Become an Enrolled Agent: Step-by-Step Guide
Passing the Enrolled Agent (EA) exam opens the door to...
Additional Standard Deduction – Aged or Blind Individuals
$1,500
Additional Standard Deduction – Unmarried Individuals not a Surviving Spouse
$1,850
Adoption Assistance Programs – Exclusion amount for the adoption of a child with special needs
$15,950
Adoption Assistance Programs – Phase out end for modified adjusted gross income
$279,230
Adoption Assistance Programs – Phase out start for modified adjusted gross income
$239,230
Adoption Credit – Amount
$15,950
Adoption Credit – Phaseouts
The Adoption Credit phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $239,230 and completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $279,230 or more.
Annual Exclusion for Gifts – Gifts to a spouse who is not a citizen of the United States
$175,000
Applicable Exclusion Amount for Estate and Gift Tax – Applicable Exclusion Amount
$12,920,000
Applicable Exclusion Amount for Estate and Gift Tax – Credit Amount
$5,113,800
Cafeteria Plans – Maximum carryover amount for unused health flexible spending arrangement funds
$610
Cafeteria Plans – Voluntary employee salary reduction contribution limit for health flexible spending arrangements
$3,050
Child Tax Credit – The amount used to determine the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.
$1,600
Credits and Deductions – Special rules deduction amount
$4,700
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with No Qualifying Children
$24,210
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with One Qualifying Child
$53,120
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with Three or More Qualifying Children
$63,398
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with Two Qualifying Children
$59,478
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with No Qualifying Children
$17,640
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with One Qualifying Child
$46,560
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with Three or More Qualifying Children
$56,838
Earned Income Credit – Completed Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with Two Qualifying Children
$52,918
Earned Income Credit – Earned Income Amount for No Qualifying Children
$7,840
Earned Income Credit – Earned Income Amount for One Qualifying Child
$11,750
Earned Income Credit – Earned Income Amount for Three or More Qualifying Children
$16,510
Earned Income Credit – Earned Income Amount for Two Qualifying Children
$16,510
Earned Income Credit – Excessive Investment Income Limit
$11,000
Earned Income Credit – Maximum Credit Amount for No Qualifying Children
$600
Earned Income Credit – Maximum Credit Amount for One Qualifying Child
$3,995
Earned Income Credit – Maximum Credit Amount for Three or More Qualifying Children
$7,430
Earned Income Credit – Maximum Credit Amount for Two Qualifying Children
$6,604
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with No Qualifying Children
$16,370
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with One Qualifying Child
$28,120
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with Three or More Qualifying Children
$28,120
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Married Filing Jointly with Two Qualifying Children
$28,120
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with No Qualifying Children
$9,800
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with One Qualifying Child
$21,560
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with Three or More Qualifying Children
$21,560
Earned Income Credit – Threshold Phaseout Amount for Single, Surviving Spouse, or Head of Household with Two Qualifying Children
$21,560
Elementary and Secondary School Teachers – Allowed deduction for qualified expenses
$300
Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums – Limitation for age 40 or less
$480
Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums – Limitation for ages more than 40 but not more than 50
$890
Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums – Limitation for ages more than 50 but not more than 60
$1,790
Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums – Limitation for ages more than 60 but not more than 70
$4,770
Eligible Long-Term Care Premiums – Limitation for ages more than 70
$5,960
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – Catch-Up Contribution Limit for Participants Age 50 or Older
$7,500
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – Qualified Plans – Annual Compensation Limit
$330,000
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – §401(k), §403(b), & §457
$22,500
Estate Tax – 2-percent portion for calculating interest on estate tax payable in installments
$1,750,000
Estate Tax – Limit on value decrease for qualified real property under special use valuation
$1,310,000
Estate Tax – Unified credit against estate tax basic exclusion amount
$12,920,000
