What is Best Choice for 2019 Preparation Enrolled Agent or CPA?

If you’re looking to hire a professional tax preparer for 2019, hiring an enrolled agent (EA) for taxes instead of a certified public accountant (CPA) can offer you a competitive advantage in managing your tax liability.

CPAs, are professionals that are hired to manage tax matters and accounting for businesses.  These matter include tax returns, local and state audits and financial reports. Every CPA must secure a license for their respective states.   US states require CPAs to pass an exam. However, each state has specific requirements.

Enrolled agents are licensed through the US Department of Treasury. Their testing for licensure is a three-part exam on the federal tax code.  In fact enrolled agents have the highest credential awarded by the IRS. Whereas, CPAs are only provided On the other hand, their applicable state boards of accountancy.

Additionally, an Enrolled Agent has a responsibility to maintain continuing education hours.  As the tax code is continually changing, an enrolled agent has a US mandated duty to take 72 hours of training every three years and 16 hours each enrollment year.  These hours must include some hours on ethics. As you can see the bar is set very high for enrolled agents due to the specialty in the Tax Code.

EAs’ and CPAs’ licenses allow them to offer the same tax preparation services such as preparing tax returns, performing audits, advising on bookkeeping, etc. However, because of the vigorous vetting and continuing education requirements, enrolled agents can additionally provide their clients with two things: Services in any state in the country and representation before the IRS in the event of an audit.

The first advantage using an enrolled agent for tax preparation is their ability to practice in any state.  If you have business and assets in other states an EA has the ability to do fillings in any state. This saves you time and money over a CPA as well the confidence in knowing no matter where you go your EA can handle your taxes anywhere in the United States.

Another advantage an EA has is the specialized knowledge of the federal Tax code.  Many have working experience with the IRS and have development relationships with the management. The credentials and/or experience can better equip EAs with the language and tools necessary to prevent their clients from getting audited. That means less time and potential liability for you, the taxpayer.

If an audit does arise, EAs can appear on their clients’ behalf.  They negotiate a settlement, conduct hearing and manage appeals. If you ever get into tax trouble having an EA can be a relief. In consideration of the vast training, continual education and ability to represent their clients in IRS audits, EAs have significant advantages over CPAs.

If you’re in need of a 2019 tax preparer, King Financial Services are she to help you resolve your tax problems and put an end to the misery that the IRS can put you through. We pride ourselves on being very efficient, affordable, and, of course, extremely discrete.

We are proud to service locally in the Arlington, TX area including, but not limited to, the cities of Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Fort Worth, Haltom City, Hurst, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, and Watauga, TX.  Call us to prepare your 2019 Taxes. Our Enrolled Agents are ready. Call 800-503-1343