The agency updates this list twice a year, usually in the months of March and September. Food or beverages, other than water, may not be brought into the testing room. Candidates may take breaks to access food and beverages stored in their locker. Refer to Circular 230 PDF, Sections 10.5(d)(1) and 10.51, for a complete explanation of the suitability requirements. An EA’s salary is dependent on several factors including experience, location, and the type of experience.
- CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states, but enrolled agents are federally licensed.
- There is also a continuing education component that entails taking 72 credits every three years.
- To further inform your decision, learn more about the enrolled agent exam costs and the EA exam pass rates.
- Being better prepared for the test experience will allow you to perform better the day of your test.
- For these reasons, you can offer a wide range of services to the public and set yourself apart from your unenrolled peers.
Do you have any trouble locating a preparer?
Everything I had read online told me I needed to spend 80 hours or more studying for exam #2. I didn’t tally up my study hours for this exam, but 80 hours sounded like a lot and I don’t think I reached that amount. I learned a how is sales tax calculated hard lesson during my CFP studies after I failed the exam on my first try. I remember preparing for the CFP® exam and swearing that it was the last, formal exam I’d ever pursue. Yet, here I am knee-deep into earning the IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation.
Enrolled Agents vs. CPAs
When we break down the title, we learn that “enrolled” means licensed to practice by the federal government. In addition, we see that “agent” means a person authorized to appear in place of the taxpayer before the IRS. You may be able to find what you’re looking for with either type of professional, as both types of professionals are equally qualified to perform similar tasks. However, there can be differences in the range of services offered.
Step 3. Compare the EA Designation to Other Certifications
There are a few different kinds enrolled agent designation of tax specialists you may be able to employ. Depending on your tax situation, you may want to work with an Enrolled Agent or a Certified Public Accountant. Learn all about EA vs. CPA and which professional is right for you. An IRS Enrolled Agent list will pop up using these two quick steps. Each EA has a unique profile where you can find their details, including their contact information, area of expertise, and ratings. You can’t take the exam in March or April every year because the makers of the test are updating it.
- To become an enrolled agent, you must either take the EA exam, also known as the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), or have previous work experience at the IRS.
- Every year there are numerous changes to the tax laws and tax code.
- After you pass your test but before you begin your Enrolled Agent career, you must also receive a background check.
- An EA review course will also help you deepen your knowledge of the material to be completely prepared to pass.
- So, you need to become familiar with the exam content before you make the initial appointment.
EA or CPA: Which Will You Choose?
- A recent review of the tax code revealed that it includes 3.8 million words and that there have been 4,428 changes to the code over the preceding ten years, an average of more than one per day.
- An exception to testing exists for those who have certain experience as an IRS employee.
- Certain discount offers may not be valid for mobile in-app purchases and may be available only for a limited period of time.
- You can do this by listing the details of your issue in a disclosure statement.
- Enrolled agents offer tax planning, tax preparation, and representation services for businesses and individuals.
Also consider checking to see if an EA is a member of the NAEA, or if a CPA is a member of the AICPA or their state’s CPA society (such as CalCPA for California CPAs). These memberships can be a good indicator of their commitment to professional standards. If you want to verify a CPA’s qualifications and credentials, check with the Board of Accountancy for the state where the CPA is located. Other factors, such as the EA or CPA’s level of experience, will also impact the amount you pay. There are other benefits of working with a local EA or CPA, too. And with Online Bookkeeping TurboTax Live Full Service, you can enjoy tailored assistance from a tax expert near you who’s well suited to handle your specific needs.
Application
Unless otherwise stated, each offer is not available in combination with any other TurboTax offers. Certain discount offers may not be valid for mobile in-app purchases and may be available only for a limited period of time. Whether you want an expert to do your taxes from start to finish, or expert help while you file on your own, TurboTax has expert-backed offerings to meet your needs. With TurboTax Live Assisted, our tax experts help you complete your taxes, fix any mistakes, and explain what’s next.