You all are right. I forgot about the CTEC.

Katie

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CA license. I taught classes supervised by the CTEC until
about 3 years ago. 60 hours of education to get the license,
annual education requirement to renew - and annual fee for
the renewal.

Nan, EA in LA

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The law requires tax preparers in California to be
registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
The only practitioners exempt from this law's provisions are
certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys,
and employees of those groups.

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- quote -

So why does the Franchise Tax Board say that I (if I weren't
exempt as an Enrolled Agent) must maintain a $5000 bond,
provide to each customer in writing my name and address etc,
meet stringent educational requirements, pay them an annual
fee, be at least 18, ....etc, etc, etc.......

We ARE licensed.

Nan, EA in LA

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- quote -

I seem to recall that there is a CA governmental group
called CTEC (CA Taxpayer Education Council) that you must be
registered with to prepare tax returns for compensation in
CA if you are not an attorney, CPA or EA. They require
specific education to get licensed and annual CPE. To me
this sounds like a license.

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California did license tax preparers at one time, but that
program was terminated many years ago.

The Business & Professions Code (Sec. 17530) provides a
definition of the business of preparing or assisting in
preparing state and federal income tax returns, and bars the
disclosure of information obtained in the course of
providing such services. However, it no longer includes a
licensing requirement.

The former program was administered by the Department of
Consumer Affairs. It was terminated so long ago that I have
forgotten when it was. Has to be more than 10 years ago.

Katie in San Diego
The foregoing is intended for educational purposes only and
does not constitute legal or professional advice.

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- quote -

Generally, attorneys, CPAs and EA (Enrolled Agents) are
licensed by their governing bodies (EA by the IRS). Only
two states that I know of, California and Oregon license
taxpreparers (beyond those mentioned above). In those two
states if you are not one of the above mentioned people you
may not prepare tax returns for compensation. The other 48
states do not have any direct licensing of tax preparers.

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I want to know if there are any exams for US tax returns
(state and federal) certificates or licenses?

Please advise. thanks!

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