Question 1

What is an Enrolled Agent(EA)?

Accepted Answer

Enrolled Agents (EAs) are the only federally-licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and also have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
 
  Enrolled agents are required to pass a Special Enrollment Examination. The SEE is a comprehensive three-part exam. Candidates may take the three exam parts (Individuals; Businesses; and Representation, Practices, and Procedures) in any order. Prospective Enrolled Agents must pass all three exam parts within a two-year period to apply for enrollment. Then they must pass a suitability check, which will include tax compliance to ensure that the agent has filed all necessary tax returns and there are no outstanding tax liabilities; and no criminal background. In addition, Enrolled Agents must also complete many hours of continuing education each year to ensure they are up-to-date on the CONSTANTLY changing tax code and MUST abide by a code of ethics.
 
When you need a true tax professional, see an enrolled agent.

Question 2

The Enrolled Agent License is the HIGHEST Credential the IRS Issues.

Accepted Answer

The advantage of working with an enrolled agent lies not only in the depth of his or her experience and understanding of how to prepare a tax return, but in his or her knowledge of tax law that may be used to represent taxpayers before the IRS. If you get a letter from the IRS, or worse, are audited, or are the target of a collection action, your EA can speak directly to the IRS on your behalf.

Question 3

Are Enrolled Agents Required to Take Continuing Professional Education?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires enrolled agents to complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their licenses. NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents) raises the bar even further- its members are required to complete at least90 hours in a three year period.

Question 4

What are the Differences Between Enrolled Agents(EAs) and Other Tax Professionals?

Accepted Answer

1. The Enrolled Agent(EA) license is the most expansive license the IRS grants a tax professional. 
2. EAs are generally unrestricted as to which taxpayer they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and the IRS offices before which they may practice. 
3. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all enrolled agents specialize in taxation. 
4. CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed. 
5. While the IRS requires all preparers to obtain and maintain a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number(PTIN), Enrolled Agents(EAs) have gone beyond the basic requirements and have demonstrated their expertise through testing.

Question 5

Why Should I Choose an Enrolled Agent, Who is a Member of the NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents)?"

Accepted Answer

The IRS recommends using a tax preparer that is a member of a professional organization that offers continuing education and other resources, and holds members to a code of ethics. NAEA goes beyond the IRS' recommendations by requiring members to fulfill continuing education requirements that exceed the IRS' required minimum. In addition, NAEA members MUST adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct. Members of NAEA belong to a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to make the tax code fair and reasonalbly enforced.

Question 6

How Can an Enrolled Agent Help Me?

Accepted Answer

Enrolled Agents advise, represent and prepare the tax returns of individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any other entity with tax reporting requirements. EAs prepare millions of tax returns each year and thier expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS. In addition to tax preparation and tax representation, many enrolled agents offer other business-related serves which may include, but are not limited to: 
 
 • Bookkeeping
 • Financial Planning or Budgeting
 • Payroll Services
 • Financial Statement Preparation
 • Mortgage Assistance
Because EAs have such diverse backgrounds and may offer a variety of services, it is important to talk with your enrolled agent about how to best put his or her expertise to work for you.

Question 7

What are Key Points to Remember When Hiring a Tax Professional?

Accepted Answer

Your tax needs are best served by an Enrolled Agent. However, no matter who you hire, there are certain things to keep in mind. 
 
 • Always use a qualified professional to prepare your return. 
 • Preparers should always sign the returns and include their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers(PTIN).
 • Beware of preparers who encourage you to lie or otherwise modify your information in order to get a bigger refund. 
 • The taxpayer is responsible for what is on the tax return. Reputable preparers will ask to see receipts and will ask multiple questions to determine whether expenses, deductions, and other items qualify. By doing so, they are trying to help their clients avoid penalties, interest or additional taxes that could result from IRS examination.

Question 8

Are There REALLY That Many Tax Changes Each Year That Might Affect Me?

Accepted Answer

YES! Every year there are numerous changes to the tax laws and tax code.. The National Taxpayer Advocate has identified the complexity of the tax code as the most serious problem facing taxpayers and the IRS alike. A recent review of the tax code revealed that it includes 3.8 MILLION words and that there have been approximately 4,428changes to the code over the preceding 10 years, and average of more than one a day. Frequently, provisions are added and others expire. Some provisions are indexed for inflation, so they change as well. Some are effective at the beginning of the year, while others become effective on the the date a particular bill or law is signed. EAs take continuing education courses each year to keep up with the changes and have research tools at their disposal to constantly monitor updates. Most taxpayers do not have the time, desire or the research tools necessary to keep up with the tax code each year. But when you choose an enrolled agent, you know your preparer keeps up with the rules and regulations and will use this expertise to do the best possible job for you.

Question 9

What Is Representation?

Accepted Answer

Taxpayers who find themselves in tax trouble are allowed to represent themselves before the various administrative levels of the IRS. However, most taxpayers facing an IRS collection action, and IRS audit of any sort (whether the IRS asks for mounds of documents by mail or requests and in-person examination), or an appeal of any collection or examination action would be wise to send a qualified tax professional in his or her place. Taxpayers who are represented have a guide who can lead them through the process, someone authorized to speak on thei behalf(and in their place) and fight for the best possible outcome. Enrolled Agents are authorized by the IRS to represent taxpayers before the IRS; every EA has passed testing on representation. 
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