Frequently Asked Questions

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Who are the organizers/providers of the Basic Tax Education Program?

How current is the information provided by the Basic Tax Education Program?

New curriculum materials are published in June to meet the California requirements to become a CTEC-registered tax preparer (CRTP). 

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How do I register for the program? What registration options are available? Do I have to purchase textbooks or other materials separately?

To register online, start by clicking the Enroll Now button at the top of the page. You will be prompted to sign-in with your CSEA online account. If you don't have an online account, you will need to create one.

Registration is for the full 10-week course only; there are no opportunities to purchase individual weeks or other segmented parts of the program.

Standard registration includes access to all digital materials and virtual/online instruction needed to complete the course. Digital materials include an e-textbook provided in the Prendo 365 learning management system. If you would like to order a physical textbook, please contact LTP for ordering assistance.

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What happens after I register? How do I receive/access course materials?

The registration system will send an order confirmation by email, which represents receipt for payment as well as acknowledging enrollment in the program.

A subsequent email will help you access the learning management system for this course.

Additional email communications will be provided to remind enrollees about important program information, including the program's class schedule, what enrollees will need to do to prepare for class, and instructions regarding how to access course materials, homework and tests in the learning management system.

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What is the general education format of The Basic Tax Education Program? What can I expect from a typical week of class?

This is a virtual education course with live instruction. CSEA's lead instructor and CSEA member, Anita Monrroy, EA, CPA, MST, will provide live online instruction to participants. Guest speakers will share their own pathway to tax excellence and offer encouragement to students.  Throughout the program, Ms. Monrroy will oversee student progress, answer questions, and assist with student concerns.

Classes are taught via Zoom Meeting. Every class will be recorded, and the recording will be made available to students for their use/review.

The program is 10 weeks long. This program provides 43 hours of Federal tax education, 2 hours of Ethics, and 15 hours of California tax education (a total of 60 hours of education), and meets the qualifying education requirement for CTEC. Classes will be held once a week in the evening for 3 hours per week. CTEC requires 70% attendance as part of the qualifying requirements for the CRTP designation, and so attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class session. Instructors provide office hours once a week so that you can ask individualized questions, one-on-one. View the schedule »

Online study materials are provided to reinforce necessary skills involved in basic tax preparation through additional reading and practice examples. Students are encouraged to prepare in advance for each class by completing online studying and homework before every class session, as individual effort will determine one's level of success. There will be homework in the form of practice tax forms; submit them by Tuesday each week so the instructor will know what to focus on during that week’s class.

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How do I prepare for my first class?

For the 2024 course, students should complete chapters 2 and 3 before the first class, including the online reading and practice exercises provided for these chapters. These materials are included in the Prendo365 system, access to which is provided after registration.

Also, we encourage all students to watch the recording of the course's orientation session, which provides a detailed explanation of what is needed to be successful in this program.

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What type of class materials are available?

Registration includes access to LTP's Prendo365 digital learning system. This includes an instructional e-book, quizzes, videos and homework to complement the weekly live instruction. A physical textbook may be ordered directly from LTP.

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CTEC requires 60 hours of qualifying education. How is this time accrued/calculated?

CTEC evaluates every qualifying education program to ensure that the instructional materials and final exam complexity will require an average student to invest at least 60 hours in study and instruction. When a student passes the final exam with a score of 70% or better, the test score and confirmation of the student's required 60-hour education completion will be sent to to CTEC. Students will need to provide more information to facilitate this reporting. See more details »

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What if I've already purchased the 60-hour online self-study from Latino Tax?

Registrants who purchased the current year program from LTP may enroll for instruction only and pay a reduced registration fee.

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I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker / Solo hablo español. Can I take this class?

CSEA's lead instructor and CSEA member, Anita Monrroy, EA, CPA, MST, is bilingual with fluency in both English and Spanish. This program is taught primarily in English, but those who need additional clarification in Spanish can be accommodated. (Note that this clarification may be need to be provided after class via email.)

If the student's primary language is Spanish and they have little or no English proficiency, please contact LTP for information on their Spanish language classes. (866) 936-2587

Si solo habla español, comuníquese con Latino Tax Pro para obtener ayuda. (866) 936-2587

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How do I cancel my registration / withdraw from classes?

You may cancel your registration prior to the first class by completing the cancellation/withdrawal request.

Cancellation Prior to First Class

If you cancel, you will be eligible for a refund of registration fees, minus:

• $40 set-up fee
• Cost of online program and materials ($295)

You will continue to have access to the online program and materials through Prendo365 after cancellation.

Terms of Withdrawal (after classes begin)

If you withdraw after the first class, your refund will be calculated based on when you withdraw. You will be eligible for a refund of registration fees, minus:

• $40 set-up fee
• Cost of online program and materials ($295)
• $40 withdrawal fee for each instructional week (e.g., $80 if withdrawal is after the 2nd class and before the 3rd class) 

You will continue to have access to the online program and materials through the learning management system after withdrawal.

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Will there be a course orientation session prior to the start of classes?

Yes, a course orientation was provided prior to the start of classes. You can watch the recording to learn more about how to be successful in this course.

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How do I sign in to the weekly class?

You will find the link to each week's class in your Learning Center, which is part of CSEA's learning management system.

Please read this technical FAQ for troubleshooting information.

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What is the process for becoming a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)?

To register with CTEC you must complete the following steps within 18 months of passing the final exam. It is recommended that students begin the application process before they pass the exam to avoid delays in their application.

• Complete the online application for new preparers.
• Complete the background questionnaire.
• Complete the fingerprint process at a Live Scan facility.
• Take a 60-hour qualifying education course and pass the final exam.
• Obtain a PTIN from the IRS.
• Obtain a $5,000 Tax Preparer Surety Bond.
• Complete the online registration process and submit fee payment (currently $33).

CSEA has partnered with Latino Tax Pro to offer qualifying education that fulfills the education requirement.

We recommend reviewing the following information provided by CTEC on their website (ctec.org):

• Q & A: Importantly, CTEC answers the question, "Who is required to comply with the Tax Preparation Act?" The short answer is, anyone who wants to file California tax returns on someone else's behalf and is NOT an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or Attorney.
• Application and registration information: We've provided a brief overview in the above bullet list, but you'll find the entire, detailed application process on this page of CTEC's site.

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I've completed my Basic Tax class. How do I report completion to CTEC?

Your education hours will be reported for you by Latino Tax Pro, but there are two steps you will need to complete before they may do so.

1. Specify Latino Tax Pro as the reporting organization on your CTEC application. You will find a drop down within the application step named Required Education Course which allows you to choose Latino Tax Pro as the reporting organization. After selecting from the drop down, don't forget to click the red Save button to the right of the drop down. (See this screenshot for reference.)
2. Provide Latino Tax Pro with your CTEC identification number. Login to your Prendo365 account, locate the CTEC ID field within your user information, and enter your ID in that space.
3. Call Latino Tax Pro to confirm this action. When you have confirmed, then they will be able to ensure your reporting is completed.  (866) 936-2587

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