Other commitments, like work or family, may increase the time you need. Preparing for the individual taxation part requires around 100 to 150 hours. This section includes rules on filing requirements, income, deductions, credits, and other individual tax details. Earning your QuickBooks Enrolled Agent credential opens the doors to wider career opportunities than you would otherwise have.
Testing order
- Retaking a section may add several weeks or months to the overall timeline.
- You will also receive diagnostic information to assist you with future examination preparation.
- ”, it’s important to understand that it does require dedicated study and preparation.
- Experienced tax professionals may complete the process in 6 to 12 months.
- Tax preparation certifications signal elite levels of professional competence.
Unlike many other professional certifications or licenses, the EA credential has relatively few requirements. You must get your PTIN number, pass all three sections of the EA Exam, and then apply. Peruse CPA certification requirements to learn about the education, experience, and exams you need to become a certified public accountant. Each section tests your knowledge of taxation sub-domains, business taxation, and representation rights and procedures. After you’ve passed all three Enrolled Agent exam parts within three years, you’ll need to apply for EA enrollment. After you complete the EA exam scheduling process, check your email to make sure you receive your appointment confirmation, which contains other useful information about your exam.
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Once you click “continue,” you will be brought to a third-party website. Please be aware, the privacy policy may differ on the third-party website. Adtalem Global Education is not responsible for the security, contents and accuracy of any information provided on the third-party website. Note that the website may still https://www.bookstime.com/articles/invoicing-tools be a third-party website even the format is similar to the Becker.com website. Once you have the credential, you can begin working as an Enrolled Agent. The IRS EA Exam is divided into three separate sections, and each section covers specific topics called “domains.”
Are you ready to start studying for the Special Enrollment Exam?
If you don’t have any convictions or discrepancies with your federal tax obligations, the IRS will grant you a PTIN immediately. Altogether, the online application process takes about 15 minutes. Passing each section requires a solid understanding of tax concepts and regulations. For optimal preparation, many aspiring EAs take dedicated courses, study tax publications, and utilize review materials focused on the SEE. For one, you can only carry over a passing score from one part of the exam for up to 2 years. If more than 2 years go by after you pass one exam part, you’ll have to retake it.
I have taken college coursework in accounting, but my degree is in engineering. Creating a study schedule helps organize study time and set goals. A clear schedule shows what to study each week and keeps you on track. Setting daily or weekly goals helps make steady progress toward passing the SEE. A well-planned study schedule is key to becoming an enrolled agent with no experience completing the process efficiently. Common challenges, such as failing an exam section, can prolong the process.
Not all test centers are equally equipped for all accommodations. Prometric has a testing accommodations request packet that you’ll need to call about. Make sure you account for the testing window closure during March and April in your plan to earn your Enrolled Agent certification. The EA exam testing window lasts from May 1 through February of the following year. The EA exam isn’t available in March or April because this time is set aside each year by the IRS to update the EA exam.
Background check
- You’ll need to learn more about your enrollment cycle to meet these requirements.
- Keep this letter in a safe place, as it confirms your status and rights as an EA.
- In 1972, the National Association of Enrolled Agents was formed.
- In this article, we’ll dive into three unique ways to gain experience as an enrolled agent.
- Grow your career without a degree, high-level math, or accounting knowledge.
- In that case, you need to learn about the enrolled agent requirements.
Renewal open season usually begins each year in mid-October. Thankfully, the renewal process is quick, easy, and inexpensive. The benefits of the EA designation may be enough to convince you to embark on the EA journey.
But, again compared with other professional certifications, earning your EA credential can happen much more quickly. After passing the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), there are a few steps before you receive your Enrolled Agent credential. The IRS reviews each application, completes background checks, and issues the EA number. Each step is important to ensure that new EAs are qualified and meet the requirements. An Enrolled Agent is a tax practitioner who is federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).