Start by knowing that the IRS or software vendor will never ask you for your personal information and security questions via email. Please take some time to read our online information security tips below.  Always be suspicious of unexpected emails, even if it appears to come from a legitimate source.  Triple check emails before ever […]

What is CTEC? CTEC is short for the “California Tax Education Council,” which is a non-profit Corporation founded to promote competent tax preparation within the State of California. “CTEC” is also used as the common name for the Identification Number given to preparers registered in California to prepare tax returns. People who complete the CTEC […]

What is an EFIN? An EFIN is an Electronic Filing Identification Number. The EFIN is used to identify the location from where an e-file was sent. How to get an EFIN number? You can get your EFIN through the IRS’ website at e-services. There is a registration process followed by an application process which includes […]

The IRS is at it again… Since they were shut down on their authority to mandate all tax preparers get continuing education and take a competency test, they have now developed a “voluntary certification” that preparers can opt into.  The program is called the Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course; and yes, successful completion of the […]

All paid tax preparers are required by the IRS to have a valid PTIN (Preparer’s Tax Identification Number). These numbers are used by the IRS to identify who is the tax preparer on a return. This information, and so much more, is available to the public (due to the Freedom of Information Act) on the […]