Becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) can significantly uplift your career in taxation in several impactful ways. Here’s how:
1. Expertise Recognition:
As an EA, you’re recognised as a tax expert by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This certification confirms your expertise in the field of taxation, making you a trusted professional in handling various tax matters.
2. Increased Credibility:
Holding the EA designation enhances your credibility in the field. It demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that you have a thorough understanding of tax regulations and are capable of handling complex tax issues.
3. Career Opportunities:
As an EA, you can access broader career opportunities within the tax field. You could work for accounting firms, corporate tax departments, or establish your own tax consultancy. The certification opens doors to advanced roles, such as tax manager or senior tax consultant.
4. Authority to Represent Clients:
Unlike other tax professionals who are not EAs, CPAs, or attorneys, EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS. This means you can represent clients in matters including audits, collections, and appeals, which can significantly expand your service offerings.
5. Continuing Professional Development:
EAs are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their credentials. This ongoing learning helps you stay updated on the latest tax laws and practices, ensuring high standards of professional service.
6. Greater Earning Potential:
With the advanced knowledge and qualifications, EAs often have a higher earning potential compared to non-certified counterparts. Your ability to handle more complex tax situations and represent clients before the IRS can lead to higher compensation.
7. National Recognition:
The EA license is a federal authorization. Unlike CPA licences which vary by state, your EA status is recognised across all states, providing greater mobility in your career if you decide to move or offer services in different states.
8. Job Security:
Taxation is a field required in every type of business and by every individual taxpayer. With your specialization and ability to represent clients at all levels of the IRS, job security is generally strong.
9. Flexible Career Paths:
The EA designation provides the flexibility to work in various environments, including freelance setups, dedicated tax firms, or as part of broader financial services organisations. You can choose to specialise in areas like tax planning, business tax, or international tax, depending on your interests.
10. Networking Opportunities:
Being an EA also helps in growing your professional network. You can join associations such as the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), which provide platforms for networking, professional development, and staying on top of industry trends.
Summary:
Overall, obtaining your EA certification is a robust way to enhance your expertise, recognition, and versatility in the tax profession, ultimately leading to a more successful and satisfying career.
Additionally, we invite you to explore our other blogs covering various topics related to the EA. Feel free to delve into them at your leisure, tailored to your specific interests:
When we talk about an accountant, we think about some office goers either in public or private settings who jumble with various numericals to prepare financial documents. But is it true that an accountant is meant for some repetitive stereotyped job? Probably not nowadays. In today’s world, options are available through which an accountant can diversify the career path to various job profiles apart from the customary one. How to achieve rewarding career opportunities? Well, the first and foremost approach is to obtain an internationally recognised professional credential in accounting. Let us discuss some of the non-orthodox career paths in accounting.
International Professional Accounting Certifications:
Briefly, the CPA has one of the top order slots with its own versatility. A CPA can work anywhere ranging from a small organization to large corporate houses including hardcore auditing jobs as well as provides opportunity for individual practice.
CMA US, on the other hand, is a global certification that paves the way towards management accounting. Being a financial analyst or controller, CMAs are an integral part of financial management and can effectively contribute to strategic financial decisions based on the available resources.
Having specific interest in internal auditing? Think about the CIA certification. A CIA credential means the person is especially skilled to produce accurate and organized financial statements of a company in a global perspective. Apart from that, a CIA often assesses and mitigates the risks involved.
Do you have interests in the US tax domain? Then EA certification should be your cup of tea. The EA is the highest certification given by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) of the treasury department under the federal government of the USA. An EA has unlimited right to represent clients before the IRS in any kind of tax related issues from individual to corporate and other taxes.
Irrespective of the courses mentioned, whatever you select, you can get end to end support from Uplift Pro Academy to obtain your dream certification.
Diverse Career Paths:
Accountant as Faculty
Ask yourself first. Do I have an inclination for teaching and research? If the answer is yes then your right destination career is obviously an educational institution like colleges and universities having added advantage of research facilities. Having the proper mindset, the role of an accountant in academia can always be a rewarding career.
