{"id":4974,"date":"2025-06-06T20:41:57","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T02:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/?p=4974"},"modified":"2025-06-06T20:41:59","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T02:41:59","slug":"enrolled-agent-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Enrolled Agent Requirements: Could You Be an EA?"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the IRS, there are<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/tax-professionals\/enrolled-agents\/enrolled-agents-frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> five<\/a> requirements to becoming an enrolled agent. But what are those steps? And what could prevent you from achieving them?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe you\u2019re already a tax preparer, or maybe you\u2019re just the go-to person in your family when tax season rolls around. Either way, becoming an EA gives you the power to represent clients directly in front of the IRS. And in this guide, I&#8217;ll teach you what it takes to earn your certification.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s walk through the Enrolled Agent requirements so you can decide if this path is right for you.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>EA Status Gives You IRS Power:<\/strong> Enrolled Agents can represent clients in all tax matters across all 50 states\u2014no state license needed.<\/li> <li><strong>You\u2019ll Need a PTIN First:<\/strong> Before you start, you\u2019ll need to apply for a Preparer Tax Identification Number through the IRS.<\/li> <li><strong>The EA Exam Has Three Parts:<\/strong> The Special Enrollment Examination tests you on individual taxes, business taxes, and IRS representation rules.<\/li> <li><strong>Background Check Is Part of the Process:<\/strong> You must be current on your own tax filings and free of serious tax or criminal issues to pass this suitability check.<\/li> <li><strong>Ongoing Education Is Required:<\/strong> To stay active, EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education every 3 years, including ethics training.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-enrolled-agent\"><strong>What Is an Enrolled Agent?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First things first: an enrolled agent is a federally licensed tax professional. Unlike CPAs or attorneys, EAs are licensed by the Internal Revenue Service, not the state. And here\u2019s the best part\u2014they have unlimited practice rights. That means they can represent any taxpayer on any tax issue in any state. <\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to represent clients in all kinds of tax situations\u2014individuals, businesses, you name it\u2014becoming an EA gives you that legal authority.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-get-your-ptin\"><strong>Step 1: Get Your PTIN<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you do anything else, you need a <strong>Preparer Tax Identification Number<\/strong>, or <strong>PTIN<\/strong>. This is required for anyone who prepares or helps prepare federal tax returns for money. You can apply for your PTIN online through the IRS website, and it&#8217;s free.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t skip this step\u2014it\u2019s your ID in the IRS world.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-pass-the-enrolled-agent-exam\"><strong>Step 2: Pass the Enrolled Agent Exam<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is the big one: the <strong>Special Enrollment Examination (SEE)<\/strong>\u2014a three-part test that covers all the things a tax pro needs to know. Think of it like your EA entrance exam.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how it\u2019s broken down:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Part 1:<\/strong> Individual Tax Returns<\/li> <li><strong>Part 2:<\/strong> Business Tax Returns<\/li> <li><strong>Part 3:<\/strong> Representation, Practices, and Procedures<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These exams are taken at a testing center (or sometimes remotely), and each part includes around 100 multiple-choice questions. You don\u2019t have to take all three at once\u2014you can space them out, but pay attention to the testing window when you schedule.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passing scores are <strong>scaled from 40 to 130, and you need at least 105 to pass each part<\/strong>. Most people find Part 2 to be the hardest, since it dives deep into business tax law and the Internal Revenue Code.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I remember thinking Part 3 would be a breeze, but those representation rules are no joke. Definitely study up on those rights and responsibilities.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-pass-a-background-check\"><strong>Step 3: Pass a Background Check<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you pass all three parts of the Enrolled Agent exam, you\u2019ll have to pass a background check by the IRS. This includes:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Making sure you\u2019ve filed all your own <strong>tax returns<\/strong><\/li> <li>Confirming you don\u2019t have any major <strong>unpaid taxes<\/strong><\/li> <li>Reviewing your history for any <strong>criminal background check<\/strong> issues<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s not as scary as it sounds. Basically, the IRS just wants to know you\u2019re a trustworthy person before giving you the keys to the tax kingdom.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-apply-for-enrollment\"><strong>Step 4: Apply for Enrollment<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After passing your exams and clearing your background check, it\u2019s time to officially apply. You\u2019ll submit Form 23 to the IRS and pay a small enrollment fee. Once approved, you\u2019re officially an enrolled agent\u2014congrats!<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-stay-sharp-with-continuing-education\"><strong>Step 5: Stay Sharp with Continuing Education<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Becoming an EA isn\u2019t just a one-and-done deal. To keep your license active, you have to complete <strong>continuing education<\/strong> every year. The IRS requires:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>72 hours<\/strong> of education every 3 years<\/li> <li>At least <strong>16 hours per year<\/strong><\/li> <li><strong>2 hours<\/strong> each year must be about ethics<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So yeah, you can\u2019t hit cruise control forever\u2014but it\u2019s a manageable way to stay up to date on changes to the tax code.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bonus-why-you-might-want-to-become-an-ea\"><strong>Bonus: Why You Might Want to Become an EA<\/strong><\/h2> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"benefits of EA certification\" class=\"wp-image-4976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info-280x280.png 280w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-info.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s talk benefits.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Nationwide Authority:<\/strong> EAs can represent clients in all 50 states\u2014no state license required.