What's an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally authorized tax professional with the highest credential awarded by the IRS. Recognized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, EAs specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. This means they can assist with tax audits, collections, and appeals, offering expert guidance in even the most complex tax situations.  

To earn the EA designation, candidates must pass the rigorous Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which tests their knowledge of tax law, ethics, and IRS procedures. Alternatively, former IRS employees with extensive experience in tax administration may qualify based on their service. Additionally, all applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and adhere to strict ethical standards.  

Unlike other tax professionals, Enrolled Agents are federally licensed, allowing them to serve clients in all 50 states. They are also required to complete continuing education courses annually, ensuring they stay up-to-date with ever-changing tax laws. 

While both Enrolled Agents (EAs) and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can offer tax services, there are key differences that make EAs the superior choice for tax matters:  
✅ Specialized in Taxation – Unlike CPAs, who may focus on various areas like auditing, financial planning, and business consulting, EAs exclusively specialize in tax law and IRS regulations. This makes them true tax experts.  
✅ Federally Licensed – CPAs are licensed by individual states, meaning their ability to represent clients may be limited outside their licensing jurisdiction. EAs, however, are federally authorized, allowing them to assist taxpayers across all 50 states.  
✅ Unlimited IRS Representation – Both CPAs and EAs can represent clients before the IRS, but only EAs are required to prove their tax expertise before earning their designation. Many CPAs focus on accounting rather than tax resolution, making EAs the go-to professionals for IRS matters.  
✅ Ongoing Tax Education – While CPAs have continuing education requirements, their training covers a broad range of financial topics, not just tax law. EAs, on the other hand, must complete tax-specific continuing education each year, ensuring they remain up to date with the latest tax codes and IRS policies.  
If you're looking for a dedicated tax professional who lives and breathes tax law, an Enrolled Agent is your best choice. 

Whether you need help with tax preparation, IRS audits, or tax debt resolution, an EA has the expertise to guide you through the process with confidence.