Tax Preparers - - CA Business And Professions

Section § 22250

This law is called the Tax Preparation Act. Anytime other laws mention the 'Tax Preparation Act', they are talking about this specific chapter.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Tax Preparation Act. Whenever a reference is made to the Tax Preparation Act by any statute, it shall be construed to refer to this chapter.

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(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 2. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22250.1

This law requires that all tax preparers in California maintain a $5,000 bond from a recognized surety company. The bond is meant to protect clients from any dishonest or unlawful actions by the tax preparer. All employees or associates working with a tax preparer must also be covered by this bond, though the total bond amount cannot exceed $125,000. If any changes happen, like hiring new tax preparers, they must update the bond within 30 days. A tax preparer can't operate without a valid bond, and if the bond is canceled or expired, they must stop working until they get a new one. Deposits can't replace the bond. Agencies or councils can request proof of the bond, and if a claim against the bond is paid, it must be reported to the California Tax Education Council, which will make it public online.

(a) A tax preparer shall maintain a bond issued by a surety company admitted to do business in this state for each individual preparing tax returns for another person. The principal sum of the bond shall be five thousand dollars ($5,000). A tax preparer subject to this section shall provide to the surety company proof that the individual is at least 18 years of age before a surety bond may be issued.

(b) The bond required by this section shall be in favor of, and payable to, the people of the State of California and shall be for the benefit of any person or persons damaged by any fraud, dishonesty, misstatement, misrepresentation, deceit, or any unlawful acts or omissions by the tax preparer, or the tax preparers employed or associated with it to provide tax preparation services.

(c) The tax preparer filing the bond shall identify all tax preparers employed or associated with the tax preparer and shall provide for each employee or associate the evidence required by subdivision (a) to the surety company. A tax preparer employed or associated with a tax preparer shall be covered by the bond of the tax preparer with which the tax preparer is employed or associated. However, in no event shall the total bond required for any single tax preparer and the tax preparers employed or associated with it be required to exceed one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000). The aggregate liability of the surety to any and all persons regardless of the number of claims against the bond or the number of years the bond remains in force shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any one tax preparer. Any revision of the bond amount shall not be cumulative. The liability of the surety on the bond shall not include payment of any civil penalties, fines, attorney’s fees, or any other cost provided by statute or regulation.

(d) The tax preparer shall file an amendment to the bond within 30 days of a change in information contained in the bond, including a change in the tax preparers employed or associated with the tax preparer.

(e)

(1) A tax preparer shall not conduct business without having a current surety bond in the amount prescribed by this section.

(2) Thirty days prior to the cancellation or termination of any surety bond required by this section, the surety shall send a written notice of that cancellation or termination to the tax preparer and the California Tax Education Council, identifying the bond and the date of cancellation or termination.

(3) If a tax preparer fails to obtain a new bond by the effective date of the cancellation or termination of the former bond, the tax preparer shall cease to conduct business until that time as a new surety bond is obtained.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 995.710 of the Code of Civil Procedure, a tax preparer shall not make a deposit in lieu of bond.

(g) A tax preparer shall furnish evidence of the bond required by this section upon the request of any state or federal agency or any law enforcement agency or the California Tax Education Council.

(h) On and after July 1, 2019, a tax preparer shall report a paid claim against its surety bond to the council, and the council shall post a notice of the claim on its internet website.

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(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 17. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22251

This section defines key terms related to tax preparation services in California. A "tax preparer" is anyone who, for a fee, prepares or works on tax returns, except for employees doing so as part of their regular clerical work. "Tax return" refers to any document required for state or federal taxes. An "approved curriculum provider" is an entity approved to offer tax education. The "Council" is the nonprofit California Tax Education Council. A "client" is someone receiving tax services from a preparer. "Refund anticipation loan" is a loan based on expected tax refunds, and its fee must be clearly listed. A "registrant" is a tax preparer officially registered by the council.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a)

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2), “tax preparer” includes:

(A) A person who, for a fee or for other consideration, assists with or prepares tax returns for another person or who assumes final responsibility for completed work on a return on which preliminary work has been done by another person, or who holds himself or herself out as offering those services. A person engaged in that activity shall be deemed to be a separate person for the purposes of this chapter, irrespective of affiliation with, or employment by, another tax preparer.