Business Analyst
A business analyst is responsible for analysing an organization’s financial data and making recommendations for how the business can improve its operations. Business analysts often work in consulting, where they provide advice to clients on a variety of topics.
Financial Planner
Role of a financial planner is immense in terms of proper investment and future financial security of an individual or a family. A financial planner helps individuals and families to set their short- and long-term financial goals. This is mainly an independent consultancy service having great demand in the society.
Accountant in Healthcare and Hospitality
Since there is a leaping growth in hospital services and hotel industries, a certified accountant has great demand starting from billing, budgeting as well as to deal with the insurance settlements.
Accountant in Environment
A fascination towards a clean and sustainable environment often brings an accountant in such organizations where a cleaner pollution free environment is a priority. Investing in renewable / alternative energy sources and such manufacturing of such equipment comes under the advisory domain of a certified accountant.
Forensic Accountant
Detection of unlawful financial frauds, misleading or hiding of financial activities and money laundering comes under the purview of a forensic accountant. If you have accounting skill with a good analysing thinking process, this can be a lucrative career path for you.
Entrepreneur Accountant
Being a certified accountant, if you have the idea for a business, potential clients, and enough savings to keep you afloat, you can always think about the transition towards an entrepreneur.
Accounting Information Technology
Software and information systems play a major role in accounting. If you are interested in pursuing a technology role, some of the courses mentioned above can provide you with an effective amalgamation of accounting and information technology knowledge integrated within the course.
Accountant as C-Level Executives
This is the top order of the corporate ladder, where ‘C’ stands for Chief. If you have the right ambition and approach then becoming a CFO/CEO is a great option. Accountants reaching this level are responsible for making strategic decisions and overseeing the operations of an organization. This is the perfect career path for accountants who have a strong head for business and an effective communication style.
Summary
Selecting the right accounting career path has tremendous value nowadays. By taking a career path which is unorthodox or non-conventional can give you a cutting edge over the peers. So this is the time to break the cocoon, coming out of the shell to explore different kinds of ventures for elevated career growth. To achieve this, above mentioned global professional accounting credentials are really a boon for the right aspirants.
Imagine the scenario whether you may or may not be a commerce or law graduate, you may or may not have experience in tax return preparation but you want to explore the tax return preparation industry with a zeal to heighten your career in this arena. What should you do? The answer is ‘blowin in the wind’-go for an Enrolled Agent (EA) course and get the EA license in 6-9 months.
What is an EA? EA is an authorized expert by the federal government who can prepare and present all tax-related documents and represent before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of any client from individuals to corporate.
Reasons to become an EA
Unlimited Representation before the IRS
The IRS permits EAs to represent a taxpayer without limitations. By fulfilling the required formalities an EA can be present in the IRS National Database. This helps to handle any type of tax matter (even audits, collections, and appeals), represent clients before any IRS office, and represent any taxpayer in any state in a hassle-free manner
Argue tax law
On behalf of the taxpayer, an EA can disagree with the IRS on a tax return either prepared or not prepared by him/her or anyone which a non-EA tax preparer cannot do.
Argue Audit
An EA can talk with the IRS in an audit on a tax return he/she prepared or prepared by anyone else and can talk with the IRS collections office which is not permitted for a non-EA tax return preparer.
Handling appeals
A licensed EA can handle any kind of tax-related appeal to the IRS not permitted for a non-EA tax return preparer.
Universal Acceptance
The Department of Treasury regulates the EA designation with an IRS stamp, so all 50 states recognize and respect it. The EA’s universal acceptance and esteem stand makes the credential unique and in sharp contrast with the CPA license which is granted by the individual state board of accountancy thus making the CPA taxation practice in limit.
Earning Potential
On average, EAs earn about 10% more per return than an unenrolled tax preparer. For example, at entry-level, an EA with up to 5 years’ experience, can get an average salary of $42,000, at mid-career (5-10 years) it is approximately $50,000 and at a later stage (10-20 years, it can be more than $55,000 respectively. Mind it, you do not have to possess any academic qualification to obtain it.
