They can prepare financial accounts, provide audit services, and advise clients on tax matters. Normally, the clients of CPAs are businesses requiring both accounting and tax services. For EAs, the IRS mandates the completion of 72 https://www.bookstime.com/ hours of continuing education courses every three years. These courses are typically focused on taxation and representation matters, allowing Enrolled Agents to stay up-to-date on current tax codes and representation practices.
- An enrolled agent, or EA, is a kind of tax professional who focuses narrowly on managing tax arrangements for business or private entities.
- Their clients may include businesses or individuals who need help in financial planning.
- This makes the EA credential an attractive option for those who want to specialize in tax-related matters without delving into the broader scope of financial accounting and reporting.
- However, you could start by checking out two of the top-rated courses, Gleim EA vs Surgent EA.
- And once you’ve passed, you can apply for enrollment by filling out Form 23.
- I could also do the EA first to have the title and knowledge and then study for and take the CPA exam when it is not tax season.
Made your decision? Start studying for your exam.
In fact, the IRS says they are uncontested experts on such topics. A financial advisor can help you maximize the tax efficiency of your investments and assist you in creating and carrying out a long-term plan. To become an EA, candidates must pass a three-part test, apply to the IRS, and pass a background check. Surgent offers study materials for both the CPA Exam and the EA Exam to get you on your way to licensure and your new career. So, if the CPA appeals to you, then sign up for my free CPA course to learn more about the process of earning the CPA.
EA Salary vs CPA Salary and Career Prospects
Once you pass the EA exam, you only need to take a few more steps to receive the designation. From there, the IRS will process your application and conduct a suitability check. The IRS has defined a specific time frame enrolled agent salary 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.
Enrolled Agent vs. CPA: Which Path Will You Take?
Many EAs are also members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, which has even higher standards for continuing education, as well as its own Code of Ethics. Before we compare salaries, we should note that EAs and CPAs don’t necessarily perform the same job. And as with the EA exam, you should factor in a few other miscellaneous CPA Exam fees as well.
- In most cases, candidates pick Surgent CPA Review, Becker CPA Review, Gleim CPA Review, Wiley CPAexcel, Roger CPA Review, or Yaeger CPA Review.
- All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.
- The best way to pass the EA exam in a timely manner is to use an EA review course and stick to a study schedule.
- Manager level at a Big-4 firm, he now works as a freelance consultant while helping others pass their professional exams.
- Both enrolled agents and CPAs can supply their clients with superior service.
If it has to do with accounting, practice management, or Canopy, it’s here. On the other hand, the CPA Exam has four parts and much broader content. The section equivalent to the EA exam is Regulation (REG), and only about 70% of the REG content directly relates to the EA exam. Once you click “continue,” you will be brought to a third-party website. Please be aware, the privacy policy may differ on the third-party website.
Weighing every factor, such as salary, lifestyle, and adherence to your personal values will help you make the right choice for a career that provides both comfort and fulfillment. CPAs can also be found in a variety of environments from large public accounting firms to local firms. CPAs, like EAs, can easily start their own small business working with clients. As of February 2023, ZipRecruiter.com has the national average salary for CPAs as $77,370. Jobs paying $61,500 or less are in the 25th or less percentile range, while jobs paying more than $88,000 are in the 75th or more percentile range. Top earners (90th percentile) are estimated to make $107,500 annually.
Enrolled Agent Exam vs CPA exam
Surgent vs. Gleim EA Review: Which Course is For You? – Miami Herald
Surgent vs. Gleim EA Review: Which Course is For You?.
Posted: Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]