[Shanti]

I’d like to get some opinions. I have been doing bookkeeping and taxes on my own (can’t find a job with a CPA firm), but a couple of the CPA’s that I do their clients’ books keep asking me about getting my EA.

I haven’t passed or taken any sections of the CPA exam, that’s coming in this next window. Because I haven’t found a job where I can be supervised by a CPA, I don’t have the qualifying work experience needed. I don’t have an accounting degree, but went back to school and got the classes I needed to sit for the exam.

What my question is is whether or not I should take the SEE exam and be more marketable, not only in my business but so that I might be able to get a job. I have one CPA that has said he wants me as his seasonal tax help (nothing in writing), but that’s the closest I’ve come to a job or an interview for that matter.

So, tell me what you think. EA or not?

[Shanti]

@Cal

The CRTP is limited as far as talking to the IRS on behalf of the clients. I've been a CRTP for the last 2 tax seasons and I think my timing has just been off for getting a job. Most firms start looking in Oct/Nov for the upcoming season and I've been trying to do either my own business or get a job the whole time (without success). I have had a couple calls from temp agencies wanting to send me out for a job until they hear I'm not an EA. I wish they would really look at your profile before they call you and get you excited. So, I'm thinking that an EA would be better than the CRTP.

[Author]

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