Tax Preparer

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.