FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CTEC 20 HR Continuing Education FAQ’s (California Tax Preparers)
Q. When do I have to complete the 20 HRS of Continuing Education (CE)?
A. Preparers have until October 31st of each year to complete their annual 20 HR CTEC Continuing Education requirement. After which you wil pay a late fee of $40 and the absolute dealine is Januaty 15th of each year.
Q. Are you a CTEC Approved Education Provider?
A. Yes we are, our CTEC provider number is 6224. We ar e 1 0 1 Education Services but do business as IRSTaxTraining.com. You can click here to find us on the CTEC Approved Provider List.
Q. What do the 20 HRS of Continuing Education consist of?
A. The IRS and CTEC require that the 20 HRS are divided as follows: 3 HRS Federal Tax Law Updates, 2 HRS Ethics, 10 HRS of Federal Tax Law and 5 HRS of California Tax Law.
Q. I have heard the IRS requires annual CE. Does this Course cover the IRS requirement?
A. Yes. We are both CTEC and IRS Approved Education Provider so you will be given credit for both requirements. You will receive two certificates, one for CTEC credit and one for IRS credit.
Q. How can I earn my 20 HRS of CE Credit?
A. You must complete a course from both a CTEC and IRS Approved Education Provider. Upon successful completion the Education provider will issue you certificates of completions and notify both CTEC the IRS that you have met this requirement. You will then be eligible to renew your CTEC and PTIN license.
Q. How does your Course work?
A. We offer a self-study correspondence Course whereby the materials are sent to you and you review them at your own pace. You must score 70% or higher on an open book exam to earn your 20 HRS of CPE.
Q. What are the 15 HR CE Course Options?
A. Option #1 is the Internet Special in which case you download the materials electronically as a PDF and take the exam online. This Option costs $79.95. You can also have a printed Course book mailed to you but your exam still be done online. This Option costs $109.95.
Q. How does the online examination work?
A. You log in at www.irstaxtraining.com using your e-mail and password and click on the link to take your exam. Your answers are automatically saved and there is no time limit so you can come and go as you please. When you finish your exam you will be asked to fill out a survey and then you can submit it. Upon meeting the passing requirement of 70% or higher we will issue you two certificates of completion via e-mail, one for CTEC and one for the IRS. Then we will notify both CTEC and the IRS that you completed your annual CE requirement. You will then be eligible to renew your CTEC license as well as your PTIN with IRS once the renewal season starts.
Q. When can I renew my CTEC license?
A. The CTEC renewal cycle starts in August of each year. If you renew before October 31st, it will cost you $15. If you renew after October 31st, it will cost you $55. If you fail to complete your annual 20 HR CE requirement and register with CTEC by January 10th, 2013, your license will be suspended and you will have to complete a 60 HR Qualifying Education course to obtain a new license and prepare taxes in California.
Q. When can I renew my PTIN license?
A. The IRS PTIN renewal cycle starts in October of each year. You can renew online using your PTIN account and in 2013 the cost will be $63.
Q. Do I need to my certificates of completion to CTEC or the IRS?
A. No. We will notify both CTEC and the IRS that you completed your annual CE requirement.
Q. What if I do not pass my examination?
A. If you do not meet the passing requirement of 70%, we will notify you and ask you to please take the examination again
Q. Do I have to pay again if I fail the online examination?
A. No. You are allowed to re-take the exam a second time at no additional charge. If you require a third attempt to passing the exam you will be charged $35.
Q. Will I know my score?
A. Yes. Included in your course is a complimentary Grading Report that details which questions you missed and the correct answers. You will be e-mailed this report with your certificate
Q. What is your return policy?
A. We offer 100% money back guarantee for any reason prior to the completion of your exam. If you ordered printed materials, we DO NOT refund shipping & handling charges.
Q. How to I set up my account with IRS TaxTraining.com?
A. You can go to our homepage and hit the create member button. Or you can add products to your shopping cart and when you click on the check out button you will be asked to fill out your profile and billing information. Finally, you can call us using the live chat button above and we can manually set up your account and process your order for you over the phone.
Q. What if I already have an account with IRS TaxTraining.com?
A. You can log in using you re-mail address and password to either purchase your materials or to access them or both.
Q. What if I forget my password for my account?
A. You can click on the “Forgot password” link just below the login area of our homepage and using your e-mail address it will be sent to you.
Q. What are my payment options?
A. We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express) as well as check or money order.