(B) A corporation, partnership, association, or other entity that has associated with it persons not exempted under Section 22258, which persons shall have as part of their responsibilities the preparation of data and ultimate signatory authority on tax returns or that holds itself out as offering those services or having that authority.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), “tax preparer” does not include an employee who, as part of the regular clerical duties of his or her employment, prepares his or her employer’s income, sales, or payroll tax returns.

(b) “Tax return” means a return, declaration, statement, refund claim, or other document required to be made or filed in connection with state or federal income taxes or state bank and corporation franchise taxes.

(c) An “approved curriculum provider,” for purposes of basic instruction as described in subdivision (a) of Section 22255, and continuing education as described in subdivision (b) of Section 22255, is one who has been approved by the council as defined in subdivision (d).

(d) “Council” means the California Tax Education Council that is a single nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code.

(e) “Client” or “customer” means an individual for whom a tax preparer performs or agrees to perform tax preparation services.

(f) “Refund anticipation loan” means a loan, whether provided by the tax preparer or another entity, such as a financial institution, in anticipation of, and whose payment is secured by, a client’s federal or state income tax refund or by both.

(g) “Refund anticipation loan fee schedule” means a list or table of refund anticipation loan fees that includes three or more representative refund anticipation loan amounts. The schedule shall separately list each fee or charge imposed, as well as a total of all fees imposed, related to the making of a refund anticipation loan. The schedule shall also include, for each representative loan amount, the estimated annual percentage rate calculated under the guidelines established by the federal Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq.).

(h) “Registrant” means a tax preparer that has met all of the requirements of this chapter and has been issued a registration by the council.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 3. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22251.1

This law aims to help people recognize trustworthy tax preparers by making sure they are registered and bonded. It also ensures tax preparers are well-educated, handle private information properly, and do not make false or misleading statements. Additionally, it establishes a nonprofit organization to oversee the registration and compliance of tax preparers.

It is the intent of this chapter to enable consumers to easily identify credible tax preparers who are bonded and registered, to ensure tax preparers receive adequate education and treat confidential information appropriately, to prohibit tax preparers from making fraudulent, untrue, or misleading representations, and to provide for a self-funded nonprofit oversight body to register tax preparers and ensure that they meet all of the requirements of this chapter.

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(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 660, Sec. 2. (SB 484) Effective January 1, 2014. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22251.2

This section establishes the responsibilities of the California Tax Education Council, emphasizing that its top priority is public protection in its roles of registration and discipline. The council's board includes representatives from nonprofit and for-profit tax-related organizations and tax preparers, bound by open meeting laws for transparency. The council is empowered to hire staff, make contracts, and regulate registrations and disciplinary actions, while setting and charging fees to cover regulatory costs.

(a) The California Tax Education Council, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22251, shall carry out the responsibilities and duties set forth in this chapter.

(b) Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the council in exercising its registration and disciplinary authority, and any other functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

(c) The council shall be governed by a board of directors comprised of the following:

(1) Not more than one representative from each California nonprofit corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that represents tax preparers, enrolled agents, attorneys, or certified public accountants with a membership in California of at least 400 in each of the previous three calendar years.

(2) Not more than one representative from each for-profit tax preparation corporation in good standing that chooses to participate in the council and that had at least 400 employees or franchisees, which number can include the employees of a franchisee, in California during the previous calendar year and that has been operating in California for the last three years.

(3) Six individuals who are tax preparers pursuant to Section 22255 and are appointed through a process established by the council to the board of directors with full voting privileges to serve terms as determined by the council, with their initial terms being served on a staggered basis. A person exempt from the requirements of this chapter pursuant to Section 22258 is not eligible for appointment to the council, other than an employee of an individual in an exempt category.

(d) The meetings of the board of directors shall be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). The board of directors may adopt additional policies and procedures that provide greater transparency to registrants and the public than required by the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act.

(e) The council may take any reasonable actions to carry out the responsibilities and duties set forth in this chapter, including, but not limited to, hiring staff and entering into contracts.

