
Renewal requires submission of the Application for Renewal of Enrollment (Form 8554). This form must be filed only after the EA has verified that all triennial and annual CE requirements have been met. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites. It is the policy of the IRS Office of Enrollment to answer inquiries within 72 hours. However, unanticipated operational demands may result in a delay in responding.

How to maintain your Enrolled Agent designation
- Enrolled agents first appeared in 1884 due to issues arising with Civil War loss claims.
- A panel of subject matter experts composed of Enrolled Agents and IRS representatives established a passing score for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications to be an Enrolled Agent.
- You will need to remove the lid/cap for visual inspection by the Test Center staff.
- It consists of three separately taken parts, each covering a different set of tax-related topics.
- Then, select the one that best fits your interests and long-term goals.
- Prometric gives you 15 minutes to schedule your exam before you have to start the process over.
If you sit for enrolled agent license more than one exam section in a single session, you can take an optional 15-minute break after completing the first part. You can also continue without a break or take unscheduled breaks. However, the exam timer will continue to count down during unscheduled breaks. The IRS does not require EA candidates to hold any particular degree or level of educational attainment. Instead, people can qualify solely based on their taxation knowledge or IRS work experience.
How can I get more information or schedule an appointment by phone if I live overseas? (updated July 25,
Work with someone who has the credentials and the ethics to do it right. And it’s one of the many reasons this credential holds so much value. Food or beverages, other than water, may not be brought into the testing room. Candidates may take breaks to access food and beverages stored in their locker. There is a $267 fee per part paid at the time of appointment scheduling. Apart from rare and exceptional circumstances, testing fees are neither transferable to later dates nor refundable.

How do I prepare for the examination? Are there any study materials?
Enrolled agents are required to complete many hours of continuing education each year to ensure they are up-to-date on the constantly changing tax code and must abide by a code of ethics. When you need a true tax professional, see an enrolled agent. They are the only federally-authorized tax practitioners who both specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. By definition, an enrolled agent (EA) is a tax professional who has achieved the highest credential the Internal Revenue Service offers. EAs are federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS and, like CPAs and attorneys, have unlimited representation rights.
- In 1884, the Horse Act was signed into law by President Chester Arthur to establish and standardize enrolled agents.
- Every 3 years, except the initial enrollment cycle is typically less than 3 years.
- NAEA goes beyond the IRS’s recommendations by requiring members to fulfill continuing education requirements that exceed the IRS’s required minimum.
- Chapter activities are the backbone of our society and they are your nearest contact.
- Frequently asked questions and answers about enrolled agents.
- Exam fees of $259 (effective March 31, 2024) per part are due at the time of scheduling.
- In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires enrolled agents to complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their licenses.
Enrolled Agents are essential to making sure that individuals and businesses have an advocate in issues with the IRS and https://www.bookstime.com/ can successfully navigate complex federal taxes. Thus, the IRS has strict requirements in place to guarantee that anyone with the credential has the in-depth knowledge to act as a trusted expert to their clients. If you use the services of a paid tax preparer or facilitator, you are entitled to protection from unfair treatment.
Maintain your enrolled agent status
The EA must then file a paper Form 8554, accompanied by copies of all CE certificates. EnrolledAgent.com is an online platform where you can effortlessly search and connect with an Enrolled Agent for your tax services. If you receive a score of 105 or higher, the computer will reveal a “passing” credential. This means you can jump right into review for the next part of the EA Exam. You are responsible for pacing yourself and making sure you have enough time to complete the exam.


You can take each section individually, in any order, and/or all in one day. However, double declining balance depreciation method you must pass all three sections within three years to qualify for EA certification. You must also apply for enrollment within three years of the date your employment with the IRS ended. Beware of preparers who encourage you to lie or otherwise modify your information in order to get a bigger refund. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Applications for mentors and mentees are being accepted starting immediately.