Acronym: EA
How Being an Enrolled Agent Works
Like CPAs and tax attorneys, EAs can handle all types of tax matters and can represent their clients’ interests before the IRS. The client does not necessarily have to be present. EAs are authorized to appear in place of their clients. EAs have limited client privilege under the terms of the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. The Act provides for confidentiality between the agent and their client under some circumstances involving audits and collections.
Requirements for Becoming an EA
An enrolled agent must take and pass the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), although a college degree isn’t necessary. The exam is eight hours over two days, and it covers all aspects of federal tax law, including taxation of individuals, corporations, and partnerships. It includes various regulations governing IRS collections and audit procedures. The exam is three parts, and enrolled agents must achieve scaled passing scores of at least 105 in all three sections: one for personal tax issues, one for business taxes, and one regarding procedural issues and representing clients. The test can be taken from June 1 through the end of February of the subsequent year. This allows the IRS time to update the test annually to accommodate current tax law. A tax professional can also qualify as an EA if they’ve worked for the IRS for at least five years in a position that requires extensive knowledge of the tax code and its applications. EAs must also have or obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, but this is required of anyone who prepares or helps a taxpayer prepare a federal tax return. PTINs must be renewed periodically. An enrolled agent must additionally pass a “tax compliance check.” Their own personal tax records must be in order. They can’t owe the IRS and must have filed all their tax returns due to date.
Ongoing Requirements for EAs
EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Those who are also members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) must complete 30 hours per year for three years for a total of 90 hours. Enrolled agents are held to the standards of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which lists IRS regulations. NAEA members must additionally comply with the Association’s code of ethics and rules of professional conduct or they risk losing their memberships.
Enrolled Agents vs. CPAs
The qualifying requirements for EAs are generally more stringent than those that must be met by certified public accountants (CPAs), but each state sets its own requirements for CPAs. Continuing education requirements for CPAs can also vary by state. Keep the continuing education and ethical requirements in mind if you select someone from a directory. Someone who was an EA yesterday might not still be an EA today. Do a little homework and check with the EA referral service or the NAEA as well. You can also verify an enrolled agent’s status directly with the IRS.
