# Tax Preparer (Certificate of Proficiency (Untranscripted))

Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Accounting

Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34297/34898/36100/34899/36099

Program Code: SAC.TAXPR.CERT

A tax preparer certificate prepares a student with knowledge and practical experience for individual income tax preparation and receive the qualifying education required by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) to become a California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP).

California law requires anyone who prepares (or assists with) tax returns for a fee, and is not an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA), to register as a tax preparer with CTEC.

All CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTP) must...

_• First_ complete qualifying tax education from a CTEC-Approved Provider

_• Obtain_ a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS

_• Purchase_ a $5,000 tax preparer bond

\* CTEC now requires all new applicants to pass a background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan) in order to become registered with CTEC.

_• Register_ with CTEC within 18 months from the completion date on the certificate of completion

_• CTEC requires a Registration Fee_ (amount varies by year)

Upon completion of this certificate program, a student would fulfill the education requirement to become a CRTP.

Entry-level employment opportunities include tax specialist and tax practitioner.

Growth potentials include management-level positions and self-employment opportunities.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  process and file an individual federal tax return.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required courses:** | | 10-14 |
| ACCT 104 | Federal and California Taxes | 4 |
| ACCT 125 | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) I | 2 |
| ACCT 106 | Work Experience - Accounting | 1-4 |
| ACCT 101 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| or ACCT 010 | Accounting Procedures | 3 |
| **Total** | | **10-14** |