Job Security
EA credential gives you recession-proof job security. If taxes are there even in a recession laden country, EAs are there to serve. Therefore, demand for EA is indefinite and increasing fast in developing and developed countries at a greater pace.
Low Cost
In comparison to other accounting courses, EA costs are lower. For this, one must pay for a PTIN number ($30.75), pay at least $609 ($203 per part) in exam fees, and a $140 enrollment fee post exam brings your EA expenses to under $800. That total is considerably much lower than what you would spend on other accounting certifications.
Flexibility
EAs are in high demand, which means you will have a lot of flexibility when it comes to finding a job. You can work for yourself or a firm. You can also choose to work part-time or full-time which is great for prioritizing work/life balance.
Work from home
You can usually work from home as an EA if that is your preference. Remote working is great for taking care of families while managing jobs. You will be able to set your own hours, and you will not have to commute.
Abridgement
Among so many reasons to be an EA, few are cited here. Employees considering a career change can take an ambitious leap to become an EA. For others wanting to increase their earnings or knowledge about tax law can pursue EA from a reputed institution. Since EAs are upskilled to handle more complicated returns, they possess the calibre to do more things for their clients which increases the earning potential of EAs accordingly.
Therefore, if certain obstacles prevent you from earning the CPA, but you plan to specialize in tax, you can get the EA license and be just as capable in the domain. So, why wait? Get your dose of motivation to become a highly-paid EA.
Professionals who help clients with taxes may benefit from becoming enrolled agents (EAs). The IRS empowers EAs with tools unavailable to most other tax preparers. These professionals can speak on clients’ behalf, argue disputes, and make cases to the federal taxation authorities. EAs can handle virtually any situation that may arise in the case of a taxpayer.
The best way to become an Enrolled Agent in one year is to pass each part of the EA exam on your first attempt. There are three exam parts you’ll have to study and sit for separately, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. To make becoming an EA manageable, you just need to set small, incremental goals and create a solid study plan. Being realistic about your expectations will help you make a plan you can keep. Candidates are more likely to stay on track when they regularly meet the benchmarks they set.
How to be an Enrolled Agent-Scope and Benefit for Tax Professionals: An EA is a federally authorized tax specialist that operates to provide advisory services to American taxpayers about matters concerning the IRS. Achieving “EA” status is considered the highest credential awarded by the IRS and is legally recognized throughout all U.S states…. continue reading
One of the most common questions often comes to mind: How long does it take to become an Enrolled Agent (EA)? The common reason behind this is quite understandable. Before you get too far into the process of becoming an EA, you want to know if it is worth the time, effort, and funds required. But the benefits of the EA include increased job opportunities, income, status before the IRS, and tax expertise, so I believe that the designation is very advantageous. One of the main reasons people choose to become an EA is the generous enrolled agent salary.
However, passing the EA exam (officially called the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE)) can take a good deal of time, so you need to prepare for that.
Depending on your tax knowledge, becoming an enrolled agent can take 3-8 months. You may hear some enrolled agents boast that the EA exam is easy and they passed it in just a few weeks. Yet, the reality is that most candidates are not able to pass in 1 month. You may need more than 1 month or even more than 1 year to pass. But as long as that timeline works for your lifestyle, you shouldn’t feel pressured to pass faster. You have two years* to pass all three parts of the EA exam, so while you do not technically need to pass all three in the same year, many candidates want to pass before tax season to get more clients. This means appointments to take the exam early in the year can fill up quickly.
*Note: Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS has extended the 2-year period to 3 years, giving candidates more time to safely sit for and pass their exams.
When Can You Take the Enrolled Agent Exam?
The Enrolled Agent exam is available for candidates to take 10 out of the 12 months in a year. The testing window lasts from May 1 to February 28 of the following year. The 2 blackout months (March and April) allow the exam administrators to make any necessary adjustments to the exam. They also use this time to update the content according to the most recent tax law.
The Study Plan
The number of months your EA exam journey will last depends on how many study hours you will need. Also, the other half of the equation is how quickly you can accumulate those study hours. If you are not super familiar with the current tax code, getting ready to pass all 3 parts may take you a few hundred hours. A sample guideline is provided below.
