Content
Both certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs) must adhere to strict ethical standards. Among the differences between these two careers is that certified public accountants are regulated at the state level. By comparison, enrolled agents are regulated at the federal level.
An enrolled agent is an individual who is certified to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Some examples of enrolled agents include certified public accountants and lawyers. Unlike other professional accounting certifications, there are no education or experience requirements you have to meet to become an EA. You aren’t required to have a college degree, and you don’t even to have to meet a minimum experience requirement as a tax preparer. This means you’re free to get started (and reap the rewards) as soon as you want! Once the tax accountant has passed the exam, they must go through a background check administered by the IRS.
Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts
A CPA candidate must fulfill all of their state’s education requirements, satisfy practical experience prerequisites, and pass a four-part CPA examination. Former employees of the IRS with five years of experience can become enrolled agents without completing the Special Enrollment Examination. The IRS recognizes EAs as a trusted channel for communication and representation. They have the right to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS, including audits and appeals.
- Then, discover my EA review discounts so you can save big on EA exam prep.
- Corporations, consultancies, private practices, independent tax preparation firms, legal offices, and more.
- Overall, it usually takes at least eight years to become a certified public accountant due to the necessary requirements.
- Among the differences between these two careers is that certified public accountants are regulated at the state level.
- If you choose this method, be sure to read the instructions for Form W-12 Opens in new window carefully to avoid any delays in getting your PTIN.
- You can take this exam in hundreds of national and international locations at a Prometric testing center.
- Thankfully, the renewal process is quick, easy, and inexpensive.
Explore why tax preparers and accountants might consider pursuing the EA credential in this guide. We also cover how to become an enrolled agent and prepare for the EA exam. A mid-level enrolled agent with between five and 10 years of experience can generally expect to earn an average salary of $50,000. For example, candidates who pass a part of the examination can carry over passing scores up to three years from the date the candidate passed the examination. For example, assume a candidate passed Part 1 on November 15, 2020. That candidate has until November 15, 2023 to pass the remaining part.
EA Studios
However, if you are very familiar with the tax code, you could sufficiently prepare for the exam in a matter of weeks (about 4-7). But if you need further tax law training, your entire EA review could last at least 4 months. Therefore, you will need to make a commitment of time and https://dodbuzz.com/running-law-firm-bookkeeping/ effort to pass the EA exam, but it is less of a commitment than you’d make to finish other professional exams. For example, the CPA, CIA, and CMA exams can take 1-2 years to pass. Maybe you don’t yet have any tax return experience but are interested in entering the industry.
The SEE exam is designed to ensure enrolled agents have a basic understanding of the most common tax issues. Though some advanced topics might appear on the test, you have a greater chance of passing by focusing on the basics. The first step to becoming an Enrolled Agent is to obtain a PTIN Opens in new window.
How to become an Enrolled Agent
Please note that masks with exhale valves will not be permitted in test centers. Any candidate that comes to the test center without a mask where required will not be allowed to test and will not be eligible for a free reschedule. Candidates must follow all safety procedures at their test center location. Please be aware that some upcoming Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) appointments may be impacted due to staff vacancies at certain test center locations. Prometric, who administers the SEE exam, has been impacted by personnel deficiencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- You should also know that a PTIN expires at the end of the year, so you must renew it by December 31 for the following year.
- Prometric only offers the exam at its testing sites and not through off-site proctors.
- EA Sports FC 24 will be released on September 29, with early access set to open up on September 22.
- You might make a great EA…plus you don’t need a college degree.
- This ensures that EAs are up-to-date on any changes and additions to the tax code.
- Also, Prometric won’t allow you to schedule an exam more than 6 months in advance, so you probably shouldn’t plan to schedule all 3 parts at the same time.