[Me]

I do have my CPA license and would like to know whether I should pursue Master in business taxation degree or instead take the Enrolled Agent exam since it will be cheaper compared to getting a loan for the MST program. Are there any other programs out there to gain advanced knowledge in tax area. I would greatly appreciate your advice.

[TommyTheCat]

I don't think the EA route is a good one to go, you already have the CPA in hand and I don't think you'll learn all that much more in taxation under the EA exam than what you already learned for the REG section.

I suggest real on the job experience, do you have an in at a public accounting firm that you could spend a year or two working in the tax practice seeing all the real world variables that come with any given client?

[M123]

Most of my colleagues in MST program (California State University) were CPAs and not a single EA among them. One of the profs had unkind words I know not to be true of EAs but there is a bit of snobbery out there.

An MBT/MST will put you light years ahead of the EA if it's a good program (slight exaggeration but only slight). Do you have a local state school that has the program? State schools will generally be much more affordable. What are your goals in such a program?

Other than that – it is true – experience trumps additional certs at this moment – since you are a CPA. So the question becomes – what will an MBT offer that will increase ability on job and what is the payback.

[lilac]

EA adds nothing to your existing credential.

[mtaylo24]

^^^^What does either one add to being a CPA? MTax just gets you into a firm correct?

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[Me]

@M123 I am considering the MST program being offered by California State University of Northridge. Which Cal state university did most of your colleagues attend and how was the program? I do not have a real life tax experience, but I was thinking pursuing MST will help me open up my own practice in the future.


@TommyTheCat I do not work in the Tax department at a CPA firm, that's why I was thinking MST would be beneficial in addition to my CPA license.

[TommyTheCat]

Me – got it. I still think real world experience in tax would provide you with what you are looking for. More schooling is better than doing nothing, but working within the field real-life will be the best approach. Gaining advanced tax knowledge is a great goal, but much easier to grasp and achieve once you have a mastery of the beginner and intermediate stuff too which you learn best by doing.

Just my opinion

[M123]

Fullerton. It was a great program for the most part. Any chance you can do a tax rotation? @tommythecat is on to something with regard to getting real world experience. Most attendees were late seniors/managers and the content truly enhanced their already pretty strong grasp of tax. The best case is if you can get an employer to cover it at least in part.

[mafalo1989]

I work in tax, I wouldn't waste my money on either. Literally anyone can do taxes, accounting degrees or certficiations don't matter. Most people don't know what an EA is. I'm just trying to get this CPA done with because I work for a financial firm and it looks good for them go say they have a staffed CPA or a “tax expert” (they called me that after 1 week of my first tax season). It just puts peoples minds at ease. Having the CPA designation alone should be enough. It'll just give you permission to charge higher rates for your services. Everything I learned was learned in the field, I wouldn't waste time or money on another unnecessary degree or license.

[Author]

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