California Tax Preparer License Surety Bond

Individuals or employers who employ tax preparers that prepare or assist in the preparation of federal or state tax returns in the state of California, must comply with Division 8, Chapter 14, Sections 22250-22259 of the California Business and Professions Code by completing the required education, maintaining a $5,000 tax preparer bond (per employee), and registering with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

The employer blanket bond must be in an amount equal to $5,000 per employee with a maximum bond of $125,000.  All CTEC registered tax preparer (CRTP) registrations/renewals are due and must be be renewed annually by October 31 in order to allow individuals to prepare state or federal taxes (or assist in the preparation of taxes) for a fee in California. 

How to become a registered tax preparer

To become a CTEC registered tax preparer, applicants must:

• Take a 60-hour qualifying education course from a CTEC approved provider within the past 18 months
• Purchase a $5,000 California Tax Preparer Bond 
• Get a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS
• Approved Lives Scan
• Register and pay the $33 registration fee online

For additional information on the registration process, please see CTEC Application process for new preparers

How much does a California Tax Preparer Bond cost?

This bond is an instant issue bond, which means no underwriting required!  You can prepay for up to 5 years to save even more!  Simply select the bond term you are wanting, click on the APPLY NOW button, pay the fee and you will be able to print out a copy of your bond immediately.