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Complete phaseout amount for Estates and Trusts
$208,200
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Complete phaseout amount for Joint Returns or Surviving Spouses
$1,662,300
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Complete phaseout amount for Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
$831,150
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Complete phaseout amount for Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses)
$903,350
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Estates and Trusts
$28,400
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Excess taxable income above which the 28 percent tax rate applies for All Other Taxpayers
$220,700
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Excess taxable income above which the 28 percent tax rate applies for Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
$110,350
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Joint Returns or Surviving Spouses
$126,500
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
$63,250
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Threshold phaseout amount for Estates and Trusts
$94,600
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Threshold phaseout amount for Joint Returns or Surviving Spouses
$1,156,300
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Threshold phaseout amount for Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
$578,150
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Threshold phaseout amount for Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses)
$578,150
Exemption Amounts for Alternative Minimum Tax – Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses)
$81,300
Expatriation – Average annual net income tax limit for covered expatriates
$190,000
Expatriation – Reduction amount for covered expatriate gross income
$821,000
Foreign Earned Income – Exclusion amount
$120,000
Foreign Earned Income – Maximum Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
$120,000
Foreign Gift Reporting – Threshold for reporting large gifts from foreign persons
$18,567
Gift Tax Annual Exclusion – Applicable Exclusion Amount
$17,000
Gift Tax Annual Exclusion – Married Couples Amount
$34,000
Health Savings Accounts – Contribution Limits – Age 55+ Catch-up
$1,000
Health Savings Accounts – Contribution Limits – Family
$7,750
Health Savings Accounts – Contribution Limits – Single
$3,850
Income from U.S. Savings Bonds – Complete phaseout modified adjusted gross income for all other returns paying higher education expenses
$106,850
Income from U.S. Savings Bonds – Complete phaseout modified adjusted gross income for joint returns paying higher education expenses
$167,800
Income from U.S. Savings Bonds – Phaseout starting modified adjusted gross income for all other returns paying higher education expenses
$91,850
Income from U.S. Savings Bonds – Phaseout starting modified adjusted gross income for joint returns paying higher education expenses
$137,800
Individual Tax Amounts – Per diem limitation under § 7702B(d)(4) for periodic payments received under a qualified long-term care insurance contract
$420
Interest on Education Loans – Deduction phase-out end for MFJ filers
$185,000
Interest on Education Loans – Deduction phase-out end for single filers
$90,000
Interest on Education Loans – Deduction phase-out start for MFJ filers
$155,000
Interest on Education Loans – Deduction phase-out start for single filers
$75,000
Kiddie Tax – Amount used to reduce the net unearned income subject to “kiddie tax”.
$1,250
Kiddie Tax – Maximum gross income threshold for parental election to include a child’s income.
$12,500
Kiddie Tax – Minimum gross income for parental election to include a child’s income.
$1,250
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum 15 percent rate amount for all other individuals.
$492,300
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum 15 percent rate amount for Estates and Trusts.
$14,650
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum 15 percent rate amount for Heads of Household.
$523,050
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum 15 percent rate amount for Married Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouse.
$553,850
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum 15 percent rate amount for Married Filing Separately.
$276,900
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum zero rate amount for all other individuals.
$44,625
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum zero rate amount for Estates and Trusts.
$3,000
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum zero rate amount for Heads of Household.
$59,750
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum zero rate amount for Married Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouse.
$89,250
Maximum Capital Gains Rate – The maximum zero rate amount for Married Filing Separately.
