The IRS does not have specific educational prerequisites in place, so EAs may not have a college degree or formal secondary education. However, candidates are expected to show a https://www.bookstime.com/ strong and comprehensive understanding of tax concepts, laws and regulations. Prometric gives you 15 minutes to schedule your exam before you have to start the process over.
In addition to looking at criminal history, such as the presence of felony convictions, the IRS also considers your tax compliance history when reviewing your candidacy. After you complete the EA exam scheduling process, check your email to make sure you receive your appointment confirmation, which contains other useful information about your exam. If you notice any issues, reach out to Prometric as soon as possible to correct your appointment information. As part of the evaluation of your enrollment application, the IRS will conduct a suitability check that will include a review of your personal tax compliance and criminal background. You must apply for enrollment within one year of the date you passed the third examination part. Candidates who pass a part of the examination can carry over passing scores up to three years from the date the candidate passed the examination.
We also cover how to become an enrolled agent and prepare for the EA exam. Now that you know when you are taking your exam, you can begin to prepare. Since the EA Exam is broken up into three parts, you have to focus on one section of tax knowledge at a time. You are going to need to develop a study plan with a review course that works with your learning style.
You will need to submit extra information about your education, training, licenses, and work experience. The enrolled agent (EA) designation is a distinctive title that enhances the careers of accountants and professionals how to become an ea intending to specialize in tax. If you are interested in the EA, this 11-step guide about how to become an enrolled agent will lead you through each important decision and action on the way to the designation.
EA applicants must either pass a three-part SEE or have five years of IRS experience in a tax-related field. In addition, these former employees must have routinely applied and interpreted the requirements of the IRC and the regulations about income, estate, gift, employment, or excise taxes. The IRS recognizes EAs as a trusted channel for communication and representation. They have the right to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS, including audits and appeals. Enrolled Agents must complete 72 hours of continued education every three years.
But you will gain experience and knowledge that you can use to help future clients. Candidates will discover that job avenues open up with the certification and that the opportunities for tax preparers grow more varied with Enrolled Agent status. Candidates seeking enrollment must complete a suitability assessment, background check, and tax compliance assessment. Once you have collected your information, you can create an account on the IRS website.
All references on the examination are to the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications, as amended through Dec. 31, 2023. Also, unless otherwise stated, all questions relate to the calendar year 2023. Questions that contain the term «current year» refer to calendar year 2023. In answering questions, candidates should not take into account any legislation or court decisions in effect after Dec. 31, 2023. EAs who also hold CPA licensure and wish to investigate financial crimes might consider becoming certified in financial forensics (CFF). The American Institute for Certified Public Accountants offers CFF certification to CPAs.
Each exam has 100 multiple-choice questions and lasts for 3.5 hours. I suggest that you start studying before you schedule your first exam date. I say this because you can only know when you will be ready to take the EA exam after seeing how familiar you are with the exam content.