(f) The council shall issue registrations, deny applications, and discipline registrants as authorized by this chapter. The council may adopt bylaws, rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(g) The council shall establish application fees, renewal fees, delinquent fees, and other fees related to the regulatory cost of providing services and carrying out the council’s responsibilities and duties pursuant to this chapter. These fees shall not exceed the reasonable cost to the council of providing those services and carrying out those responsibilities and duties.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 4. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22251.3

This law explains how someone can register with a council by meeting certain requirements. First, applicants need to complete specific educational courses, pass a background check, and pay all required fees. They must also fulfill other requirements set by the council. Registration must be renewed every year, and there's an option for late renewal.

(a) The council shall issue a registration to any applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets all of the requirements of this chapter and who complies with the bylaws, rules, and procedures established by the council.

(b) In order to obtain a registration, an applicant shall submit a written application in a form provided by the council and provide the council with satisfactory evidence that he or she meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The applicant has successfully completed the educational requirements described in subdivision (a) of Section 22255.

(2) The applicant has successfully passed a background investigation pursuant to Section 22253.5.

(3) All fees required by the council as described in subdivision (c) of Section 22251.2 have been paid.

(4) The applicant meets all of the other requirements for registration in this chapter.

(c) Any registration under this chapter shall be subject to renewal every year in a manner prescribed by the council, and shall expire unless renewed in that manner. The council may provide for the late renewal of a registration.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 5. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22251.4

This law requires the California Tax Education Council to have a public online list of tax preparers. This list should show if they meet the yearly registration requirements and include key details like their name, address, and registration number. The website should also have links to other sites where you can find information about tax preparers who are not covered by this specific law.

(a) The council shall establish and maintain on its Internet Web site a searchable public registry of registrants. Each registrant’s listing shall clearly indicate whether the registrant is actively in compliance with the annual registration requirements and shall include any of the following information that is applicable to the registrant:

(1) The registrant’s name and mailing address.

(2) The registrant’s California Tax Education Council registration number.

(3) Any other information the council believes would be beneficial to consumers of tax preparation services that is consistent with protecting the public pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 22251.2.

(b) The Internet Web site of the council shall contain direct links to the Internet Web sites maintained by the California Board of Accountancy, the State Bar of California, and the Internal Revenue Service where public information regarding tax preparers exempt from this chapter may be obtained.

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(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 6. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22252

Before starting any tax preparation work, a tax preparer must give the client a written document that includes their contact information, proof of bond compliance, and the website address of the overseeing council.

Prior to rendering any tax preparation services, a tax preparer shall provide the customer in writing with the following:

(a) The tax preparer’s name, address, and telephone number.

(b) Evidence of compliance with the bonding requirement of Section 22250.1, including the bond number, if any.

(c) The address of the Internet Web site of the council.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 7. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22252.1

This section explains that tax preparers are not allowed to share confidential information about their clients without written permission, unless certain exceptions apply. These exceptions include situations like responding to a court order, defending themselves in a lawsuit, or complying with government inquiries. If information might be shared outside the U.S., the tax preparer must let the client know and get written permission. This rule works alongside other privacy laws to protect client information.

(a) No confidential information obtained by a tax preparer, in his or her professional capacity, concerning a client or a prospective client shall be disclosed by the tax preparer without the written permission of the client or prospective client, except for the following:

(1) Disclosures made by a tax preparer in compliance with a subpoena or a summons enforceable by order of a court.

(2) Disclosures made by a tax preparer regarding a client or prospective client to the extent the tax preparer reasonably believes it is necessary to maintain or defend himself or herself in a legal proceeding initiated by the client or prospective client.

(3) Disclosures made by a tax preparer in response to an official inquiry from a federal or state government regulatory agency.

(4) Disclosures made by a tax preparer or to a tax preparer’s duly authorized representative to another tax preparer in connection with a proposed sale or merger of the tax preparer’s professional practice.

(5) Disclosures made by a tax preparer to either of the following:

(A) Another tax preparer to the extent necessary for purposes of professional consultation.

(B) Organizations that provide professional standards review and ethics or quality control peer review.

(6) Disclosures made when specifically required by law.

