The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884. Because of many questionable claims for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate who could represent citizens in their dealings with the Treasury Department. “Enrolled” means licensed by the Federal Government. “Agent” means authorized to appear in place of the taxpayer before the IRS. EAs are advocates for the taxpayer, not the government.

Enrolled Agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the United States government, CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the individual states. Unlike CPAs and attorneys who may not specialize in taxation, EAs are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation and are considered The tax professionals.

In the entire United States there are fewer than 35,000 Enrolled Agents. The title is not bestowed upon an individual, it is earned. The field can only be entered in two ways:

One, by taking a rigorous two-day exam administered by the IRS covering taxation of individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates, procedures and ethics. The test is given once a year, traditionally, only 1/3 of those who take the exam pass. Those who pass this exam are then subject to a rigorous background examination. Once that is passed the individual is licensed as an Enrolled Agent. The second method is open to those who were employed by the IRS for five or more years who, as a regular part of their job, applied and interpreted provisions of the IRS code and regulations.

Enrolled agents, unlike CPAs and attorneys, are required by the Federal Government to complete a minimum of 72 hours of continuing profession education and to report it every three years to the IRS. Members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents are further required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education each year.

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