Number of EA Exam Study Weeks
Exam Part
# Of Study Hours
10 Hours/Week
15 Hours/Week
1
80-100
8-10 weeks
6-7 weeks
2
80-100
8-10 weeks
6-7 weeks
3
60-80 hours
6-8 weeks
4-6 weeks
Total
220-280 hours
22-28 weeks
16-20 weeks
It’s a good idea to set aside regular time for studying, such as an hour before work or during your lunch break. You can try to study for the Enrolled Agent exam “during your free time,” but if you’re like most people, there just isn’t enough extra time when you’re also working or going to school. The Gleim study plan suggested devoting the following time span.
Average time spent studying per part of the EA exam
Part 1
85 hours
Part 2
125 hours
Part 3
55 hours
Based on this, one can make two types of time-based study plans as mentioned below.
Deadline -based study Plan for EA exam
If you have a firm deadline to become an EA, you may need to sacrifice other obligations to fit in enough study time to pass then you can follow the steps mentioned below.
Mark your deadline and make sure to note any obligations that may interrupt your studies, such as holidays or other life events.
Work backward from the deadline you marked. If you have weeks where three or more days are not available for studying, count them as half-weeks.
Take the total amount of hours you will need to study (see chart above) and divide it by the number of weeks you have until your exam. That will give you your study hours per week. If it seems unattainable, you’ll have to either make some scheduling sacrifices or reconsider your deadline.
These hours are included in the total time chart above, so you should aim to complete all of your review material at least one week before your exam. This is when you touch up on topics you haven’t practiced in a while or might still be struggling with.
Be sure to set a benchmark every week to check your progress against.
Example: For a nine-week plan, if you are studying 10 hours a week, and your first three weeks are full weeks, you should be at least 30% done with your studies by the end of the third week. Write “30% done” for the final day, and check your progress when you get there. If you start to fall behind (for example, by missing two benchmarks in a row), you may need to adjust your study plan.
If you are behind or think you need more time, you can reschedule your exam as long as you do so at least five days before your current exam date. Rescheduling your exam will require a $35 fee. If you know you need to reschedule and do so 30 days or more before your exam, you can reschedule for free.
Hours- based study plan for EA exam
If you only have a certain number of hours each day available to study, you should set test dates that give you enough time to hit your hours targets. It is more or less similar to above with the following parameters.
Make sure to note any important obligations that may interrupt your studies, such as holidays or other life events.
Set a realistic goal, but be serious about it. It might be easy to commit to studying for only an hour a week, but you should aim as high as you reasonably can.
Divide the total number of hours you need to study by the hours per week you can study. If you have weeks where three or more days are not available for studying, count them as half-weeks. This will give you the approximate number of weeks you will need to be ready to sit for the exam.
Sample Enrolled Agent study plan (Gleim)
Because the Enrolled Agent exam tests the previous year’s tax law, there is no better time to start studying than right after-tax season. All of that year’s tax laws are fresh in your mind, which will just help you more while studying and answering questions. Below we cover a sample plan to study for the Enrolled Agent exam using an average of 10 hours per week. Your exact plan will likely differ based on your goals and commitments.
EA Part 1
Start Date April 22
Final Review June 24
Exam Date July 1
EA Part 2
Start Date July 5
Final Review September 27
Exam Date October 4
EA Part 3
Start Date October 17
Final Review November 28
Exam Date December 5
How Long Do You Have to Pass the EA Exam?
Once you pass your first EA exam part, your credit for that section lasts for 2 years from the date you passed. Therefore, you should pass the remaining 2 sections within those 2 years to avoid losing credit for your passed section and having to take it again. However, if you don’t pass a part of the EA exam after taking it 4 times in the same testing window, you must wait until the next testing window to try for the fifth time.
Enrolled Agent (EA) – The Complete Kaleidoscope: Course, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Structure and Job Opportunities in India:An enrolled agent (EA) is a person who is authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee…. Continue reading
What Can You Do to Pass the Enrolled Agent Exam Faster?
