How to Become an IRS Enrolled Agent?

Below are the steps required to become an Enrolled Agent:Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE); Achieve passing scores on all 3 parts of the SEE; Apply for enrollment;Pass a suitability check, which will include tax compliance to ensure that you have filed all necessary tax returns and there are no outstanding tax liabilities and criminal background.

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EA Exam Prep

6 Reasons Why, Become An EA

Jason Dinesen

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2025
12418

Summary

Considering a career shift? This blog explores why becoming an Enrolled Agent could be an ideal option. EAs, federally licensed tax professionals with authorization to represent taxpayers before the IRS, are in high demand due to their expertise in tax laws and flexibility to work from anywhere.

Not only does this prestigious designation boost your earning potential and offers diverse career paths, but it could also be the perfect step towards a more flexible, fulfilling career. So don't hold back; start your journey towards becoming an EA today!

Enrolled Agents (EAs) hold a prestigious federal license representing clients before the IRS. For tax preparers seeking career growth, becoming an EA is paramount.

Want to level up your career? These 6 reasons why becoming an Enrolled Agent might be your next big move.

Who is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is federally licensed tax professional, the highest credential awarded by the IRS. They hold expertise in tax law and are authorized to represent taxpayers before IRS in matters as audits, collections, and appeals.

Why Become An Enrolled Agent?

A nationwide, globally recognized profession, an Enrolled Agent could be a perfect career option for a tax enthusiast. Want to opt for a specialized profession or looking for a career change? EA could be the perfect option. It helps you to significantly increase your earning potential and uphold a senior position within your business or firm.

In-Demand Expertise

We live in an increasingly virtual world. The upward trend of remote work means many professionals are looking for careers that allow for flexibility. EAs are federally licensed and can practice in any state from anywhere.

While it’s explicitly for U.S. tax, a global economy means you can probably find work as an Enrolled Agent almost anywhere. This makes the EA a prime choice for tax advisors looking to transition to remote work. Being able to practice anywhere gives you more flexibility than with other accounting certifications, like the CPA, which operates by State Board rules.

Let's take a closer look at some statistics highlighting the demand for EAs:

Statistic	Data
Number of Enrolled Agents in the U.S	65,371
Employment Growth (2019-2029) of EA	4 percent annually from 2019 to 2029
Average Salary of EA	$71K and $133K

(Source: IRS)

Thinking of how to become an Enrolled Agent? You need to apply for the EA exam prep, and at MYCPE ONE, we are providing you with a complete course package that is going to help you in preparing for your EA exam with EA Exam Prep Courses.

Career Versatility

Becoming an Enrolled Agent offers a wide range of career options. You can work in various settings, including accounting firms and government agencies, or establish your own tax consultancy. Whether you prefer a stable job with an established organization or the flexibility of self-employment, the EA credential opens doors to diverse career paths.

Competitive Earnings

Enrolled Agents earn an average salary of $71K in the U.S., which is about $7,000 more than their unenrolled counterparts.

As a tax preparer, your salary is likely going to increase the longer you are in the tax profession. But earning your EA—which you can do in less than a year—can increase it by the same amount as earning years of experience. And you’ll instead spend those years increasing your income above that higher base rate.

The EA certification opens up opportunities to work in many different roles in various businesses, including accounting firms or tax offices. Big 4 firms hire EAs for various positions because they can practice in all 50 states and prepare taxes for international clients filing in the U.S.

Many EAs who have been in the field for a while go on to launch their own tax practices, providing extra flexibility in their careers. Plus, regardless of how the economy performs, people will always need help preparing taxes or dealing with the IRS. Earning your EA designation will give you expertise and opportunities to move forward in your career.

Fewer Requirements Than CPA

Compared to the CPA, earning the EA designation is a less strenuous process. There are no education or experience requirements. After you pass the Enrolled Agent exam and the IRS background check, you can focus on tax preparation and client representation without having to jump through the hurdles required to become a CPA.

If you become an EA and are still interested in earning your CPA, we’ve laid out the benefits of dual certification.

The steps to become an Enrolled Agent are much less demanding than other accounting certifications. The only requirements to become an EA are to:

Obtain a PTIN (Personal Tax Identification Number)
Schedule and take the Enrolled Agent exam and pass all three parts within 2 years
Apply for enrollment (Click here)
Pass a suitability check

Ethical Standards

EAs are held to high ethical standards and are bound by Circular 230. Circular 230 is a set of regulations that require them to act professionally and ethically while representing clients before the IRS. This code of conduct instills trust and credibility in clients and peers, which is vital in the financial industry.

Client Impact

As an Enrolled Agent, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of your clients. You can help individuals and businesses save money, resolve tax issues, and achieve financial stability. The satisfaction of knowing you've positively impacted someone's financial well-being is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an EA.

Covers Relevant Topics

MYCPE ONE is a trusted education platform offering a complete exam preparation course. Our $149 EA Exam Prep Course plan offers an affordable solution for the students/professionals aiming to ace the Enrolled Agent exam. Our budget-friendly pricing ensures our course is accessible to all aspiring students and professionals.

Note: If you’re preparing for the EA exam, our guide on the best EA prep courses can help you find the right resources to pass with confidence.

Self-Paced Classes

190+ Video Lectures [24+ Hours]
1,000+ Practice Questions
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Monthly Mentoring Sessions
Free Online Updates Until You PASS
Quality and premium resources are designed to elevate your understanding and performance.
Freedom to pursue your EA aspirations without the burden of hefty expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) offers unmatched opportunities for career growth, flexibility, and earning potential. With the ability to practice nationwide and even internationally, EAs are in high demand, especially as remote work continues to rise.

The EA credential not only boosts your credibility but also ensures you’re equipped with the latest tax law knowledge. Whether you’re seeking to advance your career or gain more control over your work-life balance, becoming an EA is a powerful step forward. Start your journey today and take advantage of the benefits this prestigious designation offers!

FAQs

EAs have unlimited representation rights. Without an EA credential, a non-certified tax preparer is only able to represent clients whose tax returns they have prepared and signed. In contrast, EAs can represent their clients before the IRS on any matter, including audits and appeals.

EA certification follows a straightforward process. Applicants do not need to hold a particular degree or meet experience requirements. EA candidates must apply for a preparer tax identification number (PTIN), sign up for the certification exam, and pass all parts of the exam.

The IRS has set the scaled passing score at 105. Failing candidates are provided a scaled score value so that they may see how close they are to being successful. Candidates who receive a scaled score of 104 are very close to passing. Candidates with a scaled score of 45 are far from being successful.

Once you pass the exam and are ready to become an EA, you must pay $140 to the IRS in order to complete the enrollment process. (Pay Online) You'll pay the fee at the same time that you submit a form (Form 23), and you must do both within 1 year of passing all 3 parts of the EA exam.

Below are the steps required to become an Enrolled Agent:

Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE);
Achieve passing scores on all 3 parts of the SEE;
Apply for enrollment;

Pass a suitability check, which will include tax compliance to ensure that you have filed all necessary tax returns and there are no outstanding tax liabilities and criminal background.

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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