Whether you are already be working as a tax preparer or are considering a whole new career path, the job of an Enrolled Agent (EA) has many benefits. Let’s take a look at the main reasons why it could be the best thing for your future as a tax professional to become an Enrolled Agent!
Gain Respect and More Credibility
The IRS only gives out one credential—the EA. Since this title is only given out to those who receive a passing score on a grueling three-part Enrolled Agent exam, you will receive respect and be seen as a credible resource in the eyes of taxpayers and the IRS. After spending hours and hours studying tax forms and regulations, you earned the EA status above other tax preparers.
Passing the Special Enrollment Examination (also known as the EA Exam) is proof that you possess the knowledge of tax matters to instill trust in the American taxpayer. In fact, an entire organization called the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) exists solely to enforce the high standards for this credential. The considerable amount of training you go through before becoming an enrolled agent is worthy of higher responsibilities, and therefore a position that gains respect in the field of tax.
Be on the Good Side of the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service is constantly updating the tax code with the changing times and political climate in the United States. EAs have to be on top of the evolving tax laws since they work with them every day as tax practitioners. Consequently, this means you already get a spot on the IRS’s National Database list of credentialed preparers. In order for other tax preparers to prove they follow regulation, they need to take the IRS Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course. EAs don’t have to! You’ll already be on good terms with the IRS.
A Recession Proof Job
Since income taxes aren’t going away anytime soon, the role of an enrolled agent will always be in need. Enrolled agents have been around since the American Civil War, providing competent representation to the american taxpayer and protecting their rights. With the EA title, you can offer a wide range of services beyond tax preparation since you are seen as the pinnacle for the tax profession.
”Since income taxes aren’t going away anytime soon, the role of an enrolled agent will always be in need”
Given the current state of the economy, more and more people find themselves needing help with their tax obligations. The average person doesn’t understand the complex processes of taxes and all the detailed regulations. And with IRS enforcement activities on the rise, there is a growing need for enrolled agents to assist taxpayers. This increased demand for Enrolled Agents is reflected in rising Enrolled Agent salaries.
Unlimited Representation Rights
Not all tax preparers have the right to represent clients to the IRS. This is restricted to attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents. With unlimited representation rights, you can represent clients before the IRS on matter including audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals.
More Responsibility
As an enrolled tax preparer, you are able to have much more responsibility and provide a range of services. And of course, with more tasks comes a higher salary.
These tasks include helping people with audits, representing clients at an IRS appeals office, preparing and filing documents on a client’s behalf, corresponding directly with the IRS, attending hearings or conferences for your client, and providing written advice to third parties on the tax implications of business transactions.
Help Others with the Tax System
Working as an enrolled agent is both challenging and rewarding. You will be appreciated for all that you do because you are saving people money. And in some cases, you are saving people from some serious tax problems.
”If you are smart & like to help people, then a career as an enrolled agent would be enjoyable & rewarding”
Not everyone can help people with the intricate tax system, simply because they don’t have the expertise. If you have the smarts and you like to help people, then a career as an enrolled agent would be enjoyable and rewarding.
Bryce Welker is a regular public speaker and contributor to several online publications, including Forbes, Inc.com, and Entreprenuer.com. Bryce is the mastermind behind over twenty different websites devoted to providing people like you with the resources necessary to successfully pass certification examinations.