If you’d like to pass the EA exam as soon as possible, follow these tips:
Skip Content You Already Know
No matter which course you choose, you may be able to speed up the process by skipping the reading and moving straight into the quizzes. If your review course suggests you study an exam content area more than you think is necessary, you can try to take the shortcut by answering practice questions first. In doing so, you may find that you’re already proficient in that area. However, if you try this study strategy and score low on the practice quizzes, you should do the reading. You must have sufficient comprehension of every exam topic. So, read the book or watch the videos to refresh your understanding of the material. Then, after you’ve gone back to the basics, you can return to the MCQs.
Focus on Your Weak Areas
Only by focusing on your weak areas can you truly save time. If you ignore the troublesome topics, you risk failing an exam part, which just draws the exam process out even longer. To focus on your weak areas, take a mock test at the start of each study unit. Then, use the results of the quiz to figure out which topics need more of your attention. After that, prioritize those topics in your reading and quizzing until you’ve aced them.
Make Sacrifices with Your Time
You may be able to pass the exam within 2 years by going about your life as usual and studying for the exam in your free time. But if you want to get the exam over with so you can enjoy the EA designation ASAP, you’ll have to adjust your agenda. To pass the exam fast, you must make a study schedule. In the process, you can carve out even more weekly study time when you temporarily drop non-essential activities from your normal routine. It might not be fun, but it will be worthwhile once you’ve finished the exam and have the EA to show for it.
Pass Each Section on the First Attempt
This mandate may be easier said than done, but it’s the ideal goal for someone who feels the need to speed up their EA proceedings. To pull it off, you must
Rely on an EA review course,
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare,
Stick to a realistic but consistent study schedule, and
Use your study materials to master all of the exam content.
Remember: Passing each part, the first time can be done: it just takes dedication, hard work, and persistence.
How Long Does It Take to Get the EA License After You Pass the Exam?
After you pass all 3 parts of the Enrolled Agent exam, you must submit the Application for Enrollment, A.K.A. Form 23. You have 1 year from the time you pass your final exam part to fill out this document. You’ll also have to pay your enrollment fee to the IRS at this time.
How long does it take to become an enrolled agent after completing the exam?
Approving your application can take up to 90 days because it involves a background check. And because this final procedure can extend so long, becoming an EA can take you anywhere from 3-8 months.
Follow these steps to become an EA:
Obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number;
Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE);
Achieve passing scores on all 3 parts of the SEE;*
Apply for enrollment; and
Pass a suitability check, which will include tax compliance to ensure that you have filed all necessary tax returns and there are no outstanding tax liabilities; and criminal background.
Summary
The best way to become an Enrolled Agent in one year is to pass each part of the EA exam on your first attempt. There are three exam parts you’ll have to study and sit for separately, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. To make becoming an EA manageable, you just need to set small, incremental goals and create a solid study plan. It is advisable to do a self-evaluation check by asking the following questions to oneself.
How familiar am I with the material on the Enrolled Agent exam?
When was the last time I studied for an exam or took a tax course?
How much time do I have available to study each week?
Do I have a deadline to become an Enrolled Agent?
How long can I concentrate in one sitting?
Being realistic about your expectations will help you make a plan you can keep. Candidates are more likely to stay on track when they regularly meet the benchmarks they set. On an average, depending on experience, you should expect to invest up to 40-70 hours of total study time for each exam part.
Enrolled Agent-the Complete Kaleidoscope: Course, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Structure and Job Opportunities in India
An enrolled agent (EA) is a person who is authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee.
Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years post enrollment. EAs, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights.
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. Furthermore, EA license is a federal token, not a state license, thus not restricted to a particular territory.
Professionals who help clients with US taxes may benefit from becoming enrolled agents (EAs). Through the enrolled agent course, syllabus and exam, the IRS empowers EAs with tools unavailable to most other tax preparers. These professionals can speak on clients’ behalf, argue disputes, and make cases to the federal taxation authorities.
