FAQs

WHAT IS CSTC?

The California Society of Tax Consultants, born in Southern California's "Inland Empire" in 1966, today enjoys approximately 1,200 members in 16 local chapters in California.  CSTC's emphasis on high-quality tax education and its atmosphere of friendly sharing make it an ideal choice for tax professionals.

WHO JOINS CSTC?

Anyone who does tax work - tax preparers, bookkeepers, accountants, EA's, CPA's –
part-timers, full-timers, beginners and veterans.  CSTC welcomes anyone who meets    local requirements to prepare tax returns.

HOW CAN ONE BECOME A TAX PREPARER IN CALIFORNIA?

Click here to learn how to become an Enrolled Agent (EA):
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/become-an-enrolled-agent

Click here for information on obtaining a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN): https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-application-checklist-what-you-need-to-get-started

California law requires anyone who prepares (or assists with) tax returns for a fee, and is not an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA), to register as a tax preparer with CTEC. Click here to find out how to become a California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP): https://ctec.org/Preparer/WhatCRTP/

WHY DO THEY JOIN CSTC?

When professional's work together to solve common concerns everyone wins.  The upscale word for this is "Networking".  Most members point to this as the main benefit of membership in CSTC.  No two of us are competitors!  Members freely and openly turn to one another for help with:
         ►Researching tax laws
         ►IRS and FTB issues
         ►Techniques of practice and management
         ►Selecting products, from library to computer systems to software to service bureaus
         ►Staffing and professional assistance
         ►Securing professional insurance products - health, life, liability, and others.  Imagine having over 1,000 tax professionals ready to help with your problem!

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Programs cover as wide a spectrum as the membership.  Most are approved for CTEC credit for tax preparers, IRS credit for enrolled agents, and credit by the Board of Accountancy for certified public account. Local chapters offer:

        ►Monthly meetings with topical speakers and valuable networking.
        ►Classes in Fundamentals of Tax Preparation.
        ►Fall workshops covering a wide variety of topics on taxation of individuals,  corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries and estates.
        ►Last-minute update workshops just in time for tax season.
        ►Workshops on practice management.
        ►Workshops on tax research, interaction with the IRS, out-of-state tax returns.

Larger programs by CSTC and CSTC chapters working together:

         ►SUMMER TAX SYMPOSIUM.  Combine education with fun for these three-day programs in resort areas like Las Vegas, Laughlin and Reno.  Tailor your education by choosing from among concurrent sessions. 

         ►ANNUAL FALL FORUM.