[Last Chance CPA]

Hello. I am ready to start studying for the EA exams since I cannot hold myself out as a CPA (I lack the work requirement). For reasons that I cannot recall now, it took me 5x to pass REG. And I think I know REG and BEC way better than FAR and AUD. The MBA helped me pass BEC easily.

I need to start my side hustle tax/accounting biz so need to get EA licensed ASAP.
1-Is the EA exam easy compared to REG? I know many have asked this question but I was looking for a couple of concrete reasons why EA is easier than REG.

2-I was thinking about going with PassKey. Should I go with the books or the software? $25 or $40 monthly subscription sounds really good for the software. And I am hearing there is one comprehensive book out there for all 3 parts? I am not seeing it on Amazon.

MBA, PMP, CPA, CISA -> EA…when will it stop 🙁

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Skynet]

The EA exam is very doable. You don't need a subscription.

The Passkey books from Amazon is more than adequate.

However, i highly recommend that you must purchase the Passkey book that has the 6 practice tests also too.( It looks the they broken it into 2 books now )

Finally, the order of the exam to take is: Individual, Business, then lastly Representation.

FYI – The EA exam is a cakewalk compare to REG. Each exams contains 100 questions all multiple choice with some redundant questions. Not only that, but you get 3.5 hours which you'll finish with time to spare.

Now back to chasing Victoria Secret Models.😀

[Last Chance CPA]

Thanks Skynet. How's the chase going anyway 🙂

It looks like they have separated each section over 3 books, and the there are 3 workbooks as well. This is for the 2019-2020 version. I may get the 2018-2019 PassKey version (3-in-1) or I may purchase the Fast Forward Academy book (3-in-1 with exams).

I think I saw a post where you mentioned that you are in So Cal? I am here in SD, and it sounds like I will need an EA license if I can't hold myself out as a CPA.

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Last Chance CPA]

Also, can I get a PTIN while studying for the Enrolled Agent exam? Or do I need to pass the exams, apply for the EA license, then obtain a PTIN? I am not seeing a definitive answer.

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Recked]

Anyone can apply for a PTIN, and you need a PTIN to take the EA exams.

[turo9992000]

Since you passed the CPA exam, you could probably pass the EA exam tomorrow without studying. Do you work in tax? The EA exam was made so that someone with about 5 years experience should be able to easily pass it.

[Last Chance CPA]

Ok, thank you both. I will register for a PTIN soon. I will purchase Fast Forward Academy 3-in-1 w/exam questions.

I do not work in tax. I learned a lot while studying for REG and I have completed approx 100 returns – e.g., VITA and friends. I am looking to start small…

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Recked]

The 2019-2020 PTIN early renewals are open, just did mine today.

[Last Chance CPA]

Done. I did it for 2020 only. I won't be ready for anything until then anyways…

Thank you!

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Skynet]

@Last Chance CPA – The EA is an actual license issued by the IRS so you'll be able to do more than just preparing taxes such as representation.

The CPE requirements is also less stringent too compared to the CTEC license which requires an additional 8 CPE units on CA tax laws every year to maintain.

[Last Chance CPA]

Thanks Skynet. That's what I understood. I will get the EA done as soon as possible, hopefully pass all 3 prior to Thanksgiving.

I just need to figure out how to position myself as a CPA/EA without getting in trouble. Do I call myself an EA and CPA (inactive) or CPA (non-licensed)? Do I steer clear of the word CPA altogether?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Recked]

Depends on your state's laws.
On a resume you can indicate passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam, but it's tricky on a business card or something of that nature.
In NY I believe it's a misdemeanor to hold yourself out as a CPA, when you are not licensed as a CPA.

–

Any person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor who shall use, in connection with the practice of public accountancy, or in any manner tending to imply that he or she is an independent accountant or auditor, the designations “chartered accountant”, “certified accountant”, “expert accountant”, “certified tax accountant”, “tax accountant”, “enrolled accountant”, “enrolled public accountant”, “registered accountant”, “licensed accountant”, “incorporated accountant”, “registered public accountant”, “licensed public accountant”, or any abbreviation thereof, or the letters “C.A.”, “E.A.”, “C.T.A.”, “T.A.”, “E.P.A.”, “R.A.”, “L.A.”, “I.A.”, “P.A.”, “R.P.A.”, or, “L.P.A.”, except as provided elsewhere in this article, or any other designation tending to imply that he or she has expert knowledge in accounting or auditing. The title “enrolled agent” or the designation “E.A.” may only be used by individuals so designated by the United States Internal Revenue Service.

[Recked]

You don't need to take them in any particular order, and you can take them more than once.
I would start with part 3, you should be able to knock that one out in a few weeks. I think I did it in 4 weeks at 10-15 hours a week, invested maybe 40-60 hours. Like I said before, the Gleim course is very extensive and I was definitely over-prepared.

[Last Chance CPA]

Thanks recked. I will have to figure out how to market my CPA/EA without getting in trouble in the state of CA. I bought the Fast Forward Academy book. I will start reading it this weekend and see where I should start. Starting with part 3 might be ok.

Need to buy tax software next and start playing around in it while I study.

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[turo9992000]

Don't hold yourself out as a CPA until you are licensed. The only exception is on a Resume, just put that you have passed the CPA exam and are working on the work requirement. You already did the hard part, just wait and you'll have those letters before you know it.

[Silent]

Just market yourself as EA. You can do pretty much anything that CPA can do. If you want to make good money, start your own tax/accounting business. In few years you can be making 200k+ a year.

[Author]

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