(b) In the event that confidential client information may be disclosed to persons or entities outside the United States of America in connection with the services provided, the tax preparer shall inform the client in writing and obtain the client’s written permission for the disclosure.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that this section complement and does not replace Section 17530.5 as applied to tax preparers by subdivision (f) of Section 1799.1a of the Civil Code.

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(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 921, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2005. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22252.5

This law is about making sure taxpayers know they can donate to certain programs when they do their California state income taxes. The goal is to remind people, especially tax preparers, to notify their clients in writing about these donation options before completing tax returns. Basically, it's about making these donation choices more visible to everyone.

The Legislature finds and declares that it is important to inform taxpayers that they may make voluntary contributions to certain funds or programs, as provided on the state income tax return. The Legislature further finds and declares that many taxpayers remain unaware of the voluntary contribution check-offs on the state income tax return. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage all persons who prepare state income tax returns, including tax preparers, to inform their clients in writing, prior to the completion of any state income tax return, that they may make a contribution to any voluntary contribution check-off on the state income tax return if they so choose.

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(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 485, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 1999. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253

This law section outlines actions that are prohibited for tax preparers in California and gives the council authority to deny registration or discipline tax preparers for violations. Key violations include not registering, misleading clients, improper handling of documents, and unethical practices. The law also mandates that tax preparers keep records, sign documents, and avoid misrepresentation. It allows the council to post disciplinary actions online and make agreements with the Franchise Tax Board for enforcing these rules.

Violations like fraud, false information, and impersonation are specially noted, with each considered a separate offense. However, certain violations are exempt from some penalties. Beginning July 1, 2019, public disclosure of disciplinary actions and probation lists became necessary.

(a) It is a violation of this chapter for a tax preparer to do or commit, and the council may deny an application for registration or discipline a registrant for, any of the following:

(1) Fail to register as a tax preparer with the council.

(2) Make, or authorize the making of, any statement or representation, oral or written or recorded by any means, which is intended to induce persons to use the tax preparation service of the tax preparer, which statement or representation is fraudulent, untrue, or misleading.

(3) Obtain the signature of a customer to a tax return or authorizing document which contains blank spaces to be filled in after it has been signed.

(4) Fail or refuse to give a customer, for his or her own records, a copy of any document requiring the customer’s signature, within a reasonable time after the customer signs the document.

(5) Fail to maintain a copy of any tax return prepared for a customer for four years from the date of completion or the due date of the return, whichever is later.

(6) Engage in advertising practices which are fraudulent, untrue, or misleading, including, but not limited to, assertions that the bond required by Section 22250.1 in any way implies licensure or endorsement of a tax preparer by the State of California.

(7) Violate Section 17530.5.

(8) Violate Section 7216 of Title 26 of the United States Code.

(9) Fail to sign a customer’s tax return when payment for services rendered has been made.

(10) Fail to return, upon the demand by or on behalf of a customer, records or other data provided to the tax preparer by the customer.

(11) Knowingly give false or misleading information to the consumer pursuant to Section 22252, or give false or misleading information to the surety company pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 22250.1, or give false or misleading information to the California Tax Education Council pursuant to Section 22255.

(12) Commit unprofessional conduct, including, but not limited to, denial of licensure, certificate, permit, or registration, or revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other disciplinary action against an applicant or registrant by the federal government or another state or territory of the United States, by any other government agency, or by another professional licensing board or organization. A certified copy of the decision, order, or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of these actions.

(13) Procure or attempt to procure a registration by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake.

(14) Violate or attempt to violate, directly or indirectly, or assist in or abet the violation of, or conspire to violate, any provision or term of this chapter or any rule or bylaw adopted by the council.

(15) Be convicted of any felony or misdemeanor that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a registrant, in which event the record of the conviction shall be conclusive evidence of the crime.

(16) Impersonate an applicant or act as a proxy for an applicant in any situation or examination referred to under this chapter for the issuance of a registration.

(17) Impersonate a registrant, or permit or allow an unregistered person to use a registration.

(18) Commit any fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a registrant.

(b) Each violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.

(c) A violation of paragraphs (12) to (18), inclusive, of subdivision (a) is not subject to subdivision (b) of Section 22256.

