{"id":12199,"date":"2024-09-18T20:16:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T03:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/?p=12199"},"modified":"2026-04-17T12:12:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:12:25","slug":"how-to-become-a-tax-preparer-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/innovative-thinking\/how-to-become-a-tax-preparer-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Tax Preparer in California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light hero-with-image-center has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7e32334215782f61f1627267a81ffbba\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);min-height:100vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-olive-10-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-20047fdc wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><div style=\"background-color:#dfdfd866;font-size:0.63rem;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.2;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);margin-bottom:0.625rem\" class=\"taxonomy-category has-text-align-center wp-block-post-terms has-background has-avenir-font-family\"><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/category\/innovative-thinking\/\" rel=\"tag\">Innovative Thinking<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7f408794 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><h1 style=\"font-size:clamp(2.257rem, 2.257rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.882), 4.13rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-3px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-post-title has-avenir-font-family\">How to Become a Tax Preparer in California<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n<figure style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"aligncenter wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1360\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?w=1360\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"A man studying at the computer to become a tax preparer in California\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?resize=150,63 150w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?resize=300,125 300w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?resize=1024,427 1024w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?resize=740,308 740w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1360px) 100vw, 1360px\" data-attachment-id=\"12202\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/innovative-thinking\/how-to-become-a-tax-preparer-in-california\/attachment\/file-4-20\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1440,600\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"become-tax-preparer-california.png\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file-4-10.jpg?w=645\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-avenir-font-family has-fs-0750-font-size is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a907d44 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:2px;line-height:1.2;text-transform:uppercase\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2024-09-18T20:16:13-07:00\">Sep 18, 2024<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written By<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-name\">Tori Huber<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"reading-time wp-block-rkv-reading-time has-fs-0750-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-rkv-reading-time-is-layout-flow\">8 Mins read<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rkv-jump-links \">\n\n\t<h2>\n\tTable of Contents\t<\/h2>\n\t<a href=#what-is-a-tax-preparer>What Is a Tax Preparer?\u00a0<\/a><a href=#what-does-a-tax-preparer-do>What Does a Tax Preparer Do?\u00a0<\/a><a href=#how-to-become-a-tax-preparer-in-california>How to Become a Tax Preparer in California\u00a0<\/a><a href=#tax-preparer-training>Tax Preparer Training<\/a><a href=#current-openings-for-tax-preparers>Current Openings for Tax Preparers<\/a>\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the workforce rapidly diversifying in 2024, many people in California are naturally looking for more flexible scheduling in their jobs. Becoming a tax preparer can be a rewarding career choice for anyone with a knack for numbers and a desire to help others deal with their most pressing tax problems. Tax preparers have the ability to set their own schedules and work with a broad spectrum of clients, making it an excellent choice if you think you can tackle the Golden State\u2019s strict education requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is a Tax Preparer?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In effect, a tax preparer is a professional who helps others complete and file their tax returns. Their main responsibility is to understand and stay current with the network of changing tax regulations that can impact their clients\u2019 annual filings. Tax preparers also help their clients file their financial statements accurately and efficiently. If there are available deductions or credits, the tax preparer is there to find them, but always in accordance with federal and state tax laws.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to do their job effectively, tax preparers need:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong knowledge of applicable tax laws.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ability to collect and use large sums of financial data.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge of available deductions and credits for a range of professions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Detailed knowledge of different forms used for electronic or physical filing requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, tax preparers might even be called upon to represent a client during an audit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Does a Tax Preparer Do?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The job of a tax preparer often begins with a consultation, during which clients discuss their financial situation and taxation needs. Tax preparers use their expertise to provide suggestions relevant to the client\u2019s circumstances and prepare them for filing. These consultations typically take place well in advance of tax season so that clients can make more strategic decisions regarding their tax position.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, tax preparers educate their clients about potential hazards or opportunities in their tax situation. They can assemble and prepare the requisite tax forms clients will need to file. Doing this correctly can minimize the risk of a future audit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a Tax Preparer in California&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/blog\/life-at-intuit\/intuit-experts\/how-to-become-a-tax-preparer\/\">becoming a tax preparer<\/a> in California begins with understanding the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). This is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing correct tax preparation in the state. Anyone wishing to become a tax preparer in California will need to do so through the CTEC, with the exception of certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys who are already members of the California State Bar, and a select few other officials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registration with the CTEC comes with its own set of requirements. The tax council requires you to enroll in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctec.org\/tax-professionals\" target=\"_blank\">60-hour education course<\/a> from a provider that the CTEC approves of. Certification of completing this course will have to be provided within the last 18 months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, you\u2019ll need to purchase and provide proof of a $5,000 tax preparer bond from a surety agent. The purpose of this bond is to cover financial loss from improper, or even fraudulent, tax preparation. The State of California requires it as a measure of protection for your future clients. After this, you\u2019ll need to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Undergo a fingerprinting process called the Live Scan. This records a digital fingerprint for the Department of Justice as a way to avoid identity theft and other criminal activities. It\u2019s a required step for anyone seeking certain professional licenses in California, including a tax preparation license.