Certified Public Account (CPA) vs. Enrolled Agent (EA)

This past tax season, we’ve had quite a few people specifically request to work with one of our CPAs. When asked why, we were told that they simply were more aware of CPAs as compared to any other type of licensing. DID YOU KNOW that CPAs and Enrolled Agents are actually quite similar and both equally as qualified to prepare your return? Let’s dive into the technicalities of both CPAs and EAs and how you can decide which will work best for you!

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA)

Certified Public Accountants must complete 150 hours of course work. Once this is done, they will need to pass a four-part exam that focuses on auditing, financial accounting and taxes. CPAs are licensed by the state that they live and work in. Before operating on their own, they are required to work under another CPA for a minimum of one year.

ENROLLED AGENTS (EA)

Enrolled Agents are required to pass a three-part exam that is solely focused on tax related topics. EAs are federally regulated which is the highest credential offered by the IRS. EAs are required to have background checks.

BOTH

Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents are both required to take continuing education classes. Both can prepare individual and corporate returns. Lastly, both can represent a taxpayer before the IRS with letter, audits, offers and compromises, etc.

HOW TO DECIDE

When it comes time to choose which tax professional you should hire, you can rest assured that both a CPA and EA can get the job done well, as they are equally qualified in doing so! What the decision really comes down to is finding someone that is very knowledgeable in you niche and meets your other needs. Lastly, you must hire someone you can trust! To ensure you find the right tax professional for you niche and your needs, we encourage to click the button below to learn what questions you should be asking the tax professionals you meet with!