Introducing America’s Tax Experts – Here Are The Enrolled Agents

I’m occasionally asked “are you a CPA?” And when I respond that no, I’m an Enrolled Agent (EA). I’m often met with a response of a lack of familiarity with the term. Which to me is surprising, since in my opinion and in the opinion of many tax experts, Enrolled Agents are “America’s Tax Experts”.

While it’s true not all paid return tax practitioners are equal! Using an enrolled agent can save significant time and effort in tax preparation and its associated tasks. EAs are equipped to advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. EAs’ Continuing Education (CE) requirements ensure they have the knowledge to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS despite the continually changing tax laws.

America’s Tax Experts – The Proof Is Demonstrated

Only enrolled agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in all areas of taxation, representation and ethics before they are given unlimited representation rights before IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who are state licensed and who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all enrolled agents specialize in taxation.

While many CPAs do tax work, many focus in other areas, such as business audits and general accounting. Enrolled agents, also known as “EAs,” all specialize in taxation.

An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual taxes, business taxes and representation of clients before the IRS, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards, but only EAs receive their licenses from the Internal Revenue Service (the US Department of the Treasury). Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.
 Enrolled Tax Agents are unique in that they are the only group of tax professionals who report their continuing professional education hours directly to the IRS. This is why EA’s are often referred to as “America’s tax experts.”

Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights, including rights of representation in IRS audits, collections and appeals. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.

Tax Samaritan is a team of Enrolled Agents with over 25 years of experience focusing on US tax preparation and representation. When looking for a tax professional, choose carefully. We recommend that you generally want to hire an Enrolled Agent. If you are a US taxpayer overseas, we further recommend that you seek a professional who is experienced in expat tax preparation (most tax professionals have limited to no experience with expat taxes).

Get Started With A Tax Quote

Tax Samaritan is focused on ensuring that accurate and complete returns are prepared for all taxpayers while paying the lowest tax liability legally possible.

If you would like to request a free quote or discuss the preparation of your tax return, you can request a free, no obligation quote for our services here:

Randall Brody is an enrolled agent, licensed by the US Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS for audits, collections and appeals. To attain the enrolled agent designation, candidates must demonstrate expertise in taxation, fulfill continuing education credits and adhere to a stringent code of ethics.

Every effort has been taken to provide the most accurate and honest analysis of the tax information provided in this blog. Please use your discretion before making any decisions based on the information provided. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for seeking professional tax advice based on your individual needs.