CPA Tax return Professionals, here is a comprehensive guide to help you out. The IRS grants EAs unlimited representation rights on a federal scale. However, you can specialize in an area like tax preparation or tax resolution.

Tax Laws and Financial Planning

Once you pass your first section, you have 18 months to pass the remaining three sections. If you don’t pass the remaining sections within this time, you will lose credit for the first section you passed. You must then pass that section and any other unpassed sections within 18 months of the what are retained earnings time you passed your second section.

Delving into the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam

These costs can include exam retakes, the fee to reschedule a testing appointment, and continuing education courses. As you can see, you only have a certain amount of time to pass the EA and CPA exams. With just 2 years tax preparer vs cpa to pass the EA exam and 30 months to pass the CPA Exam, you’d benefit from passing each part on your first try so you can finish each part within the time limit. But this is not the case, as the accounting industry widely recognizes and greatly respects EAs.

Tax-Hub Business Solutions

The collaboration between CPAs and EAs at Massey and Company CPA allows for tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. For individuals seeking straightforward tax preparation, EAs provide cost-effective and precise services. Businesses with intricate financial requirements benefit from the CPAs’ ability to offer comprehensive financial reporting and risk assessment strategies. Additionally, EAs are adept at preparing tax returns and ensuring compliance with tax laws. Their specialized knowledge allows them to address intricate tax-related issues effectively, positioning them as key players in the realm of tax professionals. In addition to CPAs and EAs, tax attorneys can also represent you in front of the IRS for tax return prep, unpaid taxes, collections, appeals, and all other tax-related matters.

Implement our API within your platform to provide your clients with accounting services. The following TurboTax Online offers may be available for tax year 2024. Intuit reserves the right to modify or terminate any offer at any time for Accounting for Churches any reason in its sole discretion. Unless otherwise stated, each offer is not available in combination with any other TurboTax offers.

CPA vs EA FAQ

However, the CPA Exam questions are harder because it presents task-based simulations in addition to multiple-choice questions. If you remember, the EA exam includes 3 parts, whereas the CPA Exam features 4 sections. In most cases, candidates pick Surgent CPA Review, Becker CPA Review, Gleim CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, Roger CPA Review, or Yaeger CPA Review. Fortunately, you can use CPA review course discounts to save on the cost of these courses. Then, after you pass the CPA Exam, you’ll probably have to pay for the ethics exam, which typically costs $130. Finally, once you pass the EA exam and are ready to submit your application, you’ll have to pay the IRS $30 to complete the enrollment process.

Understanding the Exam

All information prepared on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on for legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your own legal, tax or accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. The content on this website is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free. A notable difference between EAs and CPAs is their regulatory bodies. Enrolled Agents are regulated by the IRS, which ensures their proficiency in managing tax-related issues on a federal level. This federal oversight allows EAs to represent taxpayers across all jurisdictions in the United States.

• The CPA designation is highly regarded within the accounting profession and often leads to leadership positions and increased earning potential.
• This article will help you understand the difference between the two, and how they can help you with your tax needs.
• However, as your taxes become more complex or sophisticated, a CPA might be more suitable.
• The key to finding the best professional for your needs is to find a professional that is local and has experience with your unique tax problem.
• In essence, while both EAs and CPAs have varied roles and niche areas, their work often overlaps.
• Determine your budget for tax services and consider the complexity of your tax issues.

Comparative Table – CPA vs EA (Enrolled Agent)

To find the best course for you, learn more about your review course options or contact me. However, you could start by checking out two of the top-rated courses, Gleim EA vs Surgent EA. The IRS has defined a specific time frame during which you can take the EA exam parts. This EA exam testing window lasts from May 1 to February 28 of the following year. The REG part of the CPA Exam is most equivalent to the content you’ll find in the EA exam. Yet, just about 70% of the REG content directly relates to the EA exam.

Their ability to handle diverse financial tasks makes them indispensable in various professional settings. Ultimately, both EAs and CPAs are well equipped to provide valuable tax-related services. Nevertheless, understanding their distinct roles and capabilities can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions when facing tax challenges. They provide an array of tax-related services, from tax planning to preparation, making them indispensable for individuals and businesses alike. This specialization affords them a unique position among tax experts, particularly when compared to other tax preparers like CPAs. Both CPAs and EAs have comprehensive knowledge of the United States tax codes and can use their knowledge to represent their clients in audits, appeals and other matters with the IRS.