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Enrolled Agent

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This professional designation (available since 1884) is awarded to individuals who have passed a rigorous examination administered by the Director of Practice of the Internal Revenue Service. Merely one-third of all who sit for the examination are able to pass. The credential is honored nationwide and allows Enrolled Agents to represent taxpayers in all matters of taxation, including Office and Field Audits, as well as Appeals and Collections.

Annual continuing education requirements, closely monitored by the U.S. Department of Treasury, ensure that Enrolled Agents maintain a superior level of knowledge and competency.

Enrolled Agents specialize in the field of taxation and can prepare returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts, estate and other taxable entities. These professionals are authorized to appear on behalf and in place of taxpayers when called before the Internal Revenue Service. more...

What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (E.A.) is a federally-licensed tax practitioner who has proven technical expertise in the field of taxation. Enrolled agents are empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals. Top

What does the term "Enrolled Agent" mean?
"Enrolled" means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and "Agent" means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only Enrolled Agents, attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department. Top

How does one become an Enrolled Agent?
The license is earned in one of two ways, by passing a comprehensive examination which covers all aspects of the tax code, or having worked at the IRS for five years in a position which regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. Top

How can Enrolled Agent help me?
Enrolled Agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Enrolled Agents' expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS. Top

Privilege and the Enrolled Agent
The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allow federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the Department of Treasury's Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the Enrolled Agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege. Top

Are Enrolled Agents required to take continuing professional education?
In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires Enrolled Agents to complete 72 hours of continuing professional education, reported every three years, to maintain their Enrolled Agent status. NAEA members are obligated to complete 90 hours per three-year reporting period. Because of the knowledge necessary to become an Enrolled Agent and the requirements to maintain the license, there are only about 46,000 practicing Enrolled Agents. Top

What are the differences between Enrolled Agents and other tax professionals?
Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Enrolled Agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the U.S. government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states). Top

Are Enrolled Agents bound by any ethical standards?
Enrolled Agents are required to abide by the provisions of the Department of Treasury's Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of Enrolled Agents before the IRS. NAEA members are also bound by a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association. Top

Why should I choose an Enrolled Agent who is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)?
The principal concern of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the governmental agencies. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS' required minimum. In addition, NAEA members adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association, as well as the Treasury Department's Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members belong to a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to make the tax code fair and reasonably enforced. Top

How can I find an Enrolled Agent?
The easiest and fastest way to locate an Enrolled Agent in your area is to visit www.naea.org. The 'Find an EA' function located on the home page will allow you to search instantly by locality or specialty. You can also call (800) 424-4339, the E.A. referral service. This is an unattended service, but you can request to receive your response by email, fax or mail and all calls are answered within 2 business days. You might also want to check in your local yellow pages under 'Tax Preparation', and look for the phrase 'Enrolled Agent', Enrolled to Represent Taxpayers before the IRS or the 'E.A.' credential following the professional's name. Top less...


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This Office Promises You:
  • Professional expertise
  • Personal attention
  • Year-round service
  • Confidentiality

An Enrolled Agent is:
  • Educated
  • Experienced
  • Proficient in all tax matters
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Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be used in any actual transaction without the advice and guidance of a professional tax advisor who is familiar with all of the relevant facts of your personal situation since the information is general in nature and not intended as legal, tax or investment advice but is merely educational. Furthermore, the information contained herein may not be applicable to or suitable for an individual's specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of other matters. To ensure compliance with certain U.S. Treasury Regulations note that, unless expressly indicated otherwise, any advice in this website relating to any federal or state tax issue is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used by any person for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Monica Haven assumes no obligation to inform any person of any changes in the tax law or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. And Monica Haven does not offer legal advice or services in any jurisdiction in which she is not licensed; nothing herein should be interpreted as the creation of a fiduciary or client/attorney relationship. This website is not intended for use by viewers in any state in which the site may fail to comply with the regulatory and ethical restrictions imposed by that state.