Protect Your Refund. Check If Your Tax Preparer Is Approved.
Before you hand over your personal information, take a minute to check your tax preparer. California is one of the few states that has set requirements for tax preparers. We’ll help you confirm they’re approved or find someone who is.
Avoid Scams and Fraud
Some unqualified preparers promise big refunds or “instant money” and then disappear. If they file something wrong or fraudulent, you can still owe penalties and extra taxes later.
Why It’s Important to Verify Your Tax Preparer
Protect Your Refund and Benefits
Low-income taxpayers are often targeted with bad advice that risks refunds, tax credits, or benefits you depend on. A properly approved preparer helps protect what you’ve earned.
It’s the law in California
Most paid tax preparers must register with the California Tax Education Council or be a licensed CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney. If your preparer isn’t on the list, that’s a serious red flag.
How to Check Your Tax Preparer in 3 Simple Steps
Get Their Information
Ask for your preparer’s full name, business name (if any), and city or ZIP code. You can also ask if they have a CTEC ID.
Search on the CTEC Website
Click “Find or Verify a Preparer.” Enter what you know: name, business, city, ZIP, or CTEC ID. Partial spellings are okay.
Check Their Status
Make sure their: name and location match. Their status says active or approved. If they’re not listed, ask if they are a CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney, as those are exempt from CTEC registration.
Who We Are
The California Tax Education Council (CTEC) is a nonprofit organization created by the State of California to make sure nonexempt paid tax preparers are properly educated and bonded. We maintain the official list of registered tax preparers and help protect taxpayers from fraud and unqualified preparers.
Sets minimum education standards for preparers
Requires a $5,000 surety bond to help protect clients from fraud
Works with the California Franchise Tax Board to enforce the law
Warning Signs Your Tax Preparer May Not Be Legitimate
Red Flags
Promises “huge refunds” without seeing your documents
Asks you to sign a blank or incomplete tax return
Won’t give you a copy of your return
Refuses to show their CTEC ID or professional license
Wants their fee based on the size of your refund
Green Flags
Listed in the CTEC “Find / Verify a Preparer” search or clearly identified as CPA/EA/attorney
Explains your return in simple terms
Has you review everything before signing
Gives you a copy and answers questions patiently
The preparer is also required by law to sign their return and include an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
Already Used a Preparer And Now You’re Worried?
The California Tax Education Council (CTEC) is a nonprofit organization created by the State of California to make sure nonexempt paid tax preparers are properly educated and bonded. We maintain the official list of registered tax preparers and help protect taxpayers from fraud and unqualified preparers.
