Enrolled Agent (EA) Designation

Definition:
Enrolled Agents are the only tax professionals licensed and regulated by the federal government. EA designees have demonstrated superior knowledge and technical competence in all areas of the tax code and tax form preparation. The EA designation permits holders to prepare all federal tax forms on behalf of individual and business taxpayers. Just like CPAs and tax attorneys, EAs are permitted to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS. Unlike tax attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not specialize in tax matters, EAs focus solely on tax preparation and are able to handle taxpayers' most complex returns.

Granting body:

Internal Revenue Service

Office of the Director of Practice, HR:DP
1111 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20224
Phone (202) 376-1418.

I achieved enrolled agent status by studying and passing the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS’s) intensive Enrolled Agent Exam covering all aspects of federal taxation.  The award of the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is recognition of expertise and assures the practitioner’s clients that the agent has kept up-to-date on the latest tax law changes and can represent clients before the examination division of the IRS. 

The right to represent taxpayers before the IRS is awarded only to selected groups of individuals, including attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled actuaries, and enrolled agents. 

To retain the status of an enrolled agent, individuals must complete a minimum of 16 continuing education credits (CPEs) per year, and a total of 72 CPEs in each three-year cycle.  Enrolled agents are also governed under stringent rules set forth by the IRS.  

If you need assistance with any taxation issue, you should seek the help of a tax professional. As an Enrolled Agent and member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), I can assist you with a review of your tax history and answer questions on how taxation issues may impact your future.  Please contact me for assistance with all your tax preparation needs. 

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), founded in 1979, is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to excellence in taxation. NATP was formed to serve professionals who work in all areas of tax practice, and has more than 16,000 members nationwide. Members include individual practitioners, enrolled agents, certified public accountants, accountants, attorneys, and financial planners. Learn more at www.natptax.com.