All tax professionals are not created equal—and knowing the differences could be an advantage in managing your tax liability. You may be familiar with ‘CPAs,’ or ‘Certified Public Accountants.’ These professionals are licensed only in the state(s) they operate in and are not required to demonstrate their competence in all areas of taxation to the IRS. Registered tax return preparers have even fewer requirements and need only pass a minimal competency test.

As the name implies, ‘IRS Enrolled Agents’ must meet more stringent requirements. And that’s why we are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in all areas of taxation and can represent taxpayers to the IRS anywhere in the country. (In fact, Enrolled Agents are known as America’s Tax Experts®.)

What does this mean to you? While Conrad Associates is a company based in Vestal, NY, we could represent you to the IRS in any state across the country. No matter where you live, own property or do business, we’re already there and ready to represent you.

More advantages:

IRS Enrolled Agents are required to understand not only the complexity of today’s tax code and how it applies to you, but also how constant changes affect your liability.

In addition to stringent testing to initially qualify (including a rigorous background check), IRS Enrolled Agents are mandated to undergo extensive ongoing training every year. This training exceeds the IRS’ requirements.

IRS Enrolled Agents are required to abide by the provisions and ethical standards of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230.

With an IRS Enrolled Agent, you have a limited client privilege under the law and can have confidentiality for certain conditions, such as audits and collections.

Because the requirements are so challenging, there are fewer than 50,000 IRS Enrolled Agents in the entire country. (In contrast, the American Institute of CPAs has nearly 400,000 members.)

Enrolled Agents are America's Tax Experts

Partner with an Enrolled Agent (EA) for all your tax needs:

• Did you buy a home or other property?

• Do you have investments?

• Has your marital status changed?

• Did you start your own business?

• Are you a beneficiary of a trust or estate?

• How Can an Enrolled Agent Help YOU?

EAs are federally-licensed tax practitioners who specialize in tax preparation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. If you get a letter from the IRS, or worse, are audited or are the target of a collection action, your EA can speak directly to the IRS on your behalf.

EAs are trained in a wide variety of common and unusual tax situations. With the tax laws changing yearly, it’s more critical than ever to have a qualified tax specialist on your side when preparing your tax and financial strategy. The Enrolled Agent license is the highest credential the IRS issues. Be confident about your tax return – use an Enrolled Agent.

• EAs are experts in tax planning and can help ensure you don’t pay too much or risk an audit.

• EAs hold the highest credential the IRS awards.

• EAs are licensed by the federal government and can represent taxpayers before the IRS.

• EAs prepare returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and other tax entities.

• Enrolled Agents are America’s Tax Experts

• Enrolled Agents (EAs) must pass a comprehensive exam that requires them to demonstrate proficiency in federal tax planning, individual and business tax return preparation, and representation. The only other way to become an EA is to be employed by the IRS for minimum of five years, regularly interpreting and applying the provisions of Internal Revenue Code and Regulations.

• EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education specifically on taxation every three years. Members of the California Society of Enrolled Agents complete 90 hours of continuing education every three years. CSEA Members prepare nearly 2 million tax returns each year.

Enrolled Agents Can and Will Represent Clients Before the IRS

• EAs have unlimited representation rights before the IRS at all administrative levels. They can represent their clients on any matter, regardless of who prepared the tax return. Many EAs have completed specialized and intensive programs in representing taxpayers who have not filed, are under audit, or are having difficulty paying their tax bills.

• The best part is, with an Enrolled Agent representing you, you don’t have to go to the IRS at all!

When you need a true tax professional, see an Enrolled Agent.