California Tax Education Council (CTEC) Information

The state of California created the CTEC to supervise the Registered Tax Preparer Program. A CTEC registered tax preparer is licensed by the State of California to prepare tax returns.

CTEC preparers can prepare any type of Federal or California tax return, such as tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, and trusts. CTEC tax preparers can only practice in California.  

For information on becoming a CTEC registered tax preparer, visit the CTEC website.

To earn your CTEC license you must complete ACTG 181, Taxation of Individuals Using Tax Software. To prepare you for the work place, we recommend that you complete all the courses in the tax preparer certificates.

The material we use for ACTG 181 was developed by H&R Block to train their employees. Our class is taught by an experienced H&R Block instructor. This rigorous curriculum covers all aspects of preparing Federal and California individual income tax returns. You will get extensive hands-on practice in completing actual IRS and California tax forms. Our Individual Income Taxes course meets CTEC requirements.

A professional license requires continuing education. CTEC Registered Tax Preparers may complete their continuing education requirement at the College of San Mateo.

The courses listed below meet CTEC continuing education requirements:

• ACTG 182 Taxation of Business Entities Using Tax Software
• ACTG 183 Taxation of Trusts, Gifts, and Estates Using Tax Software
• ACTG 263 Sole Proprietorships
• ACTG 681 Enrolled Agent Exam Preparation I
• ACTG 682 Enrolled Agent Exam Preparation II