CTEC-approved online tax education for California. Complete your CE or QE requirements from any device, 24/7 — with instant results and same-day reporting to CTEC.
Yes — California Tax Express Courses is a fully approved CTEC continuing education provider and an IRS-approved education provider. Our courses satisfy the annual 20-hour CE requirement for all CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs). You can verify our approval status at any time on the CTEC website at ctec.org under "Find a CE Provider."
How do I access the course after purchasing?
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Immediately after payment you'll receive a confirmation email with your login link. Log in from any computer, tablet, or smartphone — no app required, no downloads. Your progress is saved automatically every time you leave, so you can stop mid-chapter and pick up right where you left off. You have 1 full year of access from the date of purchase.
What is the deadline to renew with CTEC?
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The CTEC annual renewal deadline is October 31st each year. To renew, you must: (1) complete 20 hours of CTEC-approved CE from an approved provider, (2) maintain your $5,000 tax preparer surety bond, and (3) pay the CTEC renewal fee at ctec.org. Missing the deadline results in a late fee and you cannot legally prepare taxes for compensation in California until your registration is reinstated.
How quickly do you report hours to CTEC?
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We report your CE hours to CTEC within 1–3 hours of course completion on business days. On the October 31 deadline, our team works extended hours and stays up until midnight to make sure every last-minute completion is reported on time. To ensure accurate reporting, please make sure your CTEC Registration Number and PTIN are up to date in your student profile before you finish the course.
Can I retake the exam if I don't pass?
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Absolutely — unlimited exam retakes are included with every course at no extra charge. The passing score is 70% (70 out of 100 questions on the final exam). If you don't pass on your first attempt, review the chapters where you missed questions, then retake the exam when you're ready. There is no waiting period between attempts and no limit on how many times you can try.
What if I'm new to tax preparation?
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If you've never prepared taxes professionally before, you need the 60-Hour Qualifying Education (QE) course — not the 20-Hour CE course. California requires all new tax preparers to complete 60 hours of CTEC-approved education before registering as a CRTP. Our 60-Hour QE course is currently sold out — email hello@catax-expresscourses.com to join the waitlist.
Do you offer refunds?
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Yes, with the following policy: Full refund within 3 days of purchase if you have not yet started the course. 50% refund if you have started but completed less than 50% of the course content and have not attempted the final exam. No refund after 50% course completion or after any exam attempt. To request a refund, email hello@catax-expresscourses.com with your order number.
What CE categories does the 20-Hour course cover?
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Our 20-Hour CE course covers all four required CTEC categories in a single bundled course: 10 hours of Federal Tax Law (Chapters 1–6), 3 hours of Federal Tax Updates for Tax Year 2025 (Chapter 7), 2 hours of Ethics including Circular 230 and CTEC standards (Chapters 8–9), and 5 hours of California Tax Law (Chapters 10–12). One course — all four categories satisfied.
How long does it take to complete the course?
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Most students complete the 20-Hour CE course in 2–4 days of focused study, though you have a full year to finish. You can work through it at your own pace — 30 minutes here, an hour there. The course includes 12 illustrated reading chapters, chapter review quizzes, and a 100-question final exam. There is no time minimum per session; just complete all chapters and pass the exam.
Still have questions?
Our support team is here to help. Available 24 hours — call or text anytime.
Complete your profile to receive CTEC credit. Please add your CTEC Registration Number and PTIN before completing your course.
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CTEC 20-Hour Continuing Education — TY2025
Enrolled Oct 15, 2025 · Access expires Oct 31, 2026
35%
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20-Hour Continuing Education — TY2025
Overall Progress
35%
JS
Part A · Federal Tax Law~35 min read · 1.7 CE Hours
Filing Status and Exemptions
Your client's filing status is the single most important box on the return — it controls their tax bracket, standard deduction, and eligibility for nearly every credit.
The December 31 Rule: Marital status is determined on the last day of the tax year. A couple married on December 31 is treated as married for the entire year.
The Five Filing Statuses
Single
Unmarried on Dec 31
$15,000
Married Filing Jointly
Married on Dec 31 or widowed during the year
$30,000
Head of Household
Unmarried, paid >50% of home, qualifying person lived there 6+ months
$22,500
Qualifying Surviving Spouse
Spouse died in prior year, dependent child in home, didn't remarry
$30,000
Continue reading in the full chapter below — use the chapter outline on the right to navigate.
Reading progress
22%
Part A · Federal Tax Law · Chapter 1
Filing Status and Exemptions
~1.7 CE HoursFiling StatusStandard DeductionDependents
In this chapter you will learn the five federal filing statuses, how to determine the correct status for each client, TY2025 standard deduction amounts, and the rules for qualifying children and qualifying relatives.