[Teddybear91]

I’ve recently been thinking about getting my EA license and starting my own practice. I’ve been working in tax for a couple of years now both in Big 4 tax and a small, boutique CPA firm where I did everything from high net worth individuals, trusts, gift, partnerships, corps (s-corps) and nonprofit returns. I also have experience in tax planning and responding to tax notices, etc.

I’m worried about how to get clients – does anyone have experience in this?

Or am I just making a big mistake that I’ll probably regret?

Is the EA going to help me or hurt me?

Is it total career suicide to get the EA and just never bother with the CPA?

[clrk217john]

I got the EA as a sophomore in college just because I liked tax and didn't have enough credits for CPA at that point. Having an EA definitely will not hurt you (and it's obviously better than no credential whatsoever), but why not just go for the CPA/get both? CPA is much more widely recognized than the EA and allows you to do more than an EA alone would be capable of doing, which could be valuable if you start your own practice.

FAR - 95, 2/17/2016
AUD - 98, 4/2/2016
REG - 92, 6/10/2016
BEC - Waiting for Score, 7/9/2016

[Missy]

Its just not as widely recognized, and while that doesn't affect your ability it does affect your marketability.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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