{"id":3052,"date":"2024-11-13T14:05:24","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T20:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/?p=3052"},"modified":"2026-06-19T08:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T14:49:44","slug":"enrolled-agent-vs-cpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-vs-cpa\/","title":{"rendered":"Enrolled Agent vs CPA: Which is Better for Your Career?"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dismal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2023\/03\/30\/how-americans-view-their-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">51%<\/a> of Americans are satisfied with their jobs.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when you consider that people spend a staggering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburg.edu\/news\/stories?id=79db7b34-630c-4f49-ad32-4ab9ea48e72b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">90,000 hours<\/a> at work in their lifetimes on average, you owe it to yourself to choose the right job for you.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re considering a career in tax or accounting, you&#8217;ve probably come across two main certifications: the Enrolled Agent (EA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA).<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure which is right for you? I&#8217;ve got your back.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;ll break down the main differences between EA and CPA so you can figure out which one is right for you because you deserve a job you <em>love<\/em>.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>EA vs. CPA Focus<\/strong>: EAs specialize in taxes and IRS representation, while CPAs have a broader skill set covering auditing, financial reporting, and tax services.<\/li> <li><strong>Cost Difference<\/strong>: Becoming an EA is generally more affordable and quicker, while the CPA path involves higher education and certification costs.<\/li> <li><strong>Earning Potential<\/strong>: CPAs generally earn more, especially in corporate and executive roles, though EAs have solid earning potential in tax-specific fields.<\/li> <li><strong>License Scope<\/strong>: EAs are federally licensed, allowing them to work across states, whereas CPAs are licensed at the state level and may need multiple licenses for multi-state work.<\/li> <li><strong>Career Fit<\/strong>: If you\u2019re focused on tax services, EA could be ideal; if you want broader financial roles, CPA might be a better long-term fit.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-the-difference-between-an-ea-and-a-cpa\"><strong>What\u2019s the Difference Between an EA and a CPA?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, let&#8217;s cover the basics. Both EAs and CPAs are tax professionals, but they have distinct roles and responsibilities:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Enrolled Agents (EA)<\/strong> are licensed by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and specialize in tax-related issues. They\u2019re recognized as tax experts, especially when it comes to federal taxes.<\/li> <li><strong>Certified Public Accountants (CPA)<\/strong> are licensed by state boards of accountancy and offer a wider range of services beyond taxes, including auditing, financial accounting, and business valuation.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice between becoming an EA or a CPA depends on a variety of criteria, but let&#8217;s talk briefly about what you\u2019re looking to achieve in your career.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your goal is to focus solely on tax matters, an EA certification might be ideal. If you\u2019re interested in a broader range of financial services or working in corporate accounting, the CPA path might be more up your alley.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-and-cons-of-an-ea\"><strong>Pros and Cons of an EA<\/strong><\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h3> <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.6em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-dd02c7a3-32fe-4167-8f72-37479bb04b9b\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d857ff8f-c235-4951-b373-3acf5e167aae\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Specialization in Taxation: As an EA, you\u2019re viewed as a tax specialist. Your primary focus will be helping clients with tax preparation, tax planning, and even representing them before the IRS.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e5df9e6e-b139-4c59-9ccf-9ed11ba28fe4\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Federal Scope: Unlike CPAs, who are licensed at the state level, EAs are licensed federally. This means you can represent clients across all 50 states.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9b7afbdb-2fbe-4ac5-8783-5e8907ea670a\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">No Degree Requirement: To become an EA, you don\u2019t need a bachelor\u2019s degree, which can make it easier to enter the field compared to the CPA route\u2014especially if student debt makes you anxious.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h3> <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.6em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-34340838-7b56-42d5-aa26-b90792310bd7\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ae155a72-a83d-45da-94c5-968a6660fa84\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Limited Focus: While EAs are experts in taxes, their scope is limited to tax-related matters. If you\u2019re interested in financial accounting, auditing, or corporate accounting, the EA license won\u2019t cover these areas.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2f31a584-85ed-4b87-84aa-9c341aacd5b8\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Recognition: The EA designation, while respected in tax circles, is not as widely known outside of the tax field as the CPA license and may not come with the same respect and prestige.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-80a18d4c-42fe-4f0c-bbff-649789f4e6ae\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Lower Salary than CPAs: Though <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-salaries\/\">EAs make an excellent salary<\/a>, considering there are no degree requirements, they generally make less than CPAs and may not have as positive an ROI.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-and-cons-of-a-cpa\"><strong>Pros and Cons of a CPA<\/strong><\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-0\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h3> <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.6em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-a49ccf3a-7332-4e2a-84b9-51004003b183\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9d063764-1a8a-4023-bb62-3016bd19650d\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Broader Scope of Services: CPAs can do much more than taxes. With a CPA license, you\u2019re qualified for jobs in financial reporting, auditing financial statements, and business valuation.