I have been an Enrolled Agent specializing in Tax Resolution for over 10 years. Many Accountants, CPA's and Lawyers (not tax lawyers) have come to me for post tax preparation issues with the IRS. As an Enrolled Agent I was taught to speek IRS Collections which is a very special and unique language. I speak with the IRS almost every day usually with someone much higher in the chain who is a robot with limited training. Being an EA allows me to control the conversations with an IRS Agent or better yet not allow them to control me. This is a very rewarding skill thats in extremely high demand and training that most CPA's and tax preparers don't have. When someone says "they'll have their CPA handle it", I tell them to keep my number because they'll likely need me.
@johnejonesea7448 Hi John, I'm starting my journey of learning more about being a tax professional and I'm looking for a mentor. Would you mind speaking with me?
I passed my CPA exams first, but have still yet to practice under that license. I practice using my Enrolled Agent credentials for my tax practice. I am also a multi small business owner and a high school teacher. I literally took the CPA exams to have the knowledge of a CPA being a small business owner; however it was easier for me to do all the things I do and still be a tax advisor and own a tax service getting my Enrolled Agent credentials. I recently retired from teaching and now trying to decide my next step. Great video. Good topic.
This guy nailed it. Less than 1/4 ( approx. 1/8 ) of the CPA Exam is about tax. Enrolled Agent is the only Federally recognized tax professionals' license.
There is some truth to that; however, if most CPAs actually took the time to register for the EA Exam shortly after they passed the Tax portion of the CPA, I am sure most would have success passing it.
@@norfolkcpaI don’t think so. The EA exam expects you to know individual and entity taxation like the back of your hand. You can get away with passing REG with very minimum tax knowledge
Another awesome thing; getting your EA while pursuing the CPA can also give you a tremendous up-advantage if you're going to become a tax-focused CPA. Many states require up to two years of experience at a CPA Firm to get CPA-Credentialed, but a CPA candidate who is also an EA can be hired from day one, no experience, and be put on POA to talk to the IRS on behalf of clients. Huge selling point at interviews.
Not true. We also have what's called a CPA mobility so we can also practice in all 49 states except Hawaii. Essentially, CPA's, EA's, and attorneys can practice in substantially all 50 states according to the IRS.
I have an EA/MBA but, CPA still get more respects than me for some reason. I wish the EA would change there name to CTA-Certify Tax Accountant. People just don’t seem gravitated towards the EA name. 🤷 CPA seems more attractive to clients.
I specifically went with the EA bc of their tax law expertise vs CPA and our EA was much easier to talk with bc of the verbiage she used like she was talking with us not to us lol EAs get the least respect but toe to toe, I’d take an EA over a CPA
The EA is actually a higher tax designation than the CPA. A CPA is an expert at auditing and not at taxes. Actually, if you don't plan on doing audits or reviews, then the CPA is pointless and it adds no value.
Alex, I just passed SEE1 on my first try! Your videos about the Enrolled Agent credential were really helpful. They got me excited, and provided much needed encouragement towards a achieving a goal which very few people understand or know anything about.
Thank you for helping me making a decision. That was very helpful. Putting my CPA on a back burner for now to pursue the EA credential. Awesome I have peace now lol!
Another great thing to add is when you take the EA you get the results right away AND it doesn’t require the 150 credit. So you can up your value while knocking out the CPA and getting the remaining credits if applicable.
The problem is if you are looking for jobs, they will almost always have "CPA required." You may see the rare few that will say "CPA or equivalent" but most companies want the CPA.
I agree completely with your perspective. As someone who has been going back and forth over the years about where I want to take my career, I appreciate a positive viewpoint with helpful insight so much more than a negative one with little to no insight. (Looking at you, grumpy accountants of Reddit) Thanks so much for the level of detail you provide in this video. I am about to finish my BA online in accounting, currently work as a staff accountant for a NFP (medical) and am trying to figure out what I want to do with my career. Your perspective is a breath of fresh air from the CPA-or-die people I have talked to recently.
At some point you will need the cpa to advance unless yo make a move outside of the accounting profession. The job opportunities available will help you decide.
