An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is 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.

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What does the term “Enrolled Agent” mean?

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“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.

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What are the differences between Enrolled Agents and other tax professionals?

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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).

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Are Enrolled Agents required to take continuing professional education?

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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.

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Are Enrolled Agents bound by any ethical standards?

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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.

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How exactly can an Enrolled Agent help me?

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An Enrolled Agent can be the middle man between you and the IRS. If you find yourself with an IRS issue, you do not have to deal with them directly. Let our Enrolled Agents handle all the details on your behalf. With a properly signed form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, she can call the IRS to figure out what the situation is. Once we know the situation and we have decided on a plan of action, Kika can handle all the negotiations and arrangements with a properly signed form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative.