1. Complete a CTEC 20 Hour Continuing Education Course from a CTEC Approved Education Provider.
The course should include 15 hours of federal tax law topics and 5 hours of California tax law topics.

2. Renew your PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) Number with the IRS each year.
You can renew your PTIN number for free by going to https://rpr.irs.gov/datamart/mainMenuUSIRS.do.

3. Maintain a $5,000 Tax Preparer Bond
You can purchase tax preparer bonds from many different places online, and they typically cost anywhere in between $25 and $40.

4. Renew your registration and pay the $33 annual registration before October 31 of each year.
You can renew your CTEC Registration by going to CTEC.org. You cannot renew your registration until the first three steps have been completed. If you renew your registration after October 31st, a $55 dollar late fee will be applied