Evolving tax legislation and the push for certification puts unenrolled tax preparers at a disadvantage. Start now to be certified or partially through your studies when new legislation takes effect. The EA designation, given by the IRS, authorizes tax preparers to represent taxpayers, proving qualification and expertise.

Becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) is a valuable career investment, especially in today's job market. Our Premium EA Review System helps most tax professionals pass all three parts of the EA exam within a year. It's essential for anyone handling federal tax returns to aspire to become an EA.

Tax representation can be lucrative

Many tax returns aren’t straightforward, and there will be clients that file late, owe back taxes, or have some other tax issue that you can help rectify once you get your Enrolled Agent certification. You don’t need to rely on a CPA for these types of clients when you’re an EA. Becoming an Enrolled Agent will expand your customer base, and you’ll be able to bring in more customers during the off-season.

The EA is borderless

We live in an increasingly virtual world, and the upward trend of remote work means licensed and can practice in any state. While it’s explicitly for U.S. tax, a global economy means you can probably find work as an Enrolled Agent almost anywhere, which makes the EA a prime choice for tax advisors looking to transition to remote work. 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.

Fewer requirements than a CPA

Compared to the CPA, earning the EA designation is a less strenuous process. There are no education or experience requirements. After you pass the Enrolled Agent exam [or Special Enrollment Exam (SEE)] and the IRS background check, you can focus on tax preparation and client representation without having to jump through the hurdles required to become a CPA. If you become an EA and are still interested in also earning your CPA, we’ve laid out the benefits of dual certification.