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California Tax Preparer Bond

All types. All states. The very best solutions for your surety bond needs.
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California tax preparer bonds protect the general public against fraudulent persons who might misstate information when filing taxes on their behalf.

Key Highlights

  • Before you can purchase a tax preparer bond, you must undergo 60 hours of training in federal tax law and California state tax law.
  • In California, anyone who professionally prepares tax returns for others is required to obtain a $5,000 tax preparer bond before registering with the California Tax Education Council.

How do I purchase a California tax preparer bond?

NFP, the nation's largest and most reliable surety company, is authorized to issue California tax preparer bonds in each of the 50 states. We can provide the best rates for your bond, as well as the fastest issuance, to get your business off and running.

Our short online application makes it easy. Click below to start the application process today.

California Tax Preparer Bond FAQs

A tax preparer bond, a document that is required in certain circumstances for professionals who prepare taxes for others, is intended to provide assurances to those who engage tax preparation services that the tax professional will be acting in their best interest while working with their personal financial information.

In California, anyone who professionally prepares tax returns for others is required to obtain a $5,000 tax preparer bond before registering with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). There are a few exceptions to this rule, including various banking officials, attorneys who are members of the California State Bar, enrolled agents and certified public accountants (CPAs).

There are no current federal regulations that govern the actions of paid tax consultants. In fact, it has been said that there are more constraints placed on hair stylists and barbers than on tax preparers. Enforcing honest and legitimate tax return preparation has been left to individual states.

Only four states have chosen to establish any kind of requirements for paid tax consultants: Oregon, Maryland, New York and California. While there are educational requirements imposed by the other three states, only California provides some method of redress (the surety bond) for cases where a taxpayer is affected by dishonest or non-compliant professional services.

Before you can purchase one, you must undergo 60 hours of training in federal tax law and California state tax law. This training can be done either online or in a traditional classroom setting

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All Types. All States. The very best solutions for your surety bond needs.