If you’re a tax specialist and are looking to take the next step in your career, you might want to consider the EA designation. If you didn’t already know, that’s the highest credential awarded by the IRS – but you can become one without even completing an undergraduate degree, unlike it’s counterpart: the Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
So, what is an Enrolled Agent?
In short – a tax professional, or tax preparer in the United States. Usually an IRS employee, these tax practitioners take the Enrolled Agent Exam to further their role and expertise. From there, they can help across a range of tax issues, from tax returns to tax preparation, and tax compliance with tax law. This credential can increase your earning potential without having to jump over hundreds of hurdles.
What Job Roles do Enrolled Agents Perform?
Enrolled agents will more often than not perform the following job tasks:
- Guide decisions of management and discuss tax obligations.
- Make tax payments.
- Prepare tax returns by collecting, formatting, and analyzing financial information.
- Recommend strategies to minimize liability in various tax matters.
Well, how do you become an Enrolled Agent?
1. Complete the EA Exam, also known as the Special Enrollment Examination – passing all three parts of the exam will allow you unlimited representation rights in IRS offices. There are even EA Review Courses to help you get through the exam.
2. IRS will complete a background check and a tax compliance check – after passing the three-part exam, the IRS will understandably confirm you’re actually in tax compliance. After padding this check, congratulations – you’re an Enrolled Agent!
Find out more about why you should become an Enrolled Agent in the video below!