<\/li> <li><strong>More Trust:<\/strong> Clients feel safer when they know you\u2019ve passed the Special Enrollment Examination and are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.<\/li> <li><strong>Career Flexibility:<\/strong> Work for a tax firm, open your own business, or add EA status to your resume if you\u2019re already a bookkeeper or accountant. Even large public accounting firms recognize the value of hiring EAs for roles focused on tax compliance and client representation.<\/li> <li><strong>Income Boost:<\/strong> Many EAs earn more than non-credentialed tax preparers, especially during tax season.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you&#8217;re passionate about tax law, solving puzzles, and helping people navigate complex tax issues, it&#8217;s genuinely rewarding.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-becoming-an-ea-right-for-you\"><strong>Is Becoming an EA Right for You?<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re someone who likes numbers, doesn\u2019t mind digging into the details of the tax code, and wants to help others with serious tax matters, this could be a great fit. The path isn&#8217;t easy\u2014especially the enrolled agent exam\u2014but it&#8217;s straightforward, and you don\u2019t need a college degree or prior accounting experience to get started.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You <em>do<\/em> need discipline, a good study plan, and a desire to learn all there is to know about tax rules, deductions, credits, and procedures.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, could you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/become-an-enrolled-agent\/\">become an enrolled agent<\/a>?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re willing to put in the work, yes, absolutely. The steps are clear: get your PTIN, pass the Special Enrollment Examination, clear a background check, and commit to continuing education. From there, you\u2019ll join a respected group of tax professionals who can help clients across the country.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not bad for a career path that doesn\u2019t require a traditional degree, right?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If helping people solve tax problems sounds like something you\u2019d enjoy, becoming an IRS Enrolled Agent might just be the smartest move you make.<\/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-1749204466439\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the requirements to become an enrolled agent?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You need a PTIN, must take all three parts of the Special Enrollment Examination (and leave the testing room with passing scores), pass a background check, and apply with the IRS.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749204470898\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How hard is it to get an enrolled agent status?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It takes dedication and study, especially for the business tax section, but with the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/best-enrolled-agent-prep-courses\/\">enrolled agent prep course<\/a>, it&#8217;s totally achievable\u2014even without a tax background.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749204474597\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is the EA exam harder than the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, the EA exam is generally considered more focused and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-vs-cpa\/\">less broad than the CPA<\/a> exam, making it more manageable for most test takers.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749204479082\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What disqualifies you from being an enrolled agent?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Serious tax issues, unfiled returns, significant unpaid taxes, or certain criminal convictions can prevent you from becoming an EA due to the sensitive nature of tax preparation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749204483585\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How fast can you become an enrolled agent?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/how-long-it-takes-to-become-an-enrolled-agent\/\">become an EA in 3\u20136 months<\/a>, depending on how quickly you study, pass the exams, and complete the application process.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to the IRS, there are five requirements to becoming an enrolled agent. But what are those steps? And what could prevent you from achieving them? Maybe you\u2019re already a tax preparer, or maybe you\u2019re just the go-to person in your family when tax season rolls around. Either way, becoming an EA gives you the [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4975,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4974","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\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-feature-image-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 v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Enrolled Agent Requirements: Could You Be an EA?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Curious about enrolled agent requirements? Learn how to become an EA, what the exam covers, and if you&#039;re ready to represent clients before the IRS.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-requirements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Enrolled Agent Requirements: Could You Be an EA?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Curious about enrolled agent requirements? Learn how to become an EA, what the exam covers, and if you&#039;re ready to represent clients before the IRS.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/enrolled-agent-requirements\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kansas City Star - Careers &amp; Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-07T02:41:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-07T02:41:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-feature-image.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"889\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"image\":false,\"name\":null,\"jobTitle\":\"Writer\",\"url\":false,\"description\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"Enrolled Agent Requirements: Could You Be an EA?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-07T02:41:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-07T02:41:59+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1228,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/7\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-feature-image.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Careers &amp; Education\",\"Accounting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/\",\"name\":\"Enrolled Agent Requirements: Could You Be an EA?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/enrolled-agent-requirements\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.kansascity.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/7\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Enrolled-Agent-Requirements-feature-image.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-07T02:41:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-07T02:41:59+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"description\":\"Curious about enrolled agent requirements? 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