(d) The council may enter into an agreement with the Franchise Tax Board to provide reimbursement to the Franchise Tax Board for assistance in carrying out enforcement activities consistent with this chapter.

(e) Beginning July 1, 2019, the council shall post the following on its Internet Web site:

(1) All disciplinary actions taken against registrants by the council, including, but not limited to, misconduct that resulted in a suspension or revocation.

(2) A list of registrants on probation, including the misconduct that resulted in the probation and any terms of probation.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 8. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253.1

If you're a tax preparer promoting loans that give advances on tax refunds, you need to make it crystal clear that what you're offering is a loan, not the refund itself. Any ads must make this distinction obvious, including details on fees, interest, and the name of the lender. If you facilitate these loans, you must display a fee schedule with all charges, and make clients aware they can file electronically without getting a loan. This information has to be easy to read and in a prominent spot at your office. Before anyone applies, provide a written rundown of what the loan costs, how it works, and the timeframes involved. You can't make clients take out loans to file taxes, lie about loan terms, delay processing, or commit any fraudulent acts related to these loans.

(a) Any tax preparer who advertises the availability of a refund anticipation loan shall not directly or indirectly represent the loan as a client’s actual refund. Any advertisement that mentions a refund anticipation loan shall state conspicuously that it is a loan and that a fee or interest will be charged by the lending institution. The advertisement shall also disclose the name of the lending institution.

(b) Every tax preparer who offers to facilitate, or who facilitates, a refund anticipation loan to a client shall display a refund anticipation loan schedule showing the current fees for refund anticipation loans facilitated at the office, for the electronic filing of the client’s tax return, for setting up a refund account, and any other related activities necessary to receive a refund anticipation loan. The fee schedule shall also include a statement indicating that the client may have the tax return filed electronically without also obtaining a refund anticipation loan.

(c) The postings required by this section shall be made in not less than 28-point type on a document measuring not less than 16 by 20 inches. The postings required in this section shall be displayed in a prominent location at each office where any tax preparer is offering to facilitate or facilitating a refund anticipation loan.

(d)

(1) Prior to the client’s completion of the refund anticipation loan application, a tax preparer that offers to facilitate a refund anticipation loan shall provide to the client a clear, written disclosure containing all of the following information:

(A) The refund anticipation loan fee schedule.

(B) That a refund anticipation loan is a loan and is not the client’s actual income tax refund.

(C) That the taxpayer can file an income tax return electronically without applying for a refund anticipation loan.

(D) The average amount of time, according to the Internal Revenue Service, within which a taxpayer who does not obtain a refund anticipation loan can expect to receive a refund if the taxpayer’s return is filed or mailed as follows:

(i) Filed electronically and the refund is deposited directly into the taxpayer’s bank account or mailed to the taxpayer.

(ii) Mailed to the Internal Revenue Service and the refund is deposited directly into the taxpayer’s bank account or mailed to the taxpayer.

(E) That the Internal Revenue Service does not guarantee that it will pay the full amount of the anticipated refund and it does not guarantee a specific date that a refund will be deposited into the taxpayer’s bank account or mailed to the taxpayer.

(F) That the client is responsible for the repayment of the refund anticipation loan and the related fees in the event that the tax refund is not paid or paid in full.

(G) The estimated time within which the loan proceeds will be paid to the client if the loan is approved.

(H) The fee that will be charged, if any, if the client’s loan is not approved.

(2) Prior to the client’s consummation of the refund anticipation loan transaction, a tax preparer that facilitates a refund anticipation loan shall provide to the client, in either written or electronic form, the following information:

(A) The estimated total fees for obtaining the refund anticipation loan.

(B) The estimated annual percentage rate for the client’s refund anticipation loan, using the guidelines established under the federal Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 and following).

(C) A comparison of the various costs, fees, and finance charges, if applicable, associated with receiving a refund by mail or by direct deposit directly from the Internal Revenue Service, a refund anticipation loan, a refund anticipation check, or any other refund settlement options facilitated by the tax preparation service.

(e) This section shall comply with the language requirements set forth in Section 1632 of the Civil Code.