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4e0e0fd4-edb1-429f-8e26-ce18cb2257c9\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">High Earning Potential: CPAs often have a higher earning potential compared to EAs, especially in corporate or public accounting roles.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-10269463-ad2b-4e22-a7b9-42a9448479cf\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM369 209L241 337c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-64-64c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47L335 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Wider Recognition: The CPA license is more widely recognized and respected in both the accounting industry and beyond, which can be helpful if you\u2019re looking to work in diverse areas of finance.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons-0\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h3> <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.6em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-94d7a5c8-b8e1-438a-aa81-ed69c776a3af\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d1a81c65-2e88-44dc-a57b-fb13f01476b6\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">State Licensing: CPAs are licensed by the state, so if you plan to work in multiple states, you may need to get licensed in each one. However, many states now have &#8220;substantial equivalency&#8221; laws, where your license may transfer to other states as well.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-969620d3-cb99-4217-94ab-b27bdab7b1ed\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">More Education Required: To sit for the CPA exam, you\u2019ll need a bachelor\u2019s degree with specific accounting credits, which can take more time and money to obtain compared to the EA certification.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 1.4em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-b77ed5e4-ed8c-4c2b-a522-141824639071\"> <div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> <span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> <svg width=\"1.4em\" height=\"1.4em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M256 512c141.4 0 256-114.6 256-256S397.4 0 256 0S0 114.6 0 256S114.6 512 256 512zM175 175c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l47 47 47-47c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0s9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-47 47 47 47c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9s-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-47-47-47 47c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l47-47-47-47c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span> <span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Rigorous Exam: The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-hard-is-the-cpa-exam\/\">CPA exam is known for being difficult<\/a> and requires substantial preparation and continuing education to maintain.<\/span> <\/div> <\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ea-vs-cpa-key-differences-to-consider\"><strong>EA vs. CPA: Key Differences to Consider<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s break down some of the major differences between EAs and CPAs by looking at some specific areas:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-scope-of-work\"><strong>Scope of Work<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>EAs<\/strong> specialize in tax matters, including tax return preparation, tax planning, and IRS representation.<\/li> <li><strong>CPAs<\/strong> handle a broader range of services. In addition to taxes, CPAs work on financial audits, business consulting, and financial planning services.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-employment-opportunities\"><strong>Employment Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>EAs<\/strong> often work in tax firms, with tax preparation services, or even open their own businesses focusing on tax advice and tax debt resolution.<\/li> <li><strong>CPAs<\/strong> are employed in a variety of settings, including public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, and even government positions that involve financial reporting and risk assessment.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-client-representation\"><strong>Client Representation<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Both EAs and CPAs<\/strong> have the authority to represent clients before the IRS, but EAs are specifically licensed for tax matters, making them a go-to for people dealing with the IRS.<\/li> <li><strong>CPAs <\/strong>can also represent clients, though their broader scope means they might also take on non-tax-specific roles.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education-and-exam-requirements\"><strong>Education and Exam Requirements<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>EAs<\/strong> can become licensed by passing the IRS Enrolled Agent exam (known as the Special Enrollment Examination), which focuses strictly on federal tax law. No degree is required, though relevant tax experience is recommended.<\/li> <li><strong>CPAs<\/strong> need a bachelor\u2019s degree (often with 150 credit hours of education) and must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-to-pass-the-cpa-exam-first-attempt\/\">pass the CPA exam<\/a>. Many states also require ongoing continuing education.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-costs-and-commitment\"><strong>Costs and Commitment<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The <strong>EA path<\/strong> is generally more affordable since it doesn\u2019t require a degree or the same amount of continuing education.<\/li> <li>The <strong>CPA path<\/strong> has higher initial costs due to the educational requirements and exam fees. However, the long-term payoff can be substantial, especially in roles with higher earning potential.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-costs-and-roi-ea-vs-cpa\"><strong>Costs and ROI: EA vs. CPA<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re deciding between an EA and a CPA, understanding the costs and salary potential for each certification is key.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-certification\"><strong>Cost of Certification<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>EA Certification<\/strong>: The Enrolled Agent path is relatively affordable. The Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) costs $259 per exam section, with minimal ongoing fees (around $30 annually) and about 16 hours of continuing education. Since there\u2019s no degree requirement, your upfront cost is relatively low, but you will need to invest in one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/best-enrolled-agent-prep-courses\/\">best enrolled agent prep courses<\/a>.