[payaza2000]

So of all the subjects I studied for during my exam, I took a liking to Regulation the most. However I feel that my knowledge of it is just touching the surface, and I want to expand it. I am currently in the process of applying to Public Accounting Firms, as that is something I REALLY want to do.

I was looking at courses for studying for the Enrolled Agent course, as a good method to gain more extensive in depth knowledge regarding tax. I don’t think I would or could (at this moment) go through the stress of sitting for another exam. Would it be worth it to go through this course to gain more extensive in depth knowledge of tax, without actually sitting for the exam? Or are there cheaper alternatives out there?

Thanks in advance.

FAR 5/6/2015- 84
REG 8/3/2015 - 87
AUD 10/25/2015- 69 1/20/2016 -75
BEC 2/26/2016- 80

Thank you God

[Anonymous]

So the ea exam isn't really prestigious so I certainly wouldn't say “sit” for the exam. That statement is for the cpa or bar exam. You can take the ea exam in two days and get quick scoring. If u want to increase ur tax knowledge u need to work in the field to gain experience. Or take it to the next level and get an mst. An mst will train u in tax research and not memorizing obscure transactions like the ea exam would contain. Tax is tough… Be sure you're ready. Its not repetitive financial accounting.

[Missy]

I agree with c9p9a9, once you've passed the exams experience is more valuable than book knowledge. I'm a financial accountant who does my own and a few friends taxes (free, but I've had a PTIN since 2013 just in case) but started to wonder if I could expand as a side gig. Working at Jackson Hewitt this year for a bit of experience and here's what I can tell you. Any chimp can prepare a simple personal return. The software does all the legwork. (That's why jh and block can get away with hiring people who've got no more than a high school education and a 40 hour training course) it is literally guided data entry. The value a cpa brings is when you can help with planning. When you can tell a client that junior won't get them the child tax credit next year, or that they can increase their EITC by working a few more hours next year, or that you see he's 64, and tell him that means next year his standard deduction will increase its value added. If you're looking to read while you're looking for work, I'd recommend reading up on the affordable care act, earned income credit, study qualified children vs qualified relative, and deductible work expenses. Note I can't and won't speak to business taxes at all, not qualified nor do I want to be. Had a friend ask yesterday and told her I've never done a business return, did she want to be my guinea pig? I'm sensitive to my limitations and won't play around with someone else's money.

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

[Author]

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