Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[Guest]

Does anyone have experience getting the required certifications to prepare taxes in California? I'm having a lot of trouble finding info on requirements to start a part-time bookkeeping business

[Guest]

You do not need to be certified to provide bookkeeping services in California. To be a tax preparer in California, you either need to be a CPA, an Enrolled Agent, or C-TEC certified. C-TEC certified means you have been certified by the California Tax Education Council to prepare and sign tax returns. To obtain this certification, you initially need to complete 60 hours of tax education. To maintain certification, you must obtain 20 hours of tax education each year. I recommend taking the H&R Block Income Tax Course that is offerred in the fall. Currently California is the only state requiring some type of certification to sign off as a paid preparer on tax returns.

[Guest]

Just an postscript about certification. Oregon also requires paid tax preparers to be certified and licensed and have worked in a paid position before being able to set up shop on your own.