[chini]

I recently passed CPA exams, Is it worth to prepare for Enrolled Agent Exams? How important it is?
How does it make impact If I supposed to apply for CPA license or not to apply for CPA license.

Or Is it good to do MS (taxation- most likely online) or EA?

I am interested in tax and want to make career in the same.

Thank you.

[mhueycpa]

EAs can prepare & sign tax returns. CPAs can do that plus perform a number of other services. Once your a licensed CPA being an EA is pointless.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[Ag12thman]

Anyone know how difficult the EA exam(s) are?

FAR: July 2016

[SuckItUp]

no!!!!!!!!

[Valar Dohaeris]

CPA is the gold standard.

If you have your CPA and want to go back to school to further launch a career in tax, consider pursuing tax law. You could obtain a juris doctor (JD) in tax. A JD in tax holds more weight than an MS in tax.

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[ultrarunner]

chini, I am thinking about pursuing MS taxation. Some schools admit CPA, so you don't have to take GMAT, GRE etc.

Getting JD degree is very hard. You will have to take LSAT and devote 3 full years to the program. Also, there is no point to have JD if the school is not accredited. It is still hard to get in accredited law schools.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[A1lessio]

I'm an EA and I don't think it's worth it at all if you have your CPA. It's the same thing in terms of being a tax practitioner. Passing the exam won't make you seem like more of an expert in tax. I would go with the masters degree if anything or just work.

The exam is very similar to REG, but more detailed tax questions since they split it up into 3 exams. You would easily pass first try.

AUD (08/02/2016)

[chini]

Thank you so much to all for your reply. I am just wonder that how to get experience to present client before IRS.
In future I want to practice my own, so that is why thinking that go for EA, because in 3 papers it covers scrutiny, assessment, presentation before IRS. I am planning to join CPA firm, and want to learn and gain more experience but at same time I have to compro with monetary benefits.

Any thoughts on this, who is also under same situation?

Thank you,

[Amortized and Energized]

You could always purchase study materials for the EA for self study and then not take the test. I don't think taking that test is going to provide you the experience necessary to present in front of the IRS any more than the CPA would.

FAR - Aug 2015 (58), Feb 2016 (81)
u
BEC - May 2016 (79)
AUD - Jul 2016
REG - Aug 2016

[ultrarunner]

chini, Have you taken Advanced Tax class? I am taking now to meet additional education requirement. The class is actually EA prep course. The class just started, so there are still seats available: https://www.foothill.edu/schedule/outlines.php?act=1&rec_id=30

The class gives discount code for Gleim EA courses. The instructor is CPA (w/ MS Taxation) not EA. We have one classmate who is EA but taking the class to fulfill CPA requirement.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[Anonymous]

My coworker was taking the CPA exam over the last year. His wife also works as a staff accountant at another firm but isn't studying for the CPA exam. She took the EA exam while he was taking his CPA exam and she passed it without studying at all.

Don't bother.

[Jay]

The EA is a federal license and the CPA is a state license. I believe the EA allows you to represent a client in any state. The CPA is limited to your state of license.

Giving up is not an option.

REG 82
FAR 76
Aud 8/31/2016
BEC 11/30/2016

[ultrarunner]

I asked an EA (who is currently preparing for CPA exam) why he wants to be CPA. He said the income he made (working tax season) was not enough, so he wants to do other things. Also, individual tax return business won't do better in the future thanks to tax filing software. But this is just one EA's opinion.

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[CZzzZzzz]

I am an EA currently preparing for the CPA. Working for smaller firms, who specialize in tax, I was always told that there is no difference in being an EA vs. a CPA. As an EA, I can sign returns and be on POAs. The reason I am now taking my CPA exam is because I don't feel the EA is good enough. It looks much better if you are a CPA. I would imagine the pay is better too. For me the EA exam was very easy, I passed all three parts on the first try.

[jgod]

Took REG and Part 2: Businesses of the SEE (which is the hardest part) in the same week.

Preparing for REG was enough for me to pass the EA exam. The EA just asks more detailed questions, like what Form is needed in a particular situation.

I don't think the EA is pointless. I think people that say that are ignorant about what EA's can do. But it depends on your particular situation if those benefits will help you or not.

Even if you are a CPA it could be helpful to be an EA. For example if your CPA license gets revoked or suspended because you did something wrong in an audit, you could still represent clients on tax matters because you have the EA designation.

AUD- 99 (6/8/16)
REG- TBD
FAR- TBD
BEC- TBD

[chini]

Can CPA license file and represent his client before IRS for any state? Suppose he has california license, can he file return for other state and also represent before IRS, in case of any query?
Thank you.

[Author]

Replies