02 September

Your Roadmap To Enrolled Agent Certification

Are you delving into the specialised domain of taxation? Pursuing an Enrolled Agent (EA) certification can be a highly rewarding step in your professional journey. Enrolled agent coaching in Delhi opens up the doors to substantial career growth and increased earning potential. Once you’ve committed to pursuing the EA certification, understanding the steps to navigate your EA journey is crucial.

Roadmap to Achieve The EA Certification

Although formal education is not required to become an Enrolled Agent, prior experience in the tax industry is advantageous. However, regardless of previous employment, anyone can become an EA if they meet the IRS requirements.

Here are the steps you may take to start your EA career:

Research the EA course requirements

The first step towards becoming an EA is to research the requirements. Investigate the course and envision how its role aligns with your career aspirations. The IRS website lists applicants’ requirements to take the EA test. Applicants must have five years of experience providing customers with tax advisory, compliance, or representation services. Candidates must also pass a three-part exam covering individual and corporate tax law.

Complete the IRS Form 23

The IRS Form 23 application for agent enrollment must be completed as the next step. This document must be signed by both the candidate and a certified public accountant or a licensed practising attorney.

Submit the Application fee

Before making an appointment to take the exam, you must register for each section through Prometric, which administers it on behalf of the IRS. Make sure that the Form 23 is included with the fee.

Schedule an Appointment for Biometric

The applicant must schedule a fingerprinting appointment after submitting Form 23 and the required application fee. Fingerprints will be used for a background check, which is required as part of the enrollment process.

Complete the EA Exam

The three parts of the EA exam cover individual and corporate tax law issues. The total number of questions is subtracted from the total number of correct answers during each exam section, and the results are then converted to a scale of 40 to 130. Applicants must pass all three test sections to receive their EA certification.

  • Individual tax returns (Federal tax laws, tax ethics, income tax).
  • Business tax returns (Federal tax law, tax ethics, income tax).
  • IRS representation and protocols.

Apply for a PTIN

Professionals aiding with tax returns need a valid PTIN. After passing the EA exam, candidates must apply for one to represent clients before the IRS. Create an IRS account, providing your SSN, personal and professional details, certifications, and prior year’s tax info. Submit and pay the fee for the IRS to issue your PTIN online. Once obtained, ensure to renew your PTIN annually. It’s a crucial credential for maintaining your status as a tax professional.

Maintain your Certification

Maintaining your Enrolled Agent certification requires 72 hours of continuing education every three years. These credits can be earned through conferences, courses, and reading. Ethics receives two hours of dedicated education.

Conclusion

Choosing to become an Enrolled Agent is a strategic career move, opening doors to lucrative prospects and personal growth. The path to becoming an enrolled agent demands dedication and determination, but it ultimately leads to a fulfilling profession.

At AKPIS Professionals, we provide the guidance and resources needed to excel in the EA certification journey. Besides EA, we also provide an IFRS online certification course and other accounting courses. Our courses prepare students and working professionals to confidently pass their exams on their first attempt, giving their careers a powerful boost.