$44,625
Medical Savings Accounts – Maximum annual deductible for family coverage
$7,900
Medical Savings Accounts – Maximum annual deductible for self-only coverage
$3,950
Medical Savings Accounts – Maximum annual out-of-pocket expenses for family coverage
$9,650
Medical Savings Accounts – Maximum annual out-of-pocket expenses for self-only coverage
$5,300
Medical Savings Accounts – Minimum annual deductible for family coverage
$5,300
Medical Savings Accounts – Minimum annual deductible for self-only coverage
$2,650
Qualified Business Income – Phase-in range amount for All Other returns
$232,100
Qualified Business Income – Phase-in range amount for Married Filing Joint returns
$464,200
Qualified Business Income – Phase-in range amount for Married Filing Separate returns
$232,100
Qualified Business Income – Threshold amount for All Other returns
$182,100
Qualified Business Income – Threshold amount for Married Filing Joint returns
$364,200
Qualified Business Income – Threshold amount for Married Filing Separate returns
$182,100
Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit – Monthly limitation for qualified parking exclusion amount
$300
Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit – Monthly limitation for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and any transit pass
$300
Qualifying Relative – Gross income limitation exemption amount
$4,700
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for all other taxpayers with household income at least 200% but less than 300%
$1,800
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for all other taxpayers with household income at least 300% but less than 400%
$3,000
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for all other taxpayers with household income less than 200%
$700
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of household) with household income at least 200% but less than 300%
$900
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of household) with household income at least 300% but less than 400%
$1,500
Refundable Credit for Coverage Under a Qualified Health Plan – Limitation amount for unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of household) with household income less than 200%
$350
Roth IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Married Filing Jointly
$218,000-$228,000
Roth IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Married Filing Separately
$0-$10,000
Roth IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Single or Head of Household
$138,000-$153,000
Social Security and Self-Employment Tax Limit
$160,200
Standard Deduction – All Other Taxpayers
$13,850
Standard Deduction – Dependent Individual Cap
greater of $1,250 or sum of $400 and the individual’s earned income
Standard Deduction – Heads of Households
$20,800
Standard Deduction – Heads of Households
$20,800
Standard Deduction – Married Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouses
$27,700
Standard Deduction – Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving Spouses
$27,700
Standard Deduction – Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns
$13,850
Standard Deduction – Unmarried Individuals (not Surviving Spouses or Head of Households)
$13,850
Tax Penalties – Minimum penalty for failure to file income tax return within 60 days of due date
Lesser of $485 or 100%
Traditional IRAs & Roth IRAs Catch-Up Contribution for Participants Age 50 or Older
$1,000
Traditional IRAs & Roth IRAs Contribution Limits
$6,500
Traditional IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Married Filing Jointly and Participant in Employer Plan
$116,000-$136,000
Traditional IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Married Filing Jointly and Spouse in Employer Plan
$218,000-$228,000
Traditional IRAs – Deduction Phase-Out Range (Modified AGI) – Single or Head of Household and in Employer Plan
$73,000-$83,000
Wages and Salary – Exempt amount for calculation under § 6334(d)(4)(B)
$4,700
Agricultural Bonds – Loan limit amount for first-time farmers
$616,100
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for correction after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2024 for large businesses under § 6721(b)(2)
$1,891,500
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for correction after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2024 for small businesses under § 6721(d)(1)(C)
$630,500
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for correction on or before 30 days after required filing date for large businesses under § 6721(b)(1)
$630,500
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for correction on or before 30 days after required filing date for small businesses under § 6721(d)(1)(B)
$220,500
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for large businesses under § 6721(a)(1)
$3,783,000
Business Tax – Calendar Year Maximum penalty for small businesses under § 6721(d)(1)(A)
$1,261,000
Business Tax – General Rule for large businesses penalty per return under § 6721(a)(1)
$310
Business Tax – General Rule for small businesses penalty per return under § 6721(d)(1)(A)
$310
Business Tax – Penalty for intentional disregard of filing requirement for returns other than those required under specific sections under § 6721(e)(2)(A)
Greater of $630 or 10% of aggregate
Business Tax – Penalty for intentional disregard of filing requirement for returns required under specific sections under § 6721(e)(2)(B)
Greater of $630 or 5% of aggregate
Business Tax – Penalty for intentional disregard of filing requirement for returns required under § 6050I(a) under § 6721(e)(2)(C)
Greater of $31,520 or the amount of cash received up to $126,000
Business Tax – Penalty for intentional disregard of filing requirement for returns required under § 6050V under § 6721(e)(2)(D)
Greater of $630 or 10% of contract value
Business Tax – Penalty per return for correction after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2024 for large businesses under § 6721(b)(2)
$120
Business Tax – Penalty per return for correction after 30th day but on or before August 1, 2024 for small businesses under § 6721(d)(1)(C)
$120
Business Tax – Penalty per return for correction on or before 30 days after required filing date for large businesses under § 6721(b)(1)
$60
Business Tax – Penalty per return for correction on or before 30 days after required filing date for small businesses under § 6721(d)(1)(B)
