EA salaries depend on a variety of factors, such as the number of years of experience, type of experience, and work location. Starting salaries for tax preparers are as low as $25,000 and increase to as much as $86,000 based on experience. Those with the EA credential can see an increase of as much as 30% based on experience, knowledge and other factors.

While this position is commonly filled by a CPA, the Enrolled Agent designation is a great way to secure your tax specialization. In general, CPAs earn more than EAs in all career levels; however, the CPA credential requires significantly more schooling, time and up-front costs than the EA credential. Additionally, the EA credential is more client-focused, with a variety of career paths.

How To Become An EA

At the mid-level, you will be preparing and reviewing tax returns, following up with tax invoices, preparing bank reconciliations, providing information to external auditors, and much more. Unlike CPAs, enrolled agents become nationally certified, so they can practice in any state with the same certification. If your goal is to work at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, the Enrolled Agent designation is one way to stand out from other applicants.

There are many career tracks to consider as you apply to work for the IRS but one of the best places to start is as an IRS Internal Revenue Agent. IRS Revenue agents are responsible for reviewing tax returns and conducting audits, as well as identifying and collecting overdue taxes. When the general public owes back taxes or has other tax problems, it is a Revenue Agent that will deal with these problems.

Enrolled agent: salaries per region

The average salary for an enrolled agent in the United States is $35,171. Enrolled agent salaries typically range between $22,000 and $54,000 a year. The average hourly rate for enrolled agents is $16.91 per hour. Once you’ve passed and paid the enrollment fee, you must also pass a tax compliance enrolled agent salary check to ensure that you have filed all your tax returns and have no outstanding tax liabilities. Some EAs don’t even need to take the exam if their work experience meets the IRS requirements. Senior level internal revenue agents can earn a healthy income in the accounting world.

Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. The EA credential is recognized across all 50 U.S. states. Attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs) are licensed on a state by state basis, and are also empowered by the Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Both certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs) must adhere to strict ethical standards. Among the differences between these two careers is that certified public accountants are regulated at the state level.

Can you become an enrolled agent if you’ve had tax issues before?

In most cases the confusion could be avoided if everyone was on the same page and had equal share of information. It goes without saying that you should always put a client’s needs first, what better way to separate yourself from others than as a knowledgeable wealth and tax expert? Having the Enrolled Agent credential gives you the ability to more effectively speak about things important to your client. Internal Revenue Agent requirements include US citizenship, plus either a four-year degree or experience along with 30 semester hours of accounting coursework. Latest salary numbers for an IRS – Internal Revenue Agent range from $40,000 to $130,000 annually.

While much work in tax is done from January through April 15th each year, enrolled agents have the distinction of working year round. As an EA, you may be tasked with preparing both individual and business tax returns. Most tax firms do not specialize in preparing just business returns, but having the knowledge needed to https://www.bookstime.com/articles/enrolled-agent-salary prepare business returns will be beneficial to you as you seek employment. Enrolled Agent (or EA) is a tax advisor who is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Enrolled agents represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax issues including audits, collections and appeals.

Why become an enrolled agent?

The Enrolled Agent salary range is a key factor that attracts professionals in the tax and accounting fields. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax practitioner with specialized expertise in U.S. tax codes, and their compensation reflects their high level of training and knowledge. Entry-level Enrolled Agents can expect to make around $45,000 per year, while highly experienced professionals can earn up to $85,000 or more. Just like you would working in the private sector for tax clients, you’ll be tasked to educate, assist and counsel but on behalf of the IRS.

Please stand by, while we are checking your browser… You will also fill out financial forms (assets and liabilities, income and expenses), and cross-reference this information with pertinent financial documents per IRS guidelines. Much of your work will require meticulous records keeping as you prepare and draft IRS correspondences.