(f) Any tax preparer who offers to facilitate, or who facilitates, a refund anticipation loan may not engage in any of the following activities:

(1) Requiring a client to enter into a loan arrangement in order to complete a tax return.

(2) Misrepresenting a material factor or condition of a refund anticipation loan.

(3) Failing to process the application for a refund anticipation loan promptly after the client applies for the loan.

(4) Engaging in any transaction, practice, or course of business that operates a fraud upon any person in connection with a refund anticipation loan.

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(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 396, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2006. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253.2

This law states that the Franchise Tax Board must inform the California Tax Education Council if someone breaks a tax preparation rule. Then, the Council can tell authorities like the Attorney General about it. These authorities can take actions, such as fining the individual up to $5,000, citing them for the violation, or ordering them to stop their activity until they follow the rules. Additionally, the Council can make a deal to cover any costs the Franchise Tax Board incurs for their part in this process.

(a) The Franchise Tax Board shall notify the California Tax Education Council when it identifies an individual who has violated paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 22253.

(b) Upon receiving the notice described in subdivision (a), the California Tax Education Council may notify the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney of the violation. Upon receiving this notice, the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney may do any of the following:

(1) Cite individuals preparing tax returns in violation of subdivision (a) of Section 22253.

(2) Levy a fine up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation.

(3) Issue a cease and desist order, which shall remain in effect until the individual has complied with paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 22253.

(c) The California Tax Education Council may enter into an agreement with the Franchise Tax Board to provide reimbursement to the Franchise Tax Board for any expenses incurred by the Franchise Tax Board to implement subdivision (a) of this section.

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(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 432, Sec. 34. (SB 944) Effective January 1, 2012. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253.3

This section explains how a council can discipline a registered person by using several methods. They can put the person on probation, suspend their registration for up to a year, revoke it, or impose other conditions. The council also has the option to give a new registration on probation with certain terms. If someone's registration gets suspended or revoked, the council must inform tax authorities like the Franchise Tax Board and the IRS.

(a) The council may discipline a registrant by any, or a combination, of the following methods:

(1) Placing the registration on probation.

(2) Suspending the registration and the rights conferred by this chapter on a registrant for a period not to exceed one year.

(3) Revoking the registration.

(4) Suspending or staying the disciplinary order, or portions of it, with or without conditions.

(5) Taking other action as the council, as authorized by this chapter or its bylaws, rules, or procedures, deems proper.

(b) The council may issue an initial registration on probation, with specific terms and conditions, to any applicant.

(c) If a registration is suspended or revoked, the council shall notify the Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service.

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(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 660, Sec. 7. (SB 484) Effective January 1, 2014. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253.4

This law section outlines fair procedures for denying or disciplining an applicant or registrant. Discipline or denial must be done with integrity and fairness, providing 15 days' notice and a chance for the person to respond before it takes effect. Notice should be properly delivered, and any challenges to these actions must be made in court within a year. Actions that break contractual or legal rights cannot be justified by following this procedure. The council can charge a reasonable fee for a hearing, and if they win in court, they can recover legal costs.

(a) No registrant or applicant may be disciplined or denied registration except according to procedures satisfying the requirements of this section. A denial or discipline not in accord with this section shall be void and without effect.

(b) Any application denial or registrant discipline shall be done in good faith and in a fair and reasonable manner. Any procedures that conform to the requirements of this chapter are fair and reasonable, but a court may also find other procedures to be fair and reasonable when the full circumstances of the application denial or registrant discipline are considered.

(c) A procedure is fair and reasonable if all of the following apply:

(1) It provides the giving of 15 days prior notice of the application denial or registration discipline and the reasons therefor.

(2) It provides an opportunity for the applicant or registrant to be heard, either orally or in writing, not less than five days before the effective date of the application denial or registrant discipline by a person or body authorized to decide that the proposed application denial or registrant discipline not take place.

(d) Any notice required under this section may be given by any method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice. Any notice given by mail must be given by first-class or express mail sent to the last address of the applicant or registrant shown on the council’s records.

