Then, you will have to re-take that section and continue to take and pass any remaining sections within 30 months of when you passed the second part of the CPA Exam. But the taxation section of REG is highly comparable to the EA exam. In fact, the overlap can Bookkeeping for Etsy Sellers help candidates pass both exams in a timely manner. The decision depends on a lot of different factors, such as deciding what kind of colleagues and clients you want to work with and which areas of accounting interest you the most. It’s helpful to compare the differences between an EA and a CPA so you can decide which one is the best choice for your career. Whether you choose EA or CPA, both paths offer excellent career growth and international exposure.
How Much Do Enrolled Agents Earn in the United States?
For instance, corporations rely on Enrolled Agents to advise them on policy, prepare taxes, and represent them in audits and other proceedings before the IRS. Of course, the more experience you have, the more an employer will be willing to pay you. Consequently, entry-level positions start on the low end of these ranges, while senior positions claim the highest salaries.
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Some CPE providers offer dashboards that allow you to track your completed courses and hours in real time. EAs and CPAs can both expect to make a good living in the accounting field. According to Glassdoor Opens in new window, the average salary enrolled agent salary for EAs is around $59,000 per year. That number reflects the base pay and does not include tips, commissions, profit shares, etc.
- After passing all four sections, you qualify to become a CPA.
- This is particularly true if they work in a reputable accounting firm or the private sector.
- You don’t need a college degree or experience, though you will need to pass the three-part EA Exam.
- Your EA background demonstrates the tax knowledge these positions require.
- The largest firms in the country pull in billions of dollars in revenue annually and employ tens of thousands of people.
- CPAs have broader professional authority than EAs, including the ability to perform audits and attest to financial statements.
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- CPAs can work in a traditional office setting in a public accounting firm or corporation and typically have specific working hours.
- An IRS Enrolled Agent is a federally licensed tax practitioner authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.
- But the average EA salary in Dallas for jobs posted in the area pay between $36,674 and $53,100 annually.
- It has four sections, covers a broad mix of accounting, audit, and tax topics, and requires hundreds of hours of study.
- The specific income depends on experience, specialization, and location.
- If you want a broader career with options beyond tax, the CPA path makes more sense.
The specific income depends on experience, specialization, and location. If you want a breakdown of the exam topics and what you need to study for each part, this Enrolled Agent Syllabus Guide provides a complete, updated retained earnings outline. Beyond basic return preparation, understanding software features for review, analysis, and workflow management sets you apart. Many firms struggle to find EAs who can leverage technology effectively. Demonstrating that you can improve efficiency through better software utilization makes the case for higher compensation.
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Many earn a significant portion of their annual income during this period, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 a month, based on client volume and complexity of cases. Many US tax firms and outsourcing companies hire EAs in India to handle preparation, review, and compliance work for American clients. Remote work arrangements have expanded these opportunities significantly. Entry-level Enrolled Agents in the United States typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually. Starting salaries vary based on location, employer type, and prior experience in tax preparation or related fields.
