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10 Things to Maintain for Enrolled Agent CE Requirements

Jason Dinesen

Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025
10 mins read
6413

Maintaining your Enrolled Agent (EA) credential is essential to continue practicing as a tax professional and represent clients before the IRS. For EA license renewal,

The first step is renewing your PTIN.
The second is completing Enrolled Agent CE requirements
Final step is applying for enrollment renewal

Keeping everything up to date can be a pain, but we’re here to help. In this guide we’ll outline 10 important things you need to follow to keep your Enrolled Agent credential up-to-date.

EA CPE requirements: 10 Things You Need to Maintain

In order to maintain your credential as an EA, you must meet certain requirements. Continuing education is a must for Enrolled Agents. Let’s jump right in and check out the common guidelines and important steps to make it a breeze.

1. EA PTIN renewal

Every year, Enrolled Agents must renew their PTINs with the IRS. During the renewal period, which runs from mid-October to December 31, you can renew your membership. The process of renewing your PTIN can be done either online or by mail.

How do you renew your PTIN online?

Visit the IRS's website.
Register for a PTIN online.
Apply for renewal by filling out the form.
Make a payment of $30.75 for your renewal.

The process should only take you 15 minutes, and your PTIN will be renewed once you complete the steps.

How to renew PTIN by mail?

Opens a new window Fill out Form W-12.
Fill out the form and send it to the IRS with a payment of $30.75.

If you choose this method, please plan ahead and allow yourself some buffer time as it may take 4-6 weeks to complete. Renewals can be done online if you are able to do so.

2. EA CE Requirements

Maintaining your status as an EA requires Continuing Education as well. As per the last digit of your Social Security Number, the three-year renewal cycle is set by the IRS. In every three years, EAs need to complete 72 hours of Continuing Education.

Renewal of your enrolled agent status.

Credentials for enrolled agents are valid for three years. Depending on your social security number's last digit, you need to renew every year.

Last Digit of Social Security Number	Renewal Period
7,8,9	November 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024
0,1,2,3	November 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.
4,5,6	November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026

To keep your EA credential, you need to keep track of your CE hours and stay updated on tax changes. To maintain your EA credential, you must track your CE hours and stay informed about tax changes. Keeping thorough records of your CEs is crucial as the IRS may randomly verify them to ensure compliance with the rules.

3. Filing Your Tax Returns

As an EA, you should also ensure that you file your own federal tax returns accurately and on time. This demonstrates your commitment to tax compliance and serves as a positive example for your clients.

4. Abiding by IRS Standards of Practice

EAs are held to a high standard by the IRS. This means being truthful, professional, and ethical in all your dealings with the IRS and taxpayers. Failure to uphold these standards may lead to disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion.

5. Maintaining Records

It's essential to maintain thorough and accurate records of your practice, including tax returns, correspondence with clients, and any other relevant documentation. These records should be stored securely and readily accessible. Keeping well-organized records can help you address any issues that may arise during IRS audits or inquiries.

6. Submitting your EA Renewal

Once you finish your continuing education and your renewal window opens, it’s time to send in your Form 8554. You can either submit the paper form or do this online.

You’ll notice that you don’t need to attach your continuing education records. Assuming your provider properly reported your hours’ completion, the IRS already has the information they need there. But just in case, the IRS requires that you keep your course completion records for four years after your renewal. They can request those records from you at any time.

In short, To maintain your enrolled agent status, take 16 hours of continuing education annually, including two hours on ethics, and 72 hours over three years. Then, make sure you submit Form 8554 during your renewal window for EA renewal CE requirements and you should have no trouble maintaining your enrolled agent credentials.

7. Participating in Professional Organizations

Joining and actively participating in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), can help you stay connected with your peers and access valuable resources. These organizations often offer seminars, conferences, and resources that can contribute to your continuing education and professional development.

8. Tax Law Changes

Tax laws are subject to frequent changes. It's crucial to stay informed about any updates or revisions to tax regulations that could impact your practice. The IRS provides resources, including newsletters and publications, to help EAs stay current with tax law changes.

9. Maintaining Client Trust

Building and preserving the trust of your clients is essential for a successful EA career. Your clients rely on your expertise and ethical behavior. Being responsive, transparent, and professional in your interactions can help you maintain a solid client base.

10. Ethical Behavior

Upholding high standards of ethics and professionalism is not only a requirement but a mark of distinction for EAs. Treat all clients, colleagues, and IRS representatives with respect and integrity. Ethical behavior and professionalism are at the core of your role as an EA.

MYCPE ONE Helping You To Meet All Your CE Credits in One Go!

At MYCPE ONE, you can easily maintain your license by completing your CE requirements. Our Enrolled Agent CE webinar library offers a total of 3,500+ hours of educational content related to Federal Tax, Business Tax, Personal Tax, and Ethics Updates.

We also have a complete EA CE Package course for you. There is a full range of EA CE courses available in both live webinars and self-study formats. Along with this, all our courses are IRS-approved (Sponsor ID: GEHNZ).

Now, with MYCPE ONE mobile app you can access any of our courses at any time, anywhere.

FAQs

If you fail to meet your CE requirements, your EA credential will become inactive. You will lose your ability to represent clients before the IRS and must complete the CE requirements to reactivate it.

No, you cannot transfer excess CE credits to the next cycle. The IRS requires you to complete the specified number of hours within each three-year cycle. Excess credits do not carry over.

Your EA credential allows you to practice in all 50 states. As long as you meet the IRS CE requirements, you can continue practicing without additional state-specific requirements.

Yes, you can take online courses to meet your CE requirements. Reputable providers, such as MYCPE ONE offer IRS-approved online CE courses for continuing education. This flexibility makes it easier to fit your education into your schedule.

About the Author

Jason Dinesen

President, Dinesen Tax & Accounting, P.C.

Jason (LPA, EA) is a seasoned tax expert, entrepreneur, and educator with over 18 years of experience in accounting, tax preparation, and business advisory. As the founder of Dinesen Tax & Accounting, P.C., he helps professionals understand complex tax concepts. A leading CPE presenter at MYCPE ONE, Jason has trained more than 200,000 professionals on tax updates, ethics, and IRS guidance. Known for his sharp insights and relatable teaching style, he helps CPAs, EAs, and finance professionals stay up to date and confidently navigate evolving tax laws.

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