(e) Any action challenging an application denial or registrant discipline, including any claim alleging defective notice, shall be commenced within one year after the effective date of the application denial or registrant discipline in the superior court in and for the county of the council’s principal place of business. If the action is successful, the court may order any relief, including reinstatement, that it finds equitable under the circumstances.

(f) The council may charge applicants and registrants a reasonable regulatory fee as a condition of any hearing requested by the applicant or registrant for the purpose of contesting denial of a registration or discipline of a registrant. This fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost to the council of providing the hearing. Upon a favorable judgment for the council in any proceeding, the council shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees.

(g) This section governs only the procedures for application denial or registrant discipline and not the substantive grounds therefor. An application denial or registrant discipline based upon substantive grounds that violates contractual or other rights of the applicant or registrant or is otherwise unlawful is not made valid by compliance with this section.

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(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 660, Sec. 8. (SB 484) Effective January 1, 2014. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22253.5

Starting July 1, 2020, anyone registering with the council must provide fingerprints. These fingerprints go to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to check state and federal criminal history. The DOJ forwards the request to the FBI to get a full criminal background check, then lets the council know if the applicant is suitable. Both the DOJ and the council can charge a fee to cover costs. The council also asks for updates on any new arrests. Information on applicants can come from local governments too.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2020, as a condition of registration, the council shall require the applicant to submit fingerprint images as directed by the council and in a form consistent with the requirements of this section.

(b) The council shall submit the fingerprint images and related information to the Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining information as to the existence and nature of a record of state- and federal-level convictions and of state- and federal-level arrests for which the Department of Justice establishes that the applicant was released on bail or on his or her own recognizance pending trial.

(c) Requests for federal-level criminal offender record information received by the Department of Justice pursuant to this section shall be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation by the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice shall review the information returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and shall compile and disseminate a fitness determination regarding the applicant. The Department of Justice shall provide information to the council pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

(d) The Department of Justice and the council shall charge a fee sufficient to cover the cost of processing the request for state- and federal-level criminal offender record information.

(e) The council shall request subsequent arrest notification service from the Department of Justice, as provided under Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code, for all applicants for registration for whom fingerprint images and related information are submitted to conduct a search for state- and federal-level criminal offender record information.

(f) The council may receive arrest notifications and other background materials about applicants and registrants from a city, county, or city and county.

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(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 10. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22254

If you offer courses for tax preparers, your program needs to get approved by a council. The council has 120 days to make a decision on your application. If they don't respond in that time, you're considered approved. Tax preparers can ask for a list of approved educational providers.

A provider of tax preparer education for tax preparers shall meet standards and procedures as approved by the council. The council shall either approve or decline to approve providers of tax preparer education within 120 days of receiving a request for approval. If approval is not declined within 120 days, the provider shall be deemed approved. A listing of those providers approved by the council shall be made available to tax preparers upon request.

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(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 728, Sec. 67.4. Effective January 1, 2002. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22255

This law section outlines the education and compliance requirements for tax preparers in California. To get a 'certificate of completion', tax preparers need to finish 60 hours of education in personal income tax law, with specifics on federal and state curriculum, and prove they have a bond for security. Every year, they must also complete 20 hours of ongoing education and maintain that bond to get a 'statement of compliance'. If someone has at least two years of tax prep experience, they can ask for their experience to be counted instead of taking the required courses, but illegal tax prep activities can’t count towards this.

(a) The council shall issue a “certificate of completion,” as part of the education registration requirements described in Section 22251.3, to the tax preparer when the tax preparer demonstrates that he or she has (1) completed not less than 60 hours of instruction in basic personal income tax law, theory, and practice by an approved curriculum provider within the previous 18 months; and (2) provides evidence of compliance with the bonding requirement of Section 22250.1, including the name of the surety company, the bond number, and the bond expiration date. Of the required 60 hours, 45 hours shall be concerned with federal tax curriculum and 15 hours shall be concerned with state tax curriculum.

(b) A tax preparer shall complete on an annual basis not less than 20 hours of continuing education, including 15 hours in federal taxation and 5 hours in California taxation from an approved curriculum provider. The council shall issue annually a “statement of compliance” when the tax preparer demonstrates that he or she has (1) completed the required 20 hours of continuing education, and (2) provides evidence of compliance with the bonding requirement of Section 22250.1, including the name of the surety company, the bond number, and the bond expiration date.

