For instance, corporations rely on Enrolled Agents to advise them on policy, prepare taxes, and represent them in audits and other proceedings before the IRS. The IRS’s Enrolled Agent credential grants you unlimited tax representation authority before the IRS. This job usually involves a busy season, with the highest workload occurring from December to mid-April. All score values above passing indicate that a candidate is qualified — not how qualified.

How do you determine if a person passes or fails? What is the passing score? (reviewed Oct. 19,

The Circular is a set of regulations that require EAs to act ethically and professionally while performing their jobs of representing clients before the IRS. Moreover, it instills credibility and trust, which is paramount in the financial landscape. Self-employed Enrolled Agents who operate their own accounting agencies can expect more earnings than their counterparts at large brokerages and corporations. At a median of over $53,000, the salary for an independent Enrolled Agent is not bad. Furthermore, when you consider the lack of an upper limit on your earning potential, the idea of self-employment becomes very attractive.

How can I get more information or schedule an appointment by phone if I live overseas? (updated July 25,

Overseas tax advisors might earn an Enrolled Agent salary between $50,000 and $120,000 per year, according to current job listings. Of course, the more experience you have, the more an employer will be willing to pay you. Consequently, entry-level positions start on the low end of these ranges, while senior positions claim the highest salaries. For example, in Phoenix, a senior tax consultant with an Enrolled Agent designation and over 5 years of relevant experience can earn over 6 figures at a regional firm. According to a recent search on Indeed.com, over half of the Enrolled Agent jobs in Atlanta pay more than 6 figures. Therefore, the EA salary range in that city is a little lower, with the average salary about $38,197  to $55,306.

What should I bring to the testing center? (reviewed Oct. 19,

Any graduates with any background such as B.Tech, MBA, working professionals not necessarily from the finance domain with dedicated three months of effort to prepare for the enrolled agent course. Review a breakdown of entry level salary expectations by state here. You must apply for enrollment within one year of the date you passed the third examination part.

Lowest Salary

• If you’re considering becoming an Enrolled Agent, it’s important to understand the career path.
• Unlike other non-enrolled tax professionals, an Enrolled Agent has special permission to perform legal services that other tax professionals cannot.
• That candidate has until Nov. 15, 2025, to pass the remaining part.
• Moving down to Southern California reveals EA salary numbers that are as sunny as the beaches.

All references on the examination are to the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications, as amended through Dec. 31, 2024. Also, unless otherwise stated, all questions relate to the calendar year 2024. Questions that contain the term “current year” refer to calendar year 2024. In answering questions, candidates should not take into account any legislation or court decisions in effect after Dec. 31, 2024. In general, any criminal offense resulting in a felony conviction under federal tax laws or a felony conviction related to dishonesty or a breach of trust, that is less than ten years old. Gain a competitive edge in the tech-driven world of finance with Franklin’s M.S.

• The EA exam was designed to produce only the most qualified and competent enrolled agents.
• Yet, in the mile-high city, over half of the EA salary figures posted are above $112,000 annually.
• The candidate will need to remove the lid/cap for visual inspection by the Test Center staff.
• Therefore, as with the lion’s share of the small accounting agencies out there, specialization is key.
• However, the actual enrolled agent salaries may vary a little bit when you consider all these variables.

I am the author of How to Pass The CPA Exam (published by Wiley) and the publisher of this and several accounting professional exam prep sites. Therefore, you should compare the average EA salaries across the United States to better understand how much you can make as an EA. As per information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for CPAs stands at about $79,000. Find a place you want to live or a firm you want to work for and then use the table below to inform your salary expectations. It’s really a personal choice what size company you want to work for, but you should consider benefits that can affect your quality of life. Offer more flexibility and greater access to management, giving individuals a greater say in the perks and fringe benefits available.

However, San Francisco residents in Enrolled Agent positions earn a median income of $54,504, which is well above the national number. Of jobs posted in the city by the bay, nearly half pay above $125,000 annually. Moving down to Southern California reveals EA salary numbers that are as sunny as the beaches. Enrolled Agent salary numbers in Los Angeles show that about half of the jobs available pay in the six-figure range. And finally, salary numbers for enrolled agent jobs in San Diego range from $39,906 and $57,780. Chicago’s median salary for Enrolled Agents is actually lower than that of the rest of the country, according to Salary.com’s data.

This in turn makes you a more popular choice compared to your peers when it comes to a potential client looking for a tax professional. The Enrolled Agent exam costs over $700 USD before factoring in review materials for the exam. The Enrolled Agent certification is much more accessible than other accounting certifications, such as the CPA or CMA. Considering becoming an Enrolled Agent, but curious about the salary prospects? Take a look at our Enrolled Agent Salary Guide to get an idea about industry salary range. In general, any overdue tax return that has not been filed or any unpaid taxes unless acceptable payment arrangements have been established.

Annual Salary from Job Postings for Enrolled Agents

You can also work as an independent consultant, taking on contracts with clients and/or firms to offer your expertise in tax services. If you’re considering becoming an Enrolled Agent, it’s important to understand the career path. Learn more about the benefits of the designation, including the Enrolled Agent salary and the opportunities you gain as an EA.

Enrolled Agents Salary Packages – How Much Does an Enrolled Agent Can Make?

EA must normally have at least five years of expertise in tax advising, planning, and training to be considered for high-level roles. EAs in senior roles are expected to handle significantly more responsibility, which translates into the possibility of earning a better Enrolled Agent salary. Taking US taxation course training is proved to be beneficial and how much does an enrolled agent make has more chances of clearing the exam.

Because Enrolled Agents have the authority to represent clients before the IRS, they can fulfill a more specialized niche than non-enrolled tax preparers and accountants. Therefore, while CPAs do earn more on average than enrolled agents in the short run, the potential for earnings over the span of a career can be higher for enrolled agents. And, if you decide to work for a non-finance-related company as an Enrolled Agent, you can actually expect to earn a bit more. On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Enrolled Agents (EAs) earn an average annual salary of just over $72,000 in the US, with some sources citing earnings as high as $174,000 per year. An EA’s salary is primarily influenced by their level of professional experience, geographic location, and the industry they work in.