EAs Are Tax Pros!
Getting Taxes Right.Taxes are getting more and more complicated and mistakes can be costly. There seems no end to significant tax changes year to year; think back to The Affordable Healthcare Act, The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, and now all of the 2020/2021 COVID-19 stimulus and Infrastructure bills. EAs are on top off all these changes (along with the hundreds of other changes taking effect each year). And we offer a lot more than tax preparation. Read on ...
When "Do It Yourself" is no longer an option.
We've all heard the scare-story radio ads from tax attorneys claiming people are going to jail for this and that, while at the same time promising miracle settlements for pennies on the dollar. I'm not calling 100% b.s. on that, but those scenarios are very rare. Government tax agents are professional, respectful, and in many instances helpful -- BUT they are not your friend.
Don't risk it!
If you have a tax-related issue with the government, you need a professional to represent you to be sure all your rights and interests are protected. EAs are permitted to represent taxpayers at all administrative levels of the IRS, including audits, collections, and appeals.
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An EA is a federally-authorized, technical expert in all fields of taxation. The EA profession dates back to 1884 when Congress enacted regulations on those persons representing citizens dealing with the US Treasury Department.
How does one become an Enrolled Agent?
The license is earned by passing a comprehensive three-part examination covering all aspects of the tax code, or having worked at the IRS for five years applying tax code and regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.
How are Enrolled Agents different from other tax professionals?
Only EAs are required to demonstrate high competence in all matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to, all EAs specialize in taxes. EAs are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the US government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states).
Are Enrolled Agents required to take continuing professional education?
In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires EAs to complete 72 hours of continuing professional education, reported every three years, to maintain their EA status. National Association of Enrolled Agent members are obligated to complete 90 hours per three year reporting period. Because of the knowledge necessary to become an EA and the requirements to maintain the license, there are only about 46,000 practicing EAs in the United States.
Are Enrolled Agents bound by any ethical standards?
EAs are required to abide by the strict provisions of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of EAs before the IRS. A Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the association also bind National Association of Enrolled Agent members.