EAs can handle virtually any situation that may arise in the case of a taxpayer. The EA credential can verify your credibility, open doors to new careers, and attract work opportunities. Tax preparers, accountants, and those wanting to move into tax preparation can gain confidence with an EA license.
Briefly, an enrolled agent is a federally licensed tax practitioner meant for tax preparation, who has unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS for any issues relating to collections, audits, or tax appeals. According to the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)—the organization that represents licensed EAs—they are allowed to advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for people, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and anything else that is required to report to the IRS.
Remember that obtaining certification through enrolled agent course is an IRS certified accounting degree on US taxation. Before opting to be an EA, as an exam candidate, one should have thorough information on
Enrolled Agent Course
Enrolled Agent Syllabus
Enrolled Agent Exam
Job Opportunity of Enrolled Agents in India
Requirements for EA Certification under Internal Revenue System
This is quite fascinating to note that EA certification follows a straightforward process. Applicants do not need to hold a particular academic degree or must fulfil certain credit hours or meet experience requirements. Furthermore, this online course duration is comparatively shorter than other international online bachelor accounting degree programs.
Steps to becoming an enrolled agent
Obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Visit Prometric’s Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) webpage to schedule your test appointments, review the SEE Candidate
Achieve passing scores on all three parts of the SEE* within three years.
Apply for enrollment and pay enrollment fee electronically using Pay.gov Form 23 or by downloading Form 23, Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service and mailing the completed form and a check to the IRS.
Pass a suitability check, which will include tax compliance to ensure that you have filed all necessary tax returns and there are no outstanding tax liabilities; and criminal background.
*Certain IRS employees, by virtue of past technical experience, are exempt from the exam requirement.
Professional Requirements for EA Certification Course
Once you become an Enrolled Agent you must:
Renew your status as an enrolled agent every three years
Obtain continuing education (CEE)
Renew your PTIN annually
Syllabus for Enrolled Agent Certification Exam
The enrolled agent exam is called the special enrollment exam (SEE). The SEE consists of three sections:
taxation and individuals;
taxation and businesses; and
representation, practices, and procedures.
All questions are multiple choice.
Enrolled Agent Exam Structure-SEE
PART ONE: TAXATION AND INDIVIDUALS
PART TWO: TAXATION AND BUSINESSES
PART THREE: REPRESENTATION, PRACTICES, AND PROCEDURES
· Taxpayer data (14 questions)
· Business entities and considerations (30 questions)
· Practices and procedures (26 questions)
· Income and assets (17 questions)
· Business tax preparation (37 questions)
· Representation before the IRS (25 questions)
· Deductions and credits (17 questions)
· Specialized returns (18 questions)
· Specific areas of representation (20 questions)
· Taxation (15 questions)
· Filing process (14 questions)
· Advising the taxpayer (11 questions)
· Specialized returns (12 questions)
Source: Prometric
Exam Schedule for Enrolled Agent Certification
Candidates must schedule four hours for each section. This includes 3.5 hours to take the test and 30 minutes for a pre-examination tutorial and post-examination survey.
Candidates do not have to take all parts of the test on the same day or on consecutive days. They also do not have to complete the parts in any order. Prometric only offers the exam at its testing sites and not through off-site proctors.
Each exam part may be taken 4 times per testing window, which runs from May 1 to the end of February. The test is offered from May 1 to the end of February of the following year. The test is not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April. During this time the test is updated with the most recent tax law.
Enrolled Agent Exam Scoring
The scoring methodology was determined by the IRS following a scoring study. A panel of subject matter experts composed of Enrolled Agents and IRS representatives established a passing score for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications to be an Enrolled Agent. The scaled passing score is 105.
The EA licensing examination contains three parts, each consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Of those 100 questions, 85 questions count toward the test-taker’s score. The other 15 questions are experimental and are not scored. Each question is marked right or wrong. No weighting system applies to the final score.
The Internal Revenue System (IRS) uses a scaled scoring system for the SEE. This approach evaluates the total number of questions answered correctly against the number of questions on the exam. The system converts this number to a scale that runs from 40-130. Test-takers must earn a scaled score of 105 or higher to pass.