<\/li> <li><strong>CPA Certification<\/strong>: The CPA route involves higher costs. You&#8217;ll need a bachelor\u2019s degree, often with 150 credit hours of coursework, plus CPA exam fees (about $1,000) and possibly CPA prep courses ($1,500\u2013$3,000). Continuing education is also required annually, adding to long-term costs.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-salary-and-roi\"><strong>Salary and ROI<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>EA Salary<\/strong>: EAs typically earn an average between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ziprecruiter.com\/Salaries\/What-Is-the-Average-Enrolled-Agent-Salary-by-State\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$50,000 and $70,000<\/a> per year, with the potential to reach over $100,000. Given the lower costs, the EA path offers a solid ROI if you\u2019re focused on a tax-centric career.<\/li> <li><strong>CPA Salary<\/strong>: CPAs generally earn more, with average salaries between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ziprecruiter.com\/Salaries\/Cpa-Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$75,000 and $100,000<\/a>, and experienced CPAs can make well over $100,000. Despite higher initial costs, the ROI for CPAs is substantial, especially if you aim for high-paying roles in public accounting or corporate finance.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short, EAs have a lower-cost entry and solid ROI for tax-focused roles, while CPAs require more investment but open doors to broader, higher-paying opportunities.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-certification-is-right-for-you\"><strong>Which Certification Is Right for You?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes down to EA vs. CPA, it\u2019s all about your career goals and interests. Here\u2019s a quick guide to help you decide:<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-becoming-an-ea-if\"><strong>Consider Becoming an EA If:<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>You\u2019re passionate about taxes and want to focus specifically on tax preparation, tax advice, and IRS representation.<\/li> <li>You\u2019d prefer a quicker path into the profession without needing a degree.<\/li> <li>You\u2019re looking for the ability to work with clients across all states.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-becoming-a-cpa-if\"><strong>Consider Becoming a CPA If:<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>You\u2019re interested in a broader accounting career, including roles in financial reporting, auditing, or corporate finance.<\/li> <li>You\u2019re aiming for positions in public accounting firms, large corporations, or executive roles.<\/li> <li>You\u2019re willing to invest in a degree and pursue a challenging exam for higher earning potential.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing between an EA and a CPA isn\u2019t a decision to take lightly\u2014particularly if you&#8217;re after that rare and elusive career satisfaction.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EAs are tax experts who can represent clients nationwide and focus solely on tax-related issues, which can be ideal if you want to specialize in tax law. CPAs, on the other hand, are versatile professionals who can work across various fields, from public accounting to business consulting. Ultimately, it\u2019s about what fits your career goals and personal interests.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re helping individuals with tax debt or preparing financial statements for corporations, both certifications can lead to fulfilling careers.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about what you enjoy most\u2014do you love diving deep into tax laws and dealing with the IRS, or do you prefer handling financial management and business valuation? Your answer could be the deciding factor in choosing the path that\u2019s right for you.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731308631443\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What\u2019s the primary difference between an EA and a CPA?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">EAs are tax-focused professionals licensed by the IRS, while CPAs have a broader scope, including financial reporting, auditing, and general accounting. Both can prepare tax returns and serve as tax consultants.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731308638489\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need a college degree to become an enrolled agent?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, a college degree isn\u2019t required to become an EA. You only need to pass the IRS Special Enrollment Exam, making it a quicker option for tax professional careers.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731308644352\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can a CPA also represent clients before the IRS?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, CPAs can represent clients before the IRS, but they are licensed at the state level, whereas EAs have federal government licensure specifically for tax matters.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731308650865\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Which certification is faster to obtain?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">In the enrolled agent vs certified public accountant race, the EA certification is generally faster since it doesn\u2019t require a degree. CPAs need a bachelor\u2019s degree and 150 credit hours, plus they must pass the Uniform CPA Exam.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731308657248\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Who typically earns a higher salary: EA or CPA?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPAs often earn higher salaries due to their broad skill set and demand in various accounting roles, such as being corporate and executive accountants, while EAs earn solid incomes in tax-specific positions.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A dismal 51% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. And when you consider that people spend a staggering 90,000 hours at work in their lifetimes on average, you owe it to yourself to choose the right job for you. If you&#8217;re considering a career in tax or accounting, you&#8217;ve probably come across two main [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/EA-vs-CPA-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Enrolled Agent vs CPA: Which is Better for Your Career?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Which certification, EA vs CPA, is better for your tax or accounting career? 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