Current for the 2026-2027 EA examPSI scheduling update
EA Exam Part 3 / Specific Areas of Representation

Currently Not Collectible and Financial Analysis

Learn the decision pattern the exam can test, then apply it to a realistic taxpayer fact pattern.

By Jordan AshbyUpdated August 13, 2026Official IRS source below
Part 3Representation, Practices and Procedures
20 of 85questions in this domain
One decisionto practice before moving on

What changes the answer?

CNC is not debt forgiveness and may be reviewed if financial circumstances improve.

A tax-practice scenario

A taxpayer has low income, essential expenses, home equity, and an expiring collection period. Prepare a complete ability-to-pay analysis.

How to approach it

Identify the taxpayer, entity, transaction, and tax period first. Write the controlling tests in order, apply only the relevant facts, and keep the reporting result separate from any planning recommendation.

Do not take this shortcut.

Presenting a budget without reconciling bank records or collection standards.

Turn the rule into recall.

Tie income, expenses, assets, liabilities, dependents, health, and future changes to supporting records.

  1. ExplainState the governing distinction without notes.
  2. ApplyChange one fact in the scenario and predict the new result.
  3. RetrieveAnswer an unseen question, then review every option.

Official source and scope

This lesson follows the current PSI content outline and uses the IRS reference below for the underlying tax or practice framework. Always confirm current forms, instructions, thresholds, and effective dates before advising a taxpayer.