To obtain a PTIN, candidates must register through the IRS’s website, providing their personal information, as well as details about their professional tax preparation experience. While there is no specific college degree requirement to become an Enrolled Agent, candidates must have a solid understanding of tax laws and regulations. Due to the month and year that you enrolled, you are required to complete 44 CE credits before December 31, 2022. Your next renewal cycle, you will be required to complete a minimum of 72 hours of continuing education credits. The groundwork for the Special Enrollment Exam includes studying more than at least twenty hours per week for a very long time, relying upon the experience of the test taker.
If you instruct a portion of a program and also attend a portion as a student, you may earn both instructor credit and student credit, in certain situations. However, if you instruct the entire program, you can only receive instructor credit, no student credit, up to the maximum annual credit limit. There are no education or experience requirements you need to meet in order to take the EA exam.
What are the potential career benefits of becoming an Enrolled Agent?
An enrolled agent is a tax professional who has earned the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These individuals represent taxpayers before the IRS, offering how many enrolled agents are there expertise in tax matters and adherence to ethical standards. To become an enrolled agent, one must pass a rigorous examination or have relevant work experience at the IRS.
The limitless practice freedom that enrolled agents have explains that they can address all taxpayers, including individuals, organizations and associations. The process to obtain Enrolled Agent certification involves passing the SEE, a comprehensive three-part examination. After successful completion of the exam, candidates must apply for enrollment using Form 23 and undergo a background check conducted by the IRS. Once enrolled, they must complete the required continuing education courses to maintain their credential and uphold the ethical standards set forth by the IRS.
National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
A necessary and crucial step is to pass a suitability check, which includes a background check. The application process involves filling out and submitting Form 23 with a $30 fee. Generally, enrolled agents must obtain a minimum of 72 hours per enrollment cycle (every three years).
Enrolled agents are required to abide by the provisions of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of enrolled agents before the IRS. NAEA members are also bound by a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association. All score values above passing indicate that a candidate is qualified — not how qualified. You will also receive diagnostic information which may indicate areas of weakness in your performance where you may need continuing education. Scaled scores are determined by calculating the number of questions answered correctly and converting it to a scale that ranges from 40 to 130. Failing candidates are provided a scaled score value so that they may see how close they are to being successful.
