Tax Preparation Services in California

The Franchise Tax Board, CTEC, and the IRS explain the rules for paid tax preparers, and how to check one, in the official resources below.

Franchise Tax Board: California Tax Education CouncilCTEC: Find or verify a tax preparerIRS: Choosing a tax professional

CTEC, the California Tax Education Council, says a registered preparer passed a California Department of Justice background check, completed 60 hours of tax education, does 20 hours of continuing education a year, keeps a $5,000 tax preparer bond, and has a preparer tax ID (PTIN) from the IRS. California requires paid preparers to register unless exempt, such as California CPAs, enrolled agents, and active State Bar members. We prepare returns and do not represent clients before the IRS.

The fee depends on which returns you need, how many forms they take, and whether past years or amendments are part of the job. Your free quote sets out the work and the fee before anything begins.

The IRS asks you to bring Social Security cards or other documents for everyone on your return, with their birth dates; your prior-year returns; W-2 and 1099 forms and any other income records; receipts for expenses such as tuition or mortgage interest; any Form 1095-A, B, or C; and direct-deposit bank details.

Yes. The Franchise Tax Board says CalEITC can generally be claimed for up to four prior years by filing or amending a California return. When a federal amendment changes your California tax, the Franchise Tax Board asks for an amended California return within six months.

CTEC says its free Find / Verify a Preparer search shows whether a registration is current, the bond company and number, and any disciplinary actions. It covers CTEC registrants only: CPAs are checked with the California Board of Accountancy, attorneys with the State Bar, and enrolled agents with the IRS.