Unlock Your Tax Superpower: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Enrolled Agent EA

To register for the EA Exam, you need to create an online account with Prometric, using your PTIN and personal details. See how Becker gets you Exam Day ReadySM with access to lecture videos, digital textbooks, 3,000 practice questions, and so much more. Scheduling is now available for an exam