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If your preparer asks you for one, that’s one of the surest signs that you might be dealing with a tax prep scam. Whether or not the IRS has begun collection proceedings, don’t delay in getting the proper representation. First and foremost, interests and penalties continue to accrue while you wait. Second, there are programs and laws that can work to help resolve your https://www.bookstime.com/what-is-an-enrolled-agent problem, provided you start working with your Enrolled Agent to get started as soon as possible. Our mission is to empower readers with the most factual and reliable financial information possible to help them make informed decisions for their individual needs. EA applicants must either pass a three-part SEE or have five years of IRS experience in a tax-related field.

Being able to practice anywhere gives you more flexibility than you get with other accounting certifications, like the CPA, which operate by State Board rules. Although enrolled agents perform accounting tasks and certain kinds of audits, they’re limited in that they can’t express an “unqualified” type of opinion. For example, they can’t advise a public company when it’s filing financial statements with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The services of an enrolled agent are especially useful if you file returns in more than one state, as they can work across state lines. Tax returns for businesses can also be prepared by a CPA, but just in the state in which they are licensed. If you’re looking for an expert to prepare your taxes, an enrolled agent (EA) may be one type of tax specialist you consider.

Enrolled Agents vs. CPAs

Enrolled Agents (EAs) must pass a comprehensive exam that requires them to demonstrate proficiency in federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation, and representation. The only other way to become an EA is to be employed by the IRS for minimum of five years, regularly interpreting and applying the provisions of Internal Revenue Code and Regulations. An enrolled agent specializes in tax issues, including audits, appeals, and collections. The reason they’re referred to as “enrolled” is that they have special licenses from the government.

• Consequently, they can represent taxpayers on any tax-related matter, including audits, payment and collection issues, and appeals.
• An enrolled agent is a tax professional that has been approved to represent taxpayers in matters that involve the IRS.
• Our comprehensive service allows you to sit back and relax, while an enrolled agent or other experienced tax professional takes care of your entire return for you.
• Having an EA in house also means small business owners can actively take advantage of tax minimizing decisions on a regular basis.
• But it’s important to remember that many of the tax preparation shops you see springing up around tax time are also completely unregulated by the IRS.
• As Enrolled Agents, we are licensed to work in any state and at the federal level.

It consists of three parts and tests knowledge of taxes, tax law, and ethics. Enrolled agent status is the highest accreditation that can be granted by the IRS and allows special authority over any kind of tax preparation. Enrolled Agents are required to abide by the provisions of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of Enrolled Agents before the IRS. To register for the EA license exam, candidates must first create a Prometric account. Prometric requires an email address, a PTIN, a street address, and a government-issued identification document to open an account.

Simple License Requirements

The test can be taken from June 1 through the end of February of the subsequent year. This allows the IRS time to update the test annually to accommodate current tax law. This additional skill involved negotiating with the IRS on behalf of their clients. Since EA eligibility is exacting and stringent, EAs advertise their status prominently. In professional directories or online, look for the “EA” designation following the names of professionals. If you have been issued a tax lien, it would be a good idea to consult with a tax expert.

These tax professionals must undergo a comprehensive three-part SEE to get their qualification. They must also pass the verification of their background check https://www.bookstime.com/ and maintain their agent status through continuing education. Founded in 1972, this community of tax practitioners serves more than 10,000 professionals.

Unlimited rights

The association’s site offers extensive information on becoming an enrolled agent, plus tips for passing the SEE. The NAEA also provides continuing education opportunities and career development resources. In the United States of America, an Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax advisor, who is a federally authorized tax practitioner which is empowered by the U.S. Enrolled Agents represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax issues that include audits, collections. While an Enrolled Agent (EA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are skilled and authorized tax professionals. However, an Enrolled Agent is specifically focused on taxation, whereas a CPA can specialize in taxation and other financial and accounting matters.

The principal concern of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the governmental agencies. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS’ required minimum. In addition, NAEA members adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association, as well as the Treasury Department’s Circular 230 regulations.

Forms & Instructions

In addition to helping you file old taxes and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of deductions, enrolled agents are able to help you work through any penalties and interest you may incur. When you entrust your taxes to an enrolled agent at H&R Block, you know you’re working with a professional with the highest standards of tax expertise and personal service. And whether it’s an enrolled agent in one of our offices or one you connect with through virtual tax preparation, you’ve got an expert devoted to the ins and outs of taxes on your side. Enrolled agents are required to abide by the provisions of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of enrolled agents before the IRS. NAEA members are also bound by a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association.

Each EA’s renewal year is determined by the last digit of their Social Security number. EA candidates who do not pass part of the exam may retake that section up to four times within the testing window. Having SEC-compliant audited statements is not a requirement for most small non-public businesses. No matter what kind of help you need, our tax pros are ready to assist. We’re here to answer common – and uncommon – questions from people like you. Being an EA means unlocking opportunities to try different areas and see what you like.