$60
Business Tax Amounts – Qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement limit for family coverage under § 9831(d)
$11,800
Business Tax Amounts – Qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement limit for individual coverage under § 9831(d)
$5,850
Cash Method of Accounting – Gross receipts test limit
$29,000,000
Charitable Contributions – Insubstantial benefits return limits for full deduction
$12.50, $62.50, $125
Charitable Contributions – Low cost article limit for certain exempt organizations
$12.50 or less
Debt Instruments – Limits on principal of qualified and cash method debt instruments
$6,734,800; $4,810,600
Dues to Agricultural Organizations – Limitation on exemption
$191
Election to Expense – Maximum Section 179 property cost
$1,160,000
Election to Expense – Phase-out start for Section 179 property cost
$2,890,000
Election to Expense – SUV cost limitation under Section 179
$28,900
Employee Health Insurance Expense of Small Employers – Dollar amount in effect for limiting the small employer health insurance credit
$30,700
Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction – Base applicable dollar value
$0.54
Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction – Base applicable dollar value for certain property
$2.68
Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction – Maximum value increase per percentage point reduction
$1.07
Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction – Maximum value increase per percentage point reduction for certain property
$5.36
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – Defined Contribution — Maximum Annual Addition
$66,000
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – SIMPLE IRS 50 or Older Additional Catch Up Amount
$3,500
ERISA and Tax Code Pension and Retirement Plan Limits – SIMPLE IRS Contribution Limit
$15,500
Excess Business Loss – Limit for individual filers
$289,000
Excess Business Loss – Limit for MFJ filers
$578,000
Failure to File Penalty – Partnership Return
$235
Failure to File Penalty – S Corporation Return
$235
First-Year Expensing Limits – §179 Expensing Limit
$1,160,000
First-Year Expensing Limits – §179 Property Cost Phaseout Begins
$2,890,000
General Arbitrage Rebate Rules – Computation credit amount
$1,960
Low-Income Housing Credit – Amount used to calculate the State housing credit ceiling
$3,185,000
Private Activity Bonds – State ceiling volume cap calculation
$358,845,000
Rehabilitation Expenditures Treated as Separate New Building – Per low-income unit qualified basis amount
$7,900
Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions – Lesser of limit for qualified administrative cost
$46,000
Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions – Maximum total brokers’ commissions treated as qualified administrative costs
$130,000
Safe Harbor Rules for Broker Commissions – Minimum fee treated as a qualified administrative cost
$5,000
Standard Mileage Rate
65.5
Tax on Insurance Companies – Alternative tax election limit for small companies
$2,650,000
Maximum Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to file correct information returns
$30,000
Maximum Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to furnish copy to taxpayer
$30,000
Maximum Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to furnish identifying number
$30,000
Maximum Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to retain copy or list
$30,000
Maximum Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to sign return
$30,000
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to be diligent in determining eligibility for head of household filing status, child tax credit, American Opportunity tax credit, and earned income credit
$600
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to file correct information returns (per return and item in return)
$60
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to furnish copy to taxpayer
$60
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to furnish identifying number
$60
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to retain copy or list
$60
Other Assessable Penalties – Failure to sign return
$60
Other Assessable Penalties – Negotiation of check (per check)
$600
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Amount of serious delinquent tax debt under § 7345 for passport revocation or denial
$59,000
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty if corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1 for gross receipts > $5M
$1,891,500
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty if corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1 for gross receipts ? $5M
$630,500
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty if corrected within 30 days for gross receipts > $5M
$630,500
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty if corrected within 30 days for gross receipts ? $5M
$220,500
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty under General Rule for gross receipts > $5M
$3,783,000
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Maximum calendar year penalty under General Rule for gross receipts ? $5M
$1,261,000
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty for intentional disregard of furnishing payee statements
Greater of $630 or 10% of aggregate amount
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement if corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1 for gross receipts > $5M
$120
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement if corrected after 30th day but on or before August 1 for gross receipts ? $5M
$120
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement if corrected within 30 days for gross receipts > $5M
$60
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement if corrected within 30 days for gross receipts ? $5M
$60
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement under General Rule for gross receipts > $5M
$310
Representation, Practices & Procedures – Penalty per statement under General Rule for gross receipts ? $5M
$310
Passing the Enrolled Agent (EA) exam opens the door to...
The journey to becoming an Enrolled Agent is both challenging...
Imagine gazing at a promising future as a tax professional.However,...
Achieving the status of an Enrolled Agent is a significant...
Are you envisioning a successful career as an Enrolled Agent?It's...