If your just gonna do tax, and or retirement, EA is best, plus it’s accepted in all 50 states unlike the CPA. It’s cheaper to, think it cost $650-$700, and I set up a few social media, and emails, and collect clients to do their taxes, most times I don’t even have to meet them. Also I have gotten calls from HR block, Turbo tax about working with them. It’s great side money, I recommend everyone to do it. Wanted to add, CPA gives you more options, but I think it’s easier to make more money with EA.
Got my accounting degree last fall. Looking to get into school for a masters in taxation and will continue forward for the CPA.. Probably will try and add EA in my portfolio.
Thank you. Deciding to focus on the EA for now because I’m going to be working in public accounting tax. So focusing on financial statements doesn’t really makes sense at this point
Becoming an Enrolled Agent is an excellent idea to do before becoming a CPA! It will actually help you with study preparation for the tax portion of your exam. Similar to Mr. Efros, I was able to pickup both the EA and the CPA, so I speak from experience.
I am studying EA exam, planning to sit for CPA exam after doing EA. I am looking to start my side hustle by providing my services for Business and personal taxes and then grow my services to be full time practicing professional and quiting my job in future.
This may have been mentioned ... but if not... a CPA... can only represent a client in the state they are licensed in...an EA doesn't have that restriction.
It depends. There’s no education requirements so you can sit for the EA anytime and the review courses are a lot cheaper. If you’re close to sitting for the cpa exam don’t split your focus. Focus on the cpa exam.
I'm new to your channel(love the video, btw), and I'm a Tax Preparer with an established clientele already. I had been considering becoming an EA but have decided to become a CPA instead. I'm beginning my education for it but I was wondering; The last requirement for becoming a CPA is to train for a year under another CPA for so many hours(I live in California), and once I finish my education I'll have to do it. Do you have any suggestions for how I could get that done without giving up my business? I'm kind of rooted to it now and can't really start working at another firm. I'm trying to attack the problem before it becomes one.
Hi I wanted to ask does it matter if you study from an older study guide for the EA or do you have to study from a more recent year study guide to pass the EA exam.
Usually if you only have an EA certification you will be consider a low to medium level expert, because most professionals on this field are CPA or MBA which means they went thru a Masters degree and have a vast knowledge of business operations which helps a lot in order to plan ahead and understand all the benefits. Dont get me wrong more than likely with the EA you are able to do most of the '"common " returns, but for a small/medium company already making above average revenue it is a better option someone with all the education possible.
He's a CPA so clearly has some brain cells and must've been making a joke. I don't quote get the joke, except absolutely has 4 syllables and he really thinks one should go for the EA!
I have been an Enrolled Agent specializing in Tax Resolution for over 10 years. Many Accountants, CPA's and Lawyers (not tax lawyers) have come to me for post tax preparation issues with the IRS. As an Enrolled Agent I was taught to speek IRS Collections which is a very special and unique language. I speak with the IRS almost every day usually with someone much higher in the chain who is a robot with limited training. Being an EA allows me to control the conversations with an IRS Agent or better yet not allow them to control me. This is a very rewarding skill thats in extremely high demand and training that most CPA's and tax preparers don't have. When someone says "they'll have their CPA handle it", I tell them to keep my number because they'll likely need me.
I’m definitely going to have to get some tips from you. I think
Im going to go for the Enrolled Agent
Heads of too you Sir really helpfull for me your comments,I am planning to pursue the Enrolled Agent course, Thanks
It’s not simply the EA designation that makes them skilled, it’s the 10 years of experience that most likely played a large part.
I wanna be like you when I grow up 😊
@johnejonesea7448 Hi John, I'm starting my journey of learning more about being a tax professional and I'm looking for a mentor. Would you mind speaking with me?
Thank you for making this, I’m studying for the EA right now and it’s so rare to find content about that credential.
Glad it was helpful -- good luck! :D
Hello EA is worth it or not
Hello
I passed my CPA exams first, but have still yet to practice under that license. I practice using my Enrolled Agent credentials for my tax practice. I am also a multi small business owner and a high school teacher. I literally took the CPA exams to have the knowledge of a CPA being a small business owner; however it was easier for me to do all the things I do and still be a tax advisor and own a tax service getting my Enrolled Agent credentials. I recently retired from teaching and now trying to decide my next step. Great video. Good topic.
Thank you for watching and for your feedback -- much appreciated! :D
This guy nailed it. Less than 1/4 ( approx. 1/8 ) of the CPA Exam is about tax. Enrolled Agent is the only Federally recognized tax professionals' license.
