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In studying for the examination, you may wish to refer to the Internal Revenue Code, Circular 230, IRS publications, as well as IRS tax forms and accompanying instructions. Many IRS publications, tax forms and accompanying instructions are online at The IRS Tax Map may also be useful when studying for the exam. The Tax Map gathers IRS forms, instructions, publications, and web pages by topic and organizes links to these sources on a single topic page. Content on Tax Map is tax year specific, and you can research from TY 2017 back to TY 2012. For more information about the EA profession, visit the IRS webpage, “Enrolled Agents – Frequently Asked Questions.”
How do you become an enrolled agent?
Becoming an enrolled agent begins with obtaining a PTIN. Candidates must then pass all three parts of the SEE. Finally, prospective EAs apply for enrollment with the IRS and pass a suitability check.
By authorizing H&R Block to e-file your tax return, or by taking the completed return to file, you are accepting the return and are obligated to pay all fees when due. Description of benefits and details at hrblock.com/guarantees. Terms and conditions apply; seeAccurate Calculations Guaranteefor details. Steps 5-10 refer to the process of earning your EA license, specifically the EA exam and continuing education requirements. EAs are a sort of accountant, so you will need to be detail oriented, diligent, and highly analytical.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Just type “form 23” in the search box on pay.gov to find it. You should receive your enrollment card in about 60 days from the date of your application. The exam isn’t easy, but we help thousands of students just like you pass the exams every year.
- Lawyers and CPAs are licensed by the states where they practice.
- As you might imagine, many are delinquent on their tax obligations.
- Therefore, you should simply focus on one exam part at a time instead.
- This information will help you decide if the EA makes sense for you.
You should verify that all facts and statements you receive from oral or written communication is true and valid. When you are working with a client on any sort of matter, you should inform them that they must not omit any details pertinent to their tax filling, audit, or collections process. As an EA, you will enjoy client confidentiality in certain circumstances. For tax preparation filings, your communications may be subject to public scrutiny or be part of the discovery process, if you or your client is named in a lawsuit.
Step 3. Compare the EA Designation to Other Certifications
The IRS recently commissioned a job analysis that brought about some recent updates to the exam specs. The purpose of the review was to obtain specific details about the tasks an Enrolled Agent performs and the knowledge needed to adequately perform those duties. Each part is taken as a separate 100 multiple choice question exam and you will have 3.5 hours to answer all questions for that part.
EA candidates must apply for a preparer tax identification number , sign up for the certification exam, and pass all parts of the exam. They must also submit IRS applications and pass background checks. Available only at participating H&R Block offices. An ITIN is an identification number issued by the U.S. government for tax reporting only. Having an ITIN does not change your immigration status.
Who’s qualified to be an Enrolled Agent (EA)
It’s important to know the difference between non-profits and federally exempt organizations. A non-profit is established at the state level only. Such an organization might be free from state income taxes, property taxes, or other state-levied fees. To incorporate a non-profit, an individual or organization only needs to apply for enrollment with their Secretary of State and receive permission to operate in this manner. This exam covers auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. Overall, it usually takes at least eight years to become a certified public accountant due to the necessary requirements.
- With it, you’re likely to have more job opportunities.
- Steps 1-4 address the choices you must make prior to applying for the EA license.
- The Enrolled Agent credential is nationally recognized, meaning Enrolled Agents are authorized by the IRS to practice in any state.
- You must also pay all renewal fees for both your EA licensure and your PTIN.
- A passing score on each part of the SEE exam is required before the IRS will admit an enrolled agent to practice.
- For those specializing in tax, enrolled agent is a distinctive title that brings significant rewards.
Based on their renewal cycle, each agent must complete 72 hours of continuing education, with a minimum https://www.bookstime.com/ of 16 hours each year. An IRS provider must conduct the continuing education experiences.
If you have a simple tax return, you can file with TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Assisted Basic, or TurboTax Live Full Service how to become an enrolled agent Basic. Free filing is only available in certain products. Complete our interest form now by answering a few simple questions.