EA Career

  • What is an Enrolled Agent?

An enrolled agent, EA, is a tax practitioner who is federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS for tax preparation services, tax issues, including audits, collections and appeals.

  1. How does one become an Enrolled Agent?

Enrolled agents have demonstrated competence in tax matters by passing 3 tests that cover Individual returns, Business & Estate returns and Ethics as codified in Circular 230. Or worked at the IRS for five years in a position which regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All applicants are then subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.

  • What is NOT required to become an EA?

A college degree is NOT a requirement, neither is a High School diploma.

  • Common characteristics of enrolled agents:
    1. Numbers oriented.
    2. Computer skills from spreadsheets, to tax programs, to research.
    3. Communication skills and ability to simplify complex tax issues to clients and/or cite tax law to prove your position with the IRS.
    4. Meet deadlines.

Earning the EA license demonstrates dedication and a commitment to provide the most knowledgeable service possible to clients.  Contact TxSEA to talk with an enrolled agent or visit our National Association of Enrolled Agents website for more information.

Learn how to launch your EA career in two ways.