There is some truth to that; however, if most CPAs actually took the time to register for the EA Exam shortly after they passed the Tax portion of the CPA, I am sure most would have success passing it.
@@norfolkcpaI don’t think so. The EA exam expects you to know individual and entity taxation like the back of your hand. You can get away with passing REG with very minimum tax knowledge
Another awesome thing; getting your EA while pursuing the CPA can also give you a tremendous up-advantage if you're going to become a tax-focused CPA. Many states require up to two years of experience at a CPA Firm to get CPA-Credentialed, but a CPA candidate who is also an EA can be hired from day one, no experience, and be put on POA to talk to the IRS on behalf of clients. Huge selling point at interviews.
Nice 💪
A lot of CPA firms will,take non ea’s to do tax work, especially if they have some experience through an H&R Block type chain or an internship.
Exactly!
Another huge advantage of being an EA is that it's a nationally recognized credential whereas a CPA is a limited to a state.
E.A. grants jurisdiction to prepare tax in all 50 states...the CPA must apply in each state in which they practice.
Not true. We also have what's called a CPA mobility so we can also practice in all 49 states except Hawaii. Essentially, CPA's, EA's, and attorneys can practice in substantially all 50 states according to the IRS.
This is not true. CPA can practice in any state.
You were awesome throughout the video, great thanks,subscribed
Thank you for watching and for your kind words -- much appreciated! :D
I have an EA/MBA but, CPA still get more respects than me for some reason. I wish the EA would change there name to CTA-Certify Tax Accountant. People just don’t seem gravitated towards the EA name. 🤷 CPA seems more attractive to clients.
I specifically went with the EA bc of their tax law expertise vs CPA and our EA was much easier to talk with bc of the verbiage she used like she was talking with us not to us lol EAs get the least respect but toe to toe, I’d take an EA over a CPA
The EA is actually a higher tax designation than the CPA. A CPA is an expert at auditing and not at taxes. Actually, if you don't plan on doing audits or reviews, then the CPA is pointless and it adds no value.
@@goodtiymz8296 understandable but he’s speaking to public perception.
@@goodtiymz8296 in theory yes. But in reality, most people (potential clients) only know about CPAs/tax attorneys and don't know the difference
True no doubt ,EA name is a blunder
It’s good to be Tax smart and GAAP smart.
Alex, I just passed SEE1 on my first try! Your videos about the Enrolled Agent credential were really helpful. They got me excited, and provided much needed encouragement towards a achieving a goal which very few people understand or know anything about.
What is the average salary after doing EA in usa ??
A beginner here searching it up appreciate this comment so much
Hi Andrew I'm looking here for study material and reference. Could you kindly help me with that.
A million thanks to you man! You encourage me to study much more to become EA. Great video!
Thank you for helping me making a decision. That was very helpful. Putting my CPA on a back burner for now to pursue the EA credential. Awesome I have peace now lol!
Another great thing to add is when you take the EA you get the results right away AND it doesn’t require the 150 credit. So you can up your value while knocking out the CPA and getting the remaining credits if applicable.
Great video! Appreciate your perspective. I have been giving this a lot of thought.
Thanks for watching and for your kind words - cheers! :D
I am back in school and in my last year of accounting. I want to be a Tax focused CPA. Thank you for this advice.
Tax Smart and GAAP smart!!!! I like that, with your portion and giving you your credit, I am going to use that.
The problem is if you are looking for jobs, they will almost always have "CPA required." You may see the rare few that will say "CPA or equivalent" but most companies want the CPA.
I agree completely with your perspective. As someone who has been going back and forth over the years about where I want to take my career, I appreciate a positive viewpoint with helpful insight so much more than a negative one with little to no insight. (Looking at you, grumpy accountants of Reddit) Thanks so much for the level of detail you provide in this video. I am about to finish my BA online in accounting, currently work as a staff accountant for a NFP (medical) and am trying to figure out what I want to do with my career. Your perspective is a breath of fresh air from the CPA-or-die people I have talked to recently.
At some point you will need the cpa to advance unless yo make a move outside of the accounting profession. The job opportunities available will help you decide.
