An Enrolled Agent (or EA) is a tax professional recognized by the United States Federal Government to represent taxpayers in dealings with the Internal Revenue Service. The profession has been regulated by Congress since 1884.
The position of Enrolled Agent was created as a reaction to fraudulent war loss claims in the wake of the American Civil War. The first "EAs" were appointed with little or no qualifications other than a minimal background in bookkeeping.
Now, Enrolled Agents must pass the IRS administered Special Enrollment Examination and are subjected to thorough background checks including a review of the applicant's tax compliance. In addition the IRS requires applicants to complete 72 hours of continuing professional education every three years.
The right to practice before the Internal Revenue Service is regulated by Federal statute, and persons authorized to practice are known as "Federally Authorized Tax Practitioners," or "FATPs". The FATP status is granted to attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries, and to persons in a few other categories. FATPs are allowed to represent taxpayers in proceedings before the Internal Revenue Service including audits and appeals.
According to the National Association of Enrolled Agents there are currently about 46,000 practicing EAs in the United States.
Tax Preparation, Tax Representation and Bookkeeping services are offered by Masterpiece Financial Services. Tax Preparation, Tax Representation and Bookkeeping services are not affiliated, reviewed or endorsed by J.W. Cole Financial Inc. or J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc.