EA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to accounting and tax planning, you may get easily confused amid the sea of acronyms. But a solid understanding of certain accreditations is key if you’re looking for a licensed tax professional to guide you through your tax needs. When making your decision about whom to work with, you may wonder about the differences between an enrolled agent (EA) and a certified public accountant (CPA). While professionals with both certifications have significant expertise, the choice between them will come down to your personal needs.

A financial advisor can help you maximize the tax efficiency of your investments and assist you in creating and carrying out a long-term plan.

What Is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?

An enrolled agent, or EA, is a kind of tax professional who focuses narrowly on managing tax arrangements for business or private entities. EAs boast a wide range of knowledge in such tax-related subjects as income, estate, gift, payroll, levies, returns, inheritance, non-profit and retirement taxes.

Once EAs have passed their qualifying exam, the federal government recognizes them as tax specialists. Typical EA responsibilities include representing business or individual clients in tax audits, tax appeals and tax collections. Additionally, EAs can also provide tax advice, tax return filing and more.

An EA is the highest credential the IRS awards. You’ll want to seek out an EA for any and all tax-related issues. In fact, the IRS says they are uncontested experts on such topics.

What Is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

Certified public accountants, or CPAs, have a more flexible and expansive repertoire than EAs. They deal in all sorts of realms within the tax world, making them a great choice if your questions involve multiple topics. In addition, states approve CPAs, while the federal government approves EAs.

CPAs typically do most of their work for public accounting firms of all sizes. They could be specifically licensed as auditors, financial planners, corporate and executive accountants and tax consultants. So CPAs could assist in all accounting, tax and financial services for the businesses, individuals and other organizations they may represent.

CPAs help clients set and achieve financial goals through money management and financial planning. These goals could include anything from putting a down payment for a home to opening a new branch of business across the country. In other words, a CPA is the go-to if you’re looking for a broad scope of expertise.

Costs and Processes of Becoming an EA and CPA

To become an EA one must pass an IRA-administered exam. There are three sections to the exam, which cover individuals, businesses and representation, practices and procedures. The cost of each section of the exam is about $203. There is also a continuing education component that entails taking 72 credits every three years.

To become a CPA a person must take 150 hours of public accounting courses, typically done at a college or university. Though requirements vary by state, it is common for those aiming to become CPAs to take a review course before sitting for the four-part exam, and these courses run anywhere from approximately $1,200 to $3,500.

Application fees for the exam vary by state but are around $100. Each of the exam’s four sections costs about $200, depending on the state. There is also a continuing education component, but the exact number of credit hours vary by state.

What’s the Difference Between EAs and CPAs?

Now that you know what CPAs and EAs do in practice, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their main focuses, wider skill sets and hour rates:

EA vs. CPA: Which Is Best for You?

When deciding between an EA or a CPA, you will see that both types of professionals are well-qualified. They can both deliver the financial guidance you may need for your taxes. However, which one you should consult depends largely on which issue you’re looking to resolve.

EAs could help you work through an IRS audit or a collection problem, and they can also perform bookkeeping services that could be useful for businesses when preparing tax returns. CPAs, however, are more adept at meeting your financial planning and accounting needs; and when it comes to tax planning, they can also help you identify tax credits and deductions to lower your tax liability.

Both types of professionals are equally qualified to perform similar tasks, but there are differences in the range of services offered. CPAs can provide a much wider scope of tax services than an EA can. What’s more, general population demand is greater for CPAs than EAs.

If you have accounting needs with a micro focus, working with an EA could be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in accounting practices that have nothing to do with taxes, such as auditing, then the CPA option may be best.

The Bottom Line

When deciding between working with an EA or a CPA, you can rest assured that both types of professionals are well-trained. They must pass rigorous exams and can do difficult and demanding work for clients. And because tax attorney fees can often climb well into the four figures, both CPAs and EAs are also an affordable alternatives for those who need help figuring out tax obligations. Be sure that if you choose to consult with either type of professional you have a solid handle on your finances and measure your expectations.

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