EA versus CPA

What are the differences between Enrolled Agents and CPAs?

The primary difference between Enrolled Agents and CPAs is that CPAs are licensed by state accountancy boards, and Enrolled Agents are licensed by the Internal Revenue Service directly.

So, EAs are tax specialists.  In fact, only EAs are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS.  CPAs can do a lot of work that EAs can't legally do, like certified audits, certified business valuations, and the like. 

Both professional certifications are tough to maintain and even tougher to get.  Both require 30 or more hours of continuing education every year, but the EA's continuing education must be in taxation.  The CPA continuing education requirement is more broad and can include taxation, accounting, or other related areas.

So, while CPAs may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, ALL EAs specialize in taxation by definition.  Not everyone has need for the huge array of CPA services (with the related high cost), but EVERYONE has needs for good tax help.  That's why an EA may be a better fit with your needs.

If your needs require the services of a CPA, we'll be happy to refer you.  We love CPAs and work with them all the time, and we'll work with CPAs for you as needed.

How to Choose
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