What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?

Trusted Tax Experts, Licensed by the U.S. Treasury

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax professional with proven expertise in taxation. Unlike most preparers, EAs are authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS at all administrative levels.

Why “Enrolled Agent”?

  • Enrolled → Licensed directly by the federal government.

  • Agent → Authorized to act on behalf of taxpayers before the IRS.

Along with CPAs and attorneys, EAs are the only professionals with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

How EAs Can Help You

Enrolled Agents specialize in:

  • Preparing tax returns for individuals, businesses, trusts, and estates.

  • Advising on complex tax matters, including audits, foreign taxes, and investments.

  • Representing clients during IRS audits, appeals, and collection issues.

In short: if it involves taxes, an EA is your advocate.

EA vs. CPA or Attorney

  • EAs specialize exclusively in taxation.

  • CPAs and attorneys may practice tax, but it’s not their required focus.

  • EAs earn their right to practice directly from the U.S. government, not state licensing boards.

Becoming an EA

EAs must either:

  • Pass a rigorous multi-part IRS exam covering all aspects of tax law, or

  • Qualify through years of IRS experience.

They also undergo strict background checks.

Commitment to Education & Ethics

  • Continuing Education: 72 hours every three years to maintain their license.

  • Ethics: Bound by U.S. Treasury Circular 230, with strict accountability standards.

This keeps EAs current with the ever-changing tax code.

Why Work with an EA from Dollars & Sense?

Not only are several of our professionals licensed Enrolled Agents — we’re also members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), which requires even more continuing education than the IRS mandates. That means you get trusted, ethical, and highly knowledgeable representation when it matters most.