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acquire a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This is a unique number issued by the IRS for identifying specific tax preparers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay a $33 registration fee. This is simply to cover the costs of maintaining this registration and verification process.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re set and approved with the CTEC, you\u2019ll have to renew membership with them every year to stay current. The renewal method largely echoes the registration procedure just discussed, requiring yet another $33 fee and continuing verifications of your PTIN number and bond surety. However, there\u2019s also a 20-hour continuing education requirement that includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>10 additional hours of federal tax education.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 additional hours discussing updates to the federal tax system.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 additional hours of ethics to remind you of the tax preparer\u2019s obligations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5 additional hours of tax law education related to California specifically.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tax Preparer Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apart from the additional credentialing requirements specific to California, the actual tax preparer training process looks similar as it does elsewhere in the country. The core components of the tax preparation curriculum will include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An overview of tax laws and regulations, both in California and the United States as a whole.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploration of the different kinds of tax forms and their various applications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical exercises describing common problems tax preparers face and their possible solutions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An overview of common tax preparation applications, such as Intuit\u2019s ProConnect Tax software.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These training programs often offer a mix of classroom and online options, both to enhance the quality of their offerings and provide for flexibility in scheduling. That allows students to pursue their tax preparation license without needing to leave their day jobs to do it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/home?cid=seo_blog_geo-ca-tax_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\">Intuit Academy<\/a> is an approved tax preparation course for those seeking certification in California. The program actually offers two separate courses:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tax Level 1: This course teaches you the fundamentals of tax preparation, including laws, the principles of deductions and credit, and more.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax Level 2: This course dives into the details of the tax preparation process, whether for small businesses, self-employed workers, or a variety of other entities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upon completing these courses, students must take and pass Intuit\u2019s own internal examination. This test, lasting up to 2 hours, ensures that you actually know the necessary requirements for competent tax preparation in California. Each course has its own accompanying exam to test the knowledge learned there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Completing Intuit Academy gives you the right to place digital badges on your online career profile, certifying that you\u2019ve gone through and passed the course. This is an effective way to convey your knowledge to potential clients and employers in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Current Openings for Tax Preparers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to take the next step? Join Intuit and gain access to top-notch training, resources, and support to help you become a tax expert. Start growing your knowledge and career with the below openings in California and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tax Associate (Remote\/Seasonal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum 2 seasons of paid Tax Preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must be willing and available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent customer service skills are a must, and there is an expectation to interact with customers through video and audio tools in a professional, friendly, and confident manner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passionate about helping clients navigate the complexities of taxation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PTIN required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\/?id=20240216-ttl-us&amp;cid=seo_blog_geo-ca-tax_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\"class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" >Apply now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Credentialed Tax Expert (Remote\/Seasonal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum 2 seasons of paid Tax Preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must possess an active, unrestricted credential: EA, CPA, or Practicing Attorney with strong tax preparation experience and extensive knowledge of tax laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must be willing and available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent customer service skills required for professional and friendly interaction with customers through video and audio tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active PTIN required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\/?id=20240216-ttl-us&amp;cid=seo_blog_geo-ca-tax_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\"class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" >Apply now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Business Tax Associate (Remote\/Seasonal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum 3 or more years of experience preparing federal and state business tax returns (1065 and\/or 1120-S) for at least 20 clients\/customers per season for compensation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must possess or be able to obtain any related State licenses, certificates, permits or bonds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commit to a minimum schedule of at least 20 hours\/week (minimum 4 hour shift increments) throughout the tax season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong customer service skills for interacting with customers through video and audio tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active PTIN required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\/?id=20240216-ttl-us&amp;cid=seo_blog_geo-ca-tax_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\"class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" >Apply now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Business Tax Expert (Remote\/Seasonal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minimum 3 or more years of experience preparing federal and state business tax returns (1065 and\/or 1120-S) for at least 20 clients\/customers per season for compensation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must possess an active, unrestricted credential: EA, CPA, or Practicing Attorney with strong business tax preparation experience and extensive knowledge of tax laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commit to a minimum schedule of at least 20 hours\/week (minimum 4 hour shift increments) throughout the tax season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong customer service skills for professional interaction with customers through video and audio tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active PTIN required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intuit.com\/expert-careers\/apply-now\/?id=20240216-ttl-us&amp;cid=seo_blog_geo-ca-tax_us_ttl-fy25_lg_comp_gen_inti-tm\"class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" >Apply now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to become a tax preparer in California through CTEC registration, education, and training. Discover the role and responsibilities of a tax preparer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":151418428,"featured_media":12202,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Become a Tax Preparer in California | Expert Careers","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn how to become a tax preparer in California through CTEC registration, education, and training. 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