This Tax Course is for CTEC and the IRS (AFSP)

■ When will the 2026 continuing education program be available?

■ I didn't renew my CTEC registration for 2025-2026 by 1/15/2026. Which course do I take to update my CTEC status?

■ I am not yet registered as a tax preparer in California. Which course do I take to become a certified tax professional?

■ I don't have a CTEC identification number. Can I take the 20-hour course for IRS credit only?

■ Do you offer the IRS AFTR course?

■ Do you offer continuing education for Enrolled Agents (EAs)?

■ Do you offer continuing education for CPAs?

■ Do you offer this course in Spanish?

■ Do you offer this course in a classroom setting with a live instructor?

Payment Issues

■ How do I enroll or sign up for this course?

■ How do I pay for this tax course?

■ Is the $49 fee the total cost for the course?

■ What if I don't pass this course? Will I get a refund?
 

Beginning or Completing the Tax Course

■ Why is this course often referred to as a "20-hour" course? Is that a minimum or maximum time limit? Am I going to be timed while taking this course?

■ I have not yet started my tax course. Where do I record my test answers?

■ Do I have to finish reading the textbooks before beginning the final exam?

■ Can I get the course books by mail? Instead of reading electronic files on my computer screen, I would rather have hard copies of the course materials.

■ What is the "deadline" for completing the 2025 continuing education program?

After the Tax Course

■ After sending you my test information, how long must I wait to get my certificate, credits, and score?

■ If I don't pass this course, will you tell me which questions I got wrong?

■ How does your school report a course completion to CTEC and the IRS?

■ After completing the 20-hour course, does your school renew my registration for me?

■ Will I be able to renew my registration with CTEC before August 1?

■ Will I be able to renew my PTIN with the IRS before October 15?

■ Why am I getting only 15 credit hours for the IRS AFSP? Shouldn't I be getting more credit hours?

■ The IRS is telling me that my continuing education is incomplete, and that I still need to take the AFTR course. I thought I finished my CE with you guys.  Can you fix this for me?

Noneducational Requirements for Tax Preparers

■ Is this course all I need to qualify for CTEC registration renewal?

■ What is a "tax preparer bond" and where can I get one?

■ Do you recommend any tax software?

Contact Us (or CTEC)

■ What are your days and hours of operation?

■ My question is not on this list. Take me to CTEC's Q&A page.

■ My question is not on this list.  How can I contact you?