2026 CTEC 20-Hour Continuing Education Bundle

Prepare for the client questions behind the tax return. This comprehensive 20-hour self-study bundle combines federal tax updates, California tax differences, ethics, and detailed instruction on home sales and mortgage interest.

Practical worksheets and flowcharts help you understand complicated topics and apply what you learn.

20 CE hours · Five included courses · Online self-study · Downloadable materials

Designed for renewing CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs).

Your Required 20 Hours, in One Bundle

Complete all four required continuing education categories with one coordinated package.

This bundle fulfills the continuing education component of your annual CTEC renewal. You must also complete your CTEC registration renewal, maintain a current PTIN and required surety bond, and pay applicable renewal fees.

2026 CTEC renewal deadline: October 31, 2026.

Complete your education early enough for your credits to be reported and your registration renewal to be completed.

Education That Helps You Handle the Next Client Question

A home sale may involve prior rental use. A refinance may raise questions about deductible interest. A California return may require different treatment from the federal return.

These are the situations that make tax preparation complicated, and where deeper understanding matters.

This bundle combines current developments with focused instruction on challenging client issues. You get explanations, worksheets, and flowcharts designed to help you work through the details and make informed decisions.

Focused coverage of complicated issues
Dedicated courses explore home sales, mortgage interest, California differences, and taxpayer consent requirements.

Practical learning tools
Worksheets and flowcharts help turn technical material into a process you can understand and apply.

Flexible self-study
Work through the lessons on your schedule, with downloadable materials and online exams.

What You’ll Learn

Five focused courses provide your required hours while building knowledge you can use in client work.

Ethics: Section 7216 Use and Disclosure Consents

2 hours · Ethics

Learn when taxpayer consent is required, how to prepare compliant consent forms, and which uses and disclosures of taxpayer information are permitted under Section 7216.

2026 Federal Tax Update

3 hours · Federal tax law update

Understand important 2026 federal tax changes affecting individual and business clients, including deductions, retirement provisions, depreciation, investment incentives, and related planning considerations.

2026 California Differences

5 hours · California tax law

Recognize where California tax treatment differs from federal law, including income, tax credits, residency, community property, and rules affecting registered domestic partners and military families.

Home Sale Complications

6 hours · Federal tax law

Determine taxable home-sale gains and eligibility for full or reduced exclusions, including complications involving rental use, home offices, divorce, and other special circumstances.

Home Mortgage Interest and Tracing

4 hours · Federal tax law

Apply mortgage interest limits and interest allocation rules to refinancing, rental conversions, second homes, and other borrowing situations to determine the appropriate tax treatment.

Developed by an Experienced Tax Educator

Lee Reams Sr., EA

Lee Reams Sr. develops professional tax education focused on explaining complex rules and their practical application. His courses help tax preparers connect technical requirements with the situations they encounter in client work.

How the Bundle Works

1. Purchase your bundle
Get all five included courses in one package.

2. Study on your schedule
Work through the self-study lessons and download the course materials through the learning platform.

3. Complete the online exams
Finish the coursework and pass the exams. Retakes are included.

4. Document your education
Receive completion certificates and have eligible completed credits reported.

Provide your correct name, CTEC ID, and PTIN so your education can be reported accurately. Verify that your completed hours appear in your CTEC account before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include all 20 required CTEC education hours?

Yes. The bundle includes 10 hours of federal tax law, 3 hours of federal tax updates, 2 hours of ethics, and 5 hours of California tax law.

Who is this bundle designed for?

This bundle is designed for existing CTEC Registered Tax Preparers completing their annual continuing education.

Is this the course for first-time CTEC registration?

No. This is annual continuing education for renewal. First-time applicants generally need a separate 60-hour qualifying education course and must complete CTEC’s other registration requirements.

Is this a live webinar or self-study?

This is an online self-study bundle. You can work through the lessons on your schedule.

Can I download the course materials?

Yes. Course materials are available for download through the learning platform.

What score do I need to pass?

You must earn 70% or higher on the final exams. Unlimited retakes are included.

How long do I have to complete the courses?

The course completion window is 12 months from purchase. Your annual CTEC renewal deadline still applies, so complete your education in time for reporting and renewal.

How are my credits reported?

Your education provider reports eligible completed credits. Provide your correct CTEC ID and PTIN, and check your CTEC account to confirm that the hours appear before renewing.

Does completing the bundle automatically renew my registration?

No. Completing the bundle fulfills the education component. You must separately complete your CTEC registration renewal and satisfy the other renewal requirements.

What is the refund policy?

The bundle includes a 10-day money-back guarantee. For assistance, contact customer service at 1-800-384-1101.

Complete Your Hours. Prepare for Your Clients.

Choose continuing education that helps you understand the details. Get 20 hours of federal and California tax education, with focused instruction and practical tools to support your client work.

Complete your education and CTEC renewal by October 31, 2026.

Questions before purchasing? Call 1-800-384-1101.