When starting to work with new clients, many times we hear the question, “How do I know you guys are legitimate?” This is a very understandable question since taxes are a very private matter and handing over your personal information to a stranger should be worrisome. Keep reading to find out more.

Here is an excerpt about the requirements for tax professionals from the CTEC website: “Individuals who prepare federal or state tax returns in California, or assist in the preparation, must comply with the California Business and Professions Code, Section 22250-22259 by completing the required education, maintaining a $5,000 tax preparer bond, and registering with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).”

In layman’s terms, all tax professionals are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education to keep abreast of all the new tax laws. In addition, all tax professionals are required to maintain a $5,000 bond. Lastly, all tax professionals are required to registered with CTEC. At Five Rivers Tax, we are in full compliance with all these requirements now and have been since 2001.

Have a look for yourself by navigating to CTEC Website – Verify a Tax Preparer. Enter in CTEC ID A106329 and you will find that our registration is current through October.