FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions 

FAQ for Tax Class

FAQ for Notary Class

 

Tax Preparer Questions and Answers 

Q.  I am registering as a California Tax Preparer for the first time, what is the deadline for completing the 60 hour Qualifying Course. 

A.  There is no set deadline for the completion of the 60 hour Qualifying Course.  We recommend that if you are planning to complete your registration with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) by the start of tax season (mid-January) that you plan on completing the course by the end of November.  This will give you plenty of time to obtain your tax bond and register with CTEC prior to the start of tax season. 

Q.  I am currently registered as a Tax Preparer with CTEC, what is the deadline for completing the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course?

A.  The deadline for completing the annual 20 hours of continuing education, is October 31st.  After October 31st, you can still register, but you will need to pay an additional late fee.  Do not wait to long - If you do not apply within one year from the October 31st date, your registration will lapse and you will need to re-take the 60 Hour Qualifying Course. 

Q.  Where do I purchase my California Tax Preparers Bond?

A.  There are many reputable companies that offer the Bond. You can search “California Tax Preparers Bond” on Google or other search engine and shop for the best rates.  You will receive better per year pricing on multi-year bonds. 

Q.  I have completed the tax course, where is my certificate of completion?

A.  Once you complete Unit 9 (Continuing Course) or Unit 22 (Qualifying Course) you must immediately go to the “Print Certificate” option and follow the directions.  If you complete successfully, you will receive a message indicating that your Certificate has been emailed to you.  You should receive your certificate within 60 minutes via the email address you provided during registration.  If you do not receive your Certificate within this time frame, check your “junk” or “bulk” email file, as it may be there.  If you still have not received it, email us at PlatinumProStudies@msn.com so that we can resend to you within 48 hours. 

 
Q.  I am registering as a California Tax Preparer with CTEC for the first time, what do I do once I complete and pass the Course?

A.  Once you pass the Course, the next step is to obtain a tax preparers bond.  See prior question on obtaining a bond.  Once you receive the bond, you can link to the CTEC web site to complete your registration with CTEC.  Since Platinum Professional Studies reports the completion of the Course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything.  Go to: https://secure.ctec.org/preparers/logonnew.asp to complete the registration process.  You will not need your Course information, as it has already been reported.  You will need your bond information.  Please Note:  Allow three business days after the completion of the course before registering, to allow the system to be updated. 

Q.  I have completed the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course; can I register with CTEC online?

A.  Yes, since Platinum Professional Studies reports the completion of the Course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything.  Go to:

https://secure.ctec.org/preparers/logon.asp  to complete the registration process.  You will not need your Course information, as it has already been reported.  You will need your bond information.  Please Note:  Allow three business days after the completion of the course before registering, to allow the system to be updated. 

Q.  I have tried registering with CTEC and my Course hours have not been reported, why?

A.  Have you waited three business days, prior to trying?  Please allow this time so that the system can be updated.  Have you received your Certificate of Completion?  If you have not requested your Certificate of Completion via the Course after its completion, Platinum Professional Studies will not be notified of your completion.  Please insure that you have received your certificate via email prior to registering.  If none of the above applies, and you still can not register, contact Platinum Professional Studies at PlatinumProStudies@msn.com. 

Go to http://www.ctec.org/index.asp?pid=3 for more questions and answers concerning Registered Tax Preparers in California 

Notary Public Questions and Answers 

Q.  I have completed the Mandatory Notary Public Course, what do I do next? 

A.  As soon as you receive your Proof of Completion, register for an upcoming, Notary Public Exam, offered at sites throughout California.  Go to http://www.cps.ca.gov/TakeATest/Notary/ for the testing schedule, registration form and additional information.  Once you pass the exam, will need to obtain a four year notary public bond.  There are many reputable providers of bonds.  You can search for a “California notary public bond” on Google or other search engine for a list of providers.  You can expect to pay $35 to $60 for the four year bond. Once you obtain your bond, you will go to your local County Clerk Recorder’s Office to be sworn in as a notary public. More detailed information is provided within the first few units of the Platinum Professional Studies Online Notary Course. 

Q.  I am an existing notary public in California.  Do I need to take the mandatory, six hour Notary Course prior to retaking the State Exam?

A.  Yes, all notary publics must now take a mandatory, Secretary of State approved Notary Course prior to taking the State Exam.  If you have already taken a six hour approved course the last time you renewed your commission, then you may elect to take a shortened three hour course the next time you prepare for your renewal. 

Q.  I completed the Notary Course, where is my Proof of Completion?

A.  Once you complete the Notary Course, you must immediately go to the “Print Certificate” option after completing the Final Practice Exam and follow the directions.  If you complete successfully, you will receive a message indicating that your Proof of Completion has been emailed to you.  You should receive your Proof within 60 minutes via the email address you provided during registration.  If you do not receive your Proof within this time frame, check your “junk” or “bulk” email file, as it may be there.  If you still have not received it, email us at PlatinumProStudies@msn.com so that we can resend to you within 48 hours. 

Go to http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/notary_faq.htm for more answers and questions regarding Notary Publics in California.