California Tax Preparer Bonds
Not bonded yet? Read our guide to California tax preparer surety bonds to learn what's required and how to get started.
Bondholder Information
How Do I Obtain A California Tax Preparer Bond From Merchants Bonding?
Merchants sells surety bonds through independent agents. Contact your insurance agency to find out if they produce surety bonds or use Merchants’ Find An Agent directory to locate a surety elite agent in your area. Merchants will work with your surety agent to underwrite your bond.
How Does My Bond Renew?
California tax preparer bonds renew via a continuation certificate filed with the obligee. This document is provided after renewal payment has been received.
Does My Bond Renewal Date Match My CTEC Registration Renewal Date?
Not necessarily. Your bond term, one to five years depending on what you purchased, runs on its own schedule, separate from CTEC's annual January 15 registration renewal. Check your bond's expiration date on your certificate, and make sure your current, valid bond is uploaded to CTEC well before your registration renewal, even if your bond itself isn't expiring that year.
What Happens If My California Tax Preparer Bond Expires?
CTEC requires an active bond on file at all times. If yours lapses, you're out of compliance and at risk of losing your registration until a new or renewed bond is uploaded. Renew before your expiration date to avoid a gap.
What Should I Do With My California Tax Preparer Bond Renewal Continuation Certificate Once I Get It?
Update your bond coverage dates on the CTEC website. If you have questions on how to register or update the CTEC website, please contact CTEC directly at (877) 850-2832. Click here for a bond certificate upload guide courtesy of CTEC.
How Can I Complete My Renewal Payment?
Merchants cannot accept payment over the phone. We accept payment by credit card, check or money order. To pay by credit card, visit pay.merchantsbonding.com, as listed on your invoice. You will need the payment code from your renewal invoice to access your invoice.
If the payment URL listed on your invoice is https://pay.merchantsbonding.com/xr2jg0kw, your payment code is xr2jg0kw.
Or, send a check or money order to:
Merchants Bonding Company (Mutual)
P.O. Box 850180
Minneapolis, MN 55485-0180
How Do I Pay My Bond Renewal By Credit Card When I Don't Have My Payment Code/URL?
Please contact us at direct@merchantsbonding.com and we will email you the necessary information. Please provide the name listed on the bond as well as the bond number. Please do not send credit card information or personally identifiable information directly to Merchants Bonding.
Why Haven't I Received An Invoice For My Bond Renewal?
Please contact us at direct@merchantsbonding.com and we will verify your mailing address in our records. Please provide the name listed on the bond, the bond number and the proper mailing address. Please do not send personally identifiable information directly to Merchants Bonding.
How Can I Get An Electronic Copy Of My Bond Emailed To Me?
Email direct@merchantsbonding.com with your bond number and we will email you an electronic copy of your bond.
When Will I Receive My Renewal Certificate Or Bond Once I've Paid My Bond Renewal?
It will usually take about 7-10 business days from when we receive your payment for you to get your renewal documents. The effective date on your renewal certificate or bond will not be impacted by the processing time.