Learn everything you need to know to become an Enrolled Agent in less time and for a lot less money! The guide below will explain all the steps to become an EA and provide you with a detailed study plan to pass the EA exam on your first attempt, guaranteed!
Learn the full process for how to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) – the federally authorized tax specialists licensed by the IRS to advise on tax preparation, audits, appeals, and more. This article details the EA exam, experience, continuing education, and other requirements needed to earn the highest and only credential awarded by the IRS.
To grasp the path to becoming an Enrolled Agent, it’s essential to first comprehend what the role entails. An Enrolled Agent is a tax expert authorized at the federal level, having successfully cleared a stringent three-part test overseen by the IRS. Not only must EAs consistently update their tax code knowledge through ongoing education, but they also adhere to the utmost ethical guidelines.
Enrolled Agents possess a diverse set of skills to assist individuals with their tax needs. Their services include:
Education: No formal educational prerequisites. EAs can have varied backgrounds; the IRS values ability over academic history.
Experience: Prior work in accounting or taxes isn’t needed. It’s about mastering tax law and regulations, proven by passing the EA exam. Some opt for relevant experience before the exam, but it’s optional.
Examination: Candidates must clear the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). This test covers federal tax law and IRS practices over 3 segments: Individuals, Businesses, and Representation & Procedures. All 3 parts must be passed within 2-3 years at designated testing centers.
Suitability: EAs undergo a background check, ensuring no disqualifying past conduct. They need an annually renewed IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and must pursue continuous education to uphold their status.
To become an EA, follow these steps:
*Some former IRS employees may be exempt from the exam requirement due to their past technical experience.
To get started, review the EA exam prep Candidate Information Bulletin.
You can also read more on our blog, How To Become An Enrolled Agent.
Earning Potential as an Enrolled Agent:
Career Flexibility:
Impact & Satisfaction:
Make a Difference:
Becoming an enrolled agent (EA) and earning the right to practice before the IRS involves passing a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of taxation. This section provides a step-by-step guide on how to become an enrolled agent and the most effective study plan to pass the EA exam on your first attempt.
Begin by selecting the exam part where you’re most knowledgeable, whether it’s Individuals or Businesses. This initial confidence boost and experience gained will create momentum going into the next two parts. Do NOT try to take all 3 parts at the same time. Focus on one at a time.
Post diagnosis, access the Study Guide section of the EA Exam Test Bank. Here, a tailored study guide will be available, curated based on your performance in the subject covered on the part of the exam. This ensures maximum productivity in your study hours by providing content with the greatest opportunity to increase your real exam performance.
For topics that you’re struggling with, go through Power Notes. They will offer concise yet comprehensive explanations and content, strengthening your understanding of subjects with the most room for improvement and the highest probability of raising your actual exam score.
Use the vast repository of questions in the Test Bank to intensively practice on areas you’re weak in using the Subject Performance drop-down. Given that EA Exam Test Bank offers 3-5 times more questions than other providers, you’re bound to master your weak points.
Whenever you find yourself stuck or in need of further clarification, turn to the AI tutor. This feature will provide in-depth explanations, enhancing your comprehension. Ask the AI to provide in-depth explanations, calculations, and more.
Test fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. $203 fee per part must be paid at the time of appointment scheduling.
There are three parts to the SEE:
There are 100 questions in each part of the SEE.
Each part requires the 100 questions to be answered within 3.5 hours. The actual seat time is 4 hours as there will be a tutorial, a survey, and a scheduled 15-minute break for each part.
The simple answer is the tax law used to file your personal or business tax returns. So, any tax law passed by December 31 in the previous year unless otherwise stated. All questions refer to the previous calendar year, unless otherwise stated. Questions containing the term “current year” refer to the previous calendar year. Candidates should not take into account any legislation or court decisions after December 31 of the previous year when answering questions.
Exams can be taken in any order.
The testing window runs from May 1 to the end of February, and each exam part may be taken four times. With the correct EA exam prep you should pass each on the first attempt.
Tests are offered from May 1 to the end of February of the following year. They are not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April when the exams are reviewed and updated.
It is possible to schedule an examination appointment either through Prometric.com/see, by calling 800-306-3926 (toll-free) or 443-751-4193 (toll) on weekdays between 8am and 9pm ET, or by completing Form 2587. Payment for the exam must be made at this time and MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are all accepted. For those using Prometric.com/see to register, you must create a user profile first – refer to the “What’s New” job aid for more information on this step.
It is possible to reschedule your appointment online or by phone. You will need your confirmation number in order to do so. You can contact Prometric online or by calling 800-306-3926 (toll-free) or 443-751-4193 (toll) on weekdays between 8am and 9pm ET.
Generally, cancellations will not be refunded. Rescheduling fees will apply as follows:
Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) international testing is available for the dates and locations below. Candidates can schedule their exams online or call 800-306-3926 (toll-free) or +1 443-751-4193 (toll), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (ET).
A passing score can generally be carried over for two years from the date the candidate passed that part of the examination. Due to the global pandemic, the two-year testing period has been extended to three years in order to provide candidates with flexibility in testing while allowing more time for EA exam prep.
Candidates who pass a part of the examination can retain passing scores for up to three years from the date that section was cleared. For instance, if a candidate passed Part 1 on November 15, 2020 and then Part 2 on February 15, 2021, they have until November 15, 2023 to clear the last part or lose credit for Part 1. The same applies for Part 2: if not completed by February 15, 2024, credit cannot be awarded.
There will be paper, pencils, and calculators provided at the test site. Personal items must be stored in a locker and cannot be taken into the testing room. It is a closed book exam and no EA exam prep materials are allowed in during the test. Candidates not scheduled to take the test cannot wait in the test center. We have published a complete list of test center rules for your reference.
You cannot bring in an EA exam prep materials and food and water are also not permitted. There are three reasons for avoiding food and water in the testing room. First, it reduces the chances of cheating. Second, it avoids possible damage to computer equipment from spills. Third, it can distract other test takers. Candidates may take breaks to access the test center’s water fountain and store bottled water and food in their lockers.
A pass/fail message will appear on your computer screen. Your test score is confidential and will only be accessible by you and the IRS.
Following a scoring study, the IRS determined the scoring methodology. The scaled passing score for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for becoming an Enrolled Agent has been determined by a panel of subject matter experts consisting of Enrolled Agents and IRS representatives. The scaled passing score is 105 out of 150 points or ~73%.
After passing the third examination part, you must apply for enrollment within one year.
Pay.gov allows you to apply electronically for enrollment and pay the $140 enrollment fee securely.
A completed Form 23, Application for Enrollment to Practice before the IRS, along with a check for $140, can also be submitted by mail.
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If you want to prepare for something effectively, you need to do that exact thing. You will be faced with multiple choice questions. Taking as many new practice questions as you can is the most efficient way to pass these exams.
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Achieve success in your exams with our comprehensive study toolkit, carefully designed to help you master the exam material and pass the Enrolled Agent exam. Take this chance to speed up your exam preparation and confidently tackle the IRS SEE!
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Get ready to pass the IRS SEE with the 'Comprehensive Enrolled Agent Exam Study Guide (Parts 1-3).' This complete guide is carefully made for students who want to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) on their first attempt.
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