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California · Tax Preparers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your California Tax Preparer License

California tax preparers must complete 20 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal period, as required by California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) rule on September 3, 2026.

CE hours
20 hours
Renewal cycle
each renewal period
Next deadline
October 31, 2026
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers California tax preparers holding a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) license. Requirements are set by California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

When to renew

California tax preparers licenses renew each renewal period, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is October 31, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (CA Tax Preparers (CTEC): annual renewal by Oct 31; 20 hrs CE due with renewal (ctec.org))

The continuing education California requires

California Tax Education Council (CTEC) requires 20 hours of approved continuing education each renewal period. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    California sets tax preparers requirements by license class (CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is October 31, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 20 hours of board-approved continuing education

    California Tax Education Council (CTEC) requires 20 hours each renewal period. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the California tax preparers course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In California, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal. You can confirm your hours are on file in the reporting system linked below.

    Check your hours on file
  5. 5

    Renew with California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

California tax preparer renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do California tax preparers need?
California tax preparers must complete 20 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal period, as set by California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
Which license classes does the California tax preparers CE requirement apply to?
The 20 hours requirement applies to: CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP).
How are completed CE hours reported to California Tax Education Council (CTEC)?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can California tax preparers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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