSE APPROVED BY THE CTEC?
Yes. This course was developed in partnership with The Income Tax School, a CTEC-approved training provider.
WHY ARE THE STANDARDS FOR WORKING AS A TAX PREPARER IN CALIFORNIA SO STRICT?
Considering that many states depend on income tax revenue to fund public programs, overseeing tax preparation is vital to ensuring taxes are filed accurately and in good faith to the taxpayer. California is one of a handful of states that regulate tax preparers and require that they hold a license or meet certain state-mandates.
“It has been a very intense and wonderful program and I feel more confident relating to clients with the additional knowledge I have gained. The time spent on this course will be rewarding.“
P.M., University of Georgia