At the end of the exam, candidates receive a notification on their computer screen indicating that they have passed. They will not see their scaled score. The IRS only determines if a test-taker is qualified, not how qualified they may be.
SECTION
QUESTIONS
AVERAGE PASS RATE
Individuals
100
66%
Businesses
100
74%
Representation, Practices and Procedures
100
83%
The cut-off score is 105.Test-takers who fail receive their scaled score of 40-104 and diagnostic information indicating which areas need improvement. The system ranks a candidates’ performance in each exam area on a scale of 1-3. A score of one shows an area of weakness, while three indicates relative strength.
Source: Prometric
Enrolled Agent Exam Fees
There is a $203 fee per part paid at the time of appointment scheduling. The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable
Enrolled Agent Fees after Passing
Candidates who pass the exam must pay a $67 enrollment fee when they apply to practice before the IRS.
Enrolled Agent Exam Costs
Obtain or Renew PTIN (annual)
$35.95
Scheduling Fee (each part)
$203
Enrolment Fee
$67
Rescheduling fees
You may reschedule the EA exam without forfeiting your EA exam fee as long as you do so at least 5 days prior to your testing date. But there is a rescheduling fee depending on when exactly you reschedule your exam appointment.
If you reschedule the EA exam at least 30 days prior to your appointment, there is no rescheduling fee.
If you reschedule the EA exam 5 to 29 days prior to your appointment, there is a $35 rescheduling fee.
If you reschedule the EA exam fewer than 5 calendar days before your appointment date, you will be required to pay another full examination fee.
What Is Needed to Maintain EA Accounting Certification?
Enrolled agents must renew their certification with the IRS every three years. Each EA’s renewal year is determined by the last digit of their Social Security number. Agents can file their renewal applications online or on paper. Based on their renewal cycle, each agent must complete 72 hours of continuing education, with a minimum of 16 hours each year. At least two hours per year must focus on ethics. An IRS provider must conduct the continuing education experiences.
Enrolled Agent-Practice Exams and Study Resources
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS is the definitive source of information regarding the SEE, becoming an EA, and the EA retirement program. Aspiring enrolled agents can discover the latest news affecting their profession and stay up to date with certification requirements.
National Association of Enrolled Agents
Founded in 1972, this community of tax practitioners serves more than 10,000 professionals. The association’s site offers extensive information on becoming an enrolled agent, plus tips for passing the SEE. The NAEA also provides continuing education opportunities and career development resources.
Prometric
An international test administration agency, Prometric administers the SEE on behalf of the IRS. Test-takers can access a variety of resources through Prometric. Resources include extensive information about the test, scoring, and retesting. Prometric also offers a 30-minute test simulation.
Enrolled Agents Job Opportunities in India
The Enrolled Agent course is an affordable online accounting course which is useful if anyone wishes to continue any kind of US taxation jobs. There is a wide scope of work opportunities for many who wish to pursue this field. Many opportunities lie in the US as the course deals with US taxation. Indian ITES – BPO and KPO industry servicing International and US Financial and Accounting domain is growing leaps and bounds.
All these firms, including BIG4, require knowledgeable and skilled resources to service their US and International clients on US taxation, practice, and procedures. Enrolled Agent certification, being the highest credential awarded by IRS for US taxation practice; Job seekers with EA qualification are most preferred resources by these companies.
All fortune 500 companies which have their shared services, International Banks, Financial Institutions, Big 4 and other accounting companies need EAs in their system. New FATCA (Foreign accounting tax compliance act) rules stipulate that all the Indian banks and Financial Institutions also need to submit reports on transactions entered by US investors. EA’s will be a prime resource to handle these work processes.