(c) An individual who possesses a minimum of two recent years’ experience in the preparation of personal income tax returns may petition the council to review the experience and determine if it is the equivalent of the required qualifying education described in subdivision (a). The council may provide that individual with a “certificate of completion” if it is determined that the experience is the equivalent of the required hours. Tax preparation performed in situations that violate this chapter, by an individual who is neither registered nor exempted, may not be used toward the qualifying experience needed for registration as a tax preparer.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 11. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22256

This law states that if someone is acting as a tax preparer without following the rules of this chapter, a superior court in the county where this happens can issue a legal order to stop them. This can be initiated by anyone through a court petition. If someone breaks these rules, they are committing a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to a year, or both, except in certain specified situations.

(a) The superior court in and for the county in which any person acts as a tax preparer in violation of the provisions of this chapter, may, upon a petition by any person, issue an injunction or other appropriate order restraining the conduct. The proceedings under this paragraph shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (12) to (18), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 22253, a person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, which offense is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 12. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22257

If a tax preparer doesn't do what they're required to by this law, anyone can sue them to make sure they do their job, to get a $1,000 penalty, or both. If you win the case, you'll also get your lawyer fees and other costs covered.

(a) If a tax preparer fails to perform a duty specifically imposed upon him or her pursuant to this chapter, any person may maintain an action for enforcement of those duties or to recover a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or for both enforcement and recovery.

(b) In an action to enforce these duties or to recover civil penalties, or for both enforcement and recovery, the prevailing plaintiff shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, in addition to the civil penalties provided under subdivision (a).

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(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1137, Sec. 51. Effective January 1, 1997. Operative July 1, 1997, by Sec. 54 of Ch. 1137. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22258

Some people and businesses don't have to follow certain rules for preparing taxes in California. These include licensed accountants, lawyers in California, trust companies, some financial institutions, and people authorized to work with the IRS. Their employees are also exempt, but only if a qualified person checks and signs the tax returns. If an employee is not directly exempt, they must be registered or work in specific financial roles to sign returns. Inputting tax data into a computer counts as preparing a return.

(a) The following persons are exempt from the requirements of this title, subject to the requirements of subdivision (b):

(1) A person with a current and valid license issued by the California Board of Accountancy.

(2) A person who is an active member of the State Bar of California.

(3) Any trust company or trust business as defined in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 99) of Division 1 of the Financial Code.

(4) A financial institution regulated by the state or federal government, insofar as the activities of the financial institution with respect to tax preparation are subject to federal or state examination or oversight.

(5) A person who is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to Subpart A (commencing with Section 10.1) of Part 10 of Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(6) Any employee of any person described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5), while functioning within the scope of that employment, insofar that the employee is supervised by a person exempt under this subdivision who reviews the return, signs it, and is responsible for its content.

(7) Any employee of any corporation, partnership, association, or any entity described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 22251.

(b)

(1) Except for employees of entities described in paragraph (3) or (4) of subdivision (a), paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) shall apply only if all tax returns prepared by that employee are signed by a person described in paragraph (1), (2), or (5) of subdivision (a).

(2) Paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) shall apply only if all tax returns prepared by that employee are signed by the person described in paragraph (7) of subdivision (a).

(3) No person described in this subdivision as an employee may sign a tax return, unless that employee is otherwise exempt under this section, is registered as a tax preparer with the council, or is an employee of either a trust company or trust business described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), or any employee of a financial institution described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).

(c) For purposes of this section, preparation of a tax return includes the inputting of tax data into a computer.

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(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 597, Sec. 13. (AB 3143) Effective January 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, pursuant to Section 22259.)

Section § 22259

This law states that the rules laid out in this chapter will be reviewed by the relevant legislative committees and will automatically expire on January 1, 2028, unless further action is taken to extend it.

(a) This chapter shall be subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

(b) This chapter shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.

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(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 185, Sec. 1. (SB 812) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Chapter 14, commencing with Section 22250.)

Special Business Regulations 18400-22949.92.2

Chapter 14Tax Preparers