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Enrolled Agents: The Tax Professionals

What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a Tax Professional. Enrolled Agents are federally-authorized tax practitioners who are knowledgeable in all facets of the tax code and who are empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals. Enrolled agents are required by federal law to maintain their expertise through continuing professional education.

Why should I choose an Enrolled Agent over other tax professionals?

Enrolled agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice directly from the U.S. government. In contrast, certified public accountants (CPAs) and attorneys are licensed at the state level. Attorneys and certified public accountants may or may not focus on taxes, but all enrolled agents specialize in taxation. Only enrolled agents are required to demonstrate their competence in tax matters and must report their hours of continuing professional education to the IRS.

Whom would you call for help if you were notified that you were being audited by the IRS?

  • » Only 19 out of 200+ Attorneys in the Roanoke phone book specialize in taxes.
  • » CPAs offer Auditing, Estate Planning, Bookkeeping and Maybe Tax services.
  • » Enrolled Agents specialize and focus only on taxation and representation.

How can an Enrolled Agent help me?

Enrolled Agents can provide:

  • Answers to questions regarding national, state and local tax laws
  • Tax Preparation Services - for estates, trusts, partnerships, corporations and other entities that are required to report taxes
  • Accounting and bookkeeping services
  • Financial planning or budgeting
  • Payroll services
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Representation for the taxpayer before the IRS

Do I really need an Enrolled Agent?

Yes. The number of changes to the tax code in a given year is staggering as provisions are added and dropped from the over 10,000 page tax code used by the IRS. Enrolled Agents are required to keep up-to-date with all changes to the tax code and regulations. As such, Enrolled Agents are able to offer taxpayers their expertise when it comes to all matters involving taxes and the IRS.