Tax Preparer Bonds – Instant Approval & Email Delivery

No Credit Check • 100% Approval • Instant Email Delivery

✓ California CTEC bonds from $25/year
✓ Instant email delivery – 5 minutes or less
✓ No credit check or SSN required
✓ 100% approval guarantee
✓ Multi-year discounts available

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📞 Call 1-800-331-5453

🔒 Secure application — no obligation

What is a Tax Preparer Bond?

A tax preparer bond (also called a CTEC bond in California) is a type of surety bond required by state law to legally prepare tax returns for a fee.

The bond protects consumers from:

  • Fraud or dishonesty
  • Misstatements or misrepresentations
  • Deceit or negligence
  • Violations of tax laws
  • Unethical practices

If a client suffers financial harm due to your actions as a tax preparer, they can file a claim against your bond. The surety company pays the claim (up to the bond amount), and you must repay the surety.

Who Needs a Tax Preparer Bond?

California & Nevada are currently the only states requiring tax preparer bonds.

🚧

Required

  • Non-credentialed tax preparers
  • Anyone preparing tax returns for a fee in CA/NV
  • California Registered Tax Preparers (CRTP)
❌

Exempt

  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
  • Enrolled Agents (EAs)
  • Attorneys (State Bar members)
  • Certain bank or trust officials

California Tax Preparer Bond (CTEC Bond)

Bond Amount: $5,000

Required By: California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

Cost: Starting at $25/year

California CTEC Bond Pricing

Term Standard Fast-Track
1 Year $25 $45
2 Years $45 ($22.50/yr) $55 ($27.50/yr)
3 Years $50 ($16.67/yr) $70 ($23.33/yr)
4 Years $64 ($16/yr) $80 ($20/yr)
5 Years $80 ($16/yr) N/A

Standard Service: Processed during business hours, emailed same day

Fast-Track Service: Instant email delivery 24/7 – receive your bond in 5 minutes

CTEC Registration Requirements

  • Complete 60-hour qualifying education course
  • Obtain IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
  • Purchase $5,000 tax preparer bond
  • Register with CTEC (deadline: October 31 annually)
  • Complete 20 hours continuing education annually

⚠ Important: The bond must be issued in an individual’s name, not a business. For companies with 2+ preparers, purchase a California Group Tax Preparer Bond.

Buy California CTEC Bond

Nevada Document Preparation Services Bond

Bond Amount: $25k (individual) or $50k – $200k (Business Entity)

Required By: Nevada Secretary of State

Cost: Varies (credit check required) and depends on the number of Registrants

Nevada tax preparers must register with the Secretary of State and obtain a $25k – $200k surety bond. Unlike California, Nevada bonds require a credit check for the Business Entity bonds, and premiums vary based on the number of preparers as well as creditworthiness.

Get Nevada Document Preparation Service Bond

How to Get a Document Preparation Services Bond

Individual Bond ($25,000)

Purchase Individual Bond

Business Entity Bond ($50k – $200k)

  • 1

    Complete Application

    Provide your name and address. Approval will depend on a soft credit pull of the owner’s credit.

  • 2

    Get Quote

    We will submit the information with our markets and reach out once we have the lowest premium approval. If any additional information is needed (such as financial statements or a signed indemnity agreement) our underwriters will let you know.

  • 3

    Purchase Bond

    Once you have paid for the bond, we will issue the documents and send you copies to be filed with the State.

Get Free Quote

Tax Preparer Bond FAQs

How much does a $5,000 tax preparer bond cost?
California CTEC bonds start at $25 per year with no credit check. Multi-year terms offer lower annual rates – a 5-year bond costs just $16/year.
Do I need a credit check for a California tax preparer bond?
No. California CTEC bonds require no credit check, no SSN, and have 100% approval. Everyone pays the same flat rate.
When do I need to have my bond?
You must have an active bond before submitting your CTEC registration or renewal. The CTEC registration deadline is October 31 annually.
Can I get instant delivery?
Yes! Our Fast-Track Service delivers your official CTEC bond by email in 5 minutes or less, 24/7. Perfect for last-minute registrations or urgent renewals.
What if I prepare taxes for multiple clients?
One bond covers all your clients. The bond protects consumers – not per-client.
Do CPAs or Enrolled Agents need this bond?
No. CPAs, Enrolled Agents (EAs), attorneys (State Bar members), and certain bank officials are exempt from California’s bonding requirement.
How long does my bond stay active?
Your bond remains active for the term you purchased (1-5 years). CTEC requires annual verification of bond compliance even if your bond covers multiple years.
What happens if a claim is filed against my bond?
The surety investigates the claim. If valid, the surety pays up to $5,000 to the damaged party. You must then repay the surety for the claim amount plus any costs.
Can I cancel my bond and get a refund?
Bonds can be canceled with 30 days written notice. Refunds depend on the surety’s cancellation policy and whether the bond has been filed with CTEC.