Enrolled agent will have opportunity to work in:
Big 4 audit firms
Accounting and taxation BPO’s & KPO’s
Shared service centers
International Banks & FIs BPO & KPO’s
Indian banks & FIs
Indian International companies
Advantages of EA over other courses in India:
Particulars
EA
PROF.COURSES
No. of Subjects / Papers
3 Papers
16 Papers
Course duration
3-6 months
3-6 years
Exam pattern
MCQ
Theory
Pass Percentage %
69%
8-10%
Certification value
Highest tax qualification offered by the IRS
Professional qualification in India
Course cost
INR 1.5 Lacs
INR 3 Lacs
Career opportunities abroad
High
Low
Starting salary for freshers
INR 4-7 Lacs
INR 4-7 Lacs
While annual salaries range between $97,000 and $25,500, most Enrolled Agent salaries currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) to $68,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $86,500 annually across the United States.
Enrolled agents, or EAs, specialize in all kinds of tax issues, both individual and for businesses large and small. As an EA, they earn the right and privilege to represent clients before the IRS, covering all tax topics and working with any administrative level. It is a highly respected accounting certification that has the power to boost careers and expand opportunities within the profession.
How to become an enrolled agent:
Tax accountants who want to become an EA need to pass a comprehensive three-part exam that tests their knowledge of tax law and processes. This exam, known as the SEE, covers individuals, businesses, tax procedures, representation, and tax practice.
Participants must pass each of the parts within two years to earn their license. There’s no educational requirement or hourly threshold that qualifies a person to become an EA, just the exam itself.
Once the tax accountant has passed the exam, they must go through a background check administered by the IRS. Every three years after that, the EA must keep up on continuing education credits throughout their career.
The honor and distinction of becoming an enrolled agent can make a big impact on a tax accountant’s professional life, and it’s worth looking at the many benefits.
Whether someone is just starting out in their career or they have plenty of tax preparation experience and want to take things to the next level, they should consider becoming an enrolled agent.
Here are three of the most valuable benefits in becoming an enrolled agent.
Verification of Tax Expertise
Earning an EA license means that the tax accountant is part of an elite group that is recognized as a tax expert. As the highest certification given by the IRS, an EA is an easy way to signal that the professional who holds the license has a very high level of tax expertise.
The IRS has such strict standards about earning an EA credential that everyone understands it means deep knowledge and a range of expertise. An EA is not limited to state or regional knowledge, either. Because it is regulated by The Department of Treasury, EA credentials are recognized and revered in every state.
Opportunities for Job Growth
Becoming an enrolled agent is an excellent way to explore job opportunities and business prospects that may not otherwise be open. EAs specialize in tax issues of all kinds ranging from businesses to individuals.
An EA license makes tax accountants highly desirable when it comes to jobs at a tax firm, a government entity, or for a CPA in the private sector. With an EA on their resume, it’s easy for someone to stand out among other job applicants.
Expanded Earning Potential
For tax accountants, earning an EA can increase their salary by several thousand dollars and allows them to take the next step in their career. The higher salary potential is one of the many benefits that an EA license can provide.
In the eyes of their clients, EAs are incredibly valuable because they need help understanding the complexities of taxes and how they affect their business or their individual earnings.
EAs can represent taxpayers in any kind of situation in front of the IRS on an unlimited number of tax topics. From collections and audits to appeals and advising, EAs can work in any state and there are no limits to the type of clients or the type of IRS offices they can take on.
No matter where they are in their career, EAs will always be able to provide a wide range of tax services to an increasing number of clients from all backgrounds.
Study Support
In order to get the enrolled agent certification through completion of the Enrolled Agent syllabus, one must go vividly through the Enrolled Agent course for successful clearance of the Enrolled Agent exam, to finally come out with flying colors as an IRS certified US tax professional.
To achieve this smoothly, one needs good study support in terms of good standard review materials and quality mentoring process for this online accounting program. Uplift Professionals, one of the premier institutes provide effective study support to pass EA exam in shorter duration. A sample study plan is provided below.
To obtain an enrolled agent certification, studying from accounting textbooks or the tax code can save you money on materials, but it has massive opportunity costs. You must spend time figuring out what and how much to study, and you likely will have to purchase books to make sure you get complete content coverage.
Get it wrong, and you may have to pay to retake part of the exam. Working with time-tested review material from the best online study provider will require you to spend money up front, but it takes the guesswork out of your preparations. Plus, you will be following a system that has helped many other candidates pass their exams.
