CA AB3143

Names existing tax preparer regulatory provisions the "Tax Preparation Act" and extends their operation from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2023.

Requires tax preparers to report paid surety bond claims to the California Tax Education Council beginning July 1, 2019, and mandates the council post these notices on its website.

Establishes public protection as the council's highest priority and requires the council's board of directors meetings to comply with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act; requires the council to maintain a searchable public registry of registrants on its website.

Requires applicants to submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal background checks beginning July 1, 2020, with the Department of Justice charging fees sufficient to cover processing costs.

Requires tax preparers to provide customers with the address of the council's website prior to rendering services and expands exemptions to include employees supervised by exempt persons who review and sign tax returns.