If your just gonna do tax, and or retirement, EA is best, plus it’s accepted in all 50 states unlike the CPA. It’s cheaper to, think it cost $650-$700, and I set up a few social media, and emails, and collect clients to do their taxes, most times I don’t even have to meet them. Also I have gotten calls from HR block, Turbo tax about working with them. It’s great side money, I recommend everyone to do it. Wanted to add, CPA gives you more options, but I think it’s easier to make more money with EA.
This really cleared the confusion. Thanks
Glad it was helpful -- thank you for your feedback! :D
Got my accounting degree last fall. Looking to get into school for a masters in taxation and will continue forward for the CPA.. Probably will try and add EA in my portfolio.
Hey there, thanks for watching and for your comment. Good luck with school and getting those credentials! :D
@@EfrosFinancial Thanks man, it’s a journey I just have to stick to the course.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you. Deciding to focus on the EA for now because I’m going to be working in public accounting tax. So focusing on financial statements doesn’t really makes sense at this point
Becoming an Enrolled Agent is an excellent idea to do before becoming a CPA! It will actually help you with study preparation for the tax portion of your exam. Similar to Mr. Efros, I was able to pickup both the EA and the CPA, so I speak from experience.
I am studying EA exam, planning to sit for CPA exam after doing EA. I am looking to start my side hustle by providing my services for Business and personal taxes and then grow my services to be full time practicing professional and quiting my job in future.
Just became an EA ... very eye oppening
I’m already looking at getting my next designation and the EA looks attractive based on the role models I follow.
Liked for the tax smart and GAPP smart!
Haha, much appreciated! Thank you! :D
Thanks sir for sharing your experience
Thank you for watching and for your kind words! :)
This may have been mentioned ... but if not... a CPA... can only represent a client in the state they are licensed in...an EA doesn't have that restriction.
It depends. There’s no education requirements so you can sit for the EA anytime and the review courses are a lot cheaper. If you’re close to sitting for the cpa exam don’t split your focus. Focus on the cpa exam.
I'm new to your channel(love the video, btw), and I'm a Tax Preparer with an established clientele already. I had been considering becoming an EA but have decided to become a CPA instead. I'm beginning my education for it but I was wondering; The last requirement for becoming a CPA is to train for a year under another CPA for so many hours(I live in California), and once I finish my education I'll have to do it. Do you have any suggestions for how I could get that done without giving up my business? I'm kind of rooted to it now and can't really start working at another firm. I'm trying to attack the problem before it becomes one.
Hi I wanted to ask does it matter if you study from an older study guide for the EA or do you have to study from a more recent year study guide to pass the EA exam.
What do you recommend if you just want to do tax advising and have absolutely no interest in preparing taxes for others
What class or course did you take to study for your EA test?
Hey Sandy, thank you for your question! I answered it in a video here: ua-cam.com/video/JeTusDlyrw8/v-deo.html. Hope this helps! :D
@@EfrosFinancial Thank you! It did help. I signed up for a course but it’s only prepare taxes not for EA.
Sir can i go for the Enrolled Agent in the future? after listen to your this video please,Thanks
Why does it take a 6 minute video to say "no?"
So with just an EA they can form/register businesses for people?
How did you qualify for the CFP also?
New sub
In terms of difficulty, what is the difference between CPAs exams and EAs exam
CPA exams are far more difficult than EA
Usually if you only have an EA certification you will be consider a low to medium level expert, because most professionals on this field are CPA or MBA which means they went thru a Masters degree and have a vast knowledge of business operations which helps a lot in order to plan ahead and understand all the benefits. Dont get me wrong more than likely with the EA you are able to do most of the '"common " returns, but for a small/medium company already making above average revenue it is a better option someone with all the education possible.
The difference is CPAs have college loans to payoff while EAs don't.
I have good bookkeeping experience any projects please help us with some business in India
When CPAs blow off EAs expertise, I just ask them who they take their tax CPE from. Heh.
They can take the same tax cpe as the ones for the cpa license. They just have to make sure it’s IRS approved. We do too.
Average student can pass "EA"
Sir if their any job requirement for tax preparer please tell me sir
www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/become-an-enrolled-agent hope this helps and i think they also do background checks
has CPA, counts "absolutely" as 4 words.
Doesn't get the joke, posts silly comment.
He's a CPA so clearly has some brain cells and must've been making a joke. I don't quote get the joke, except absolutely has 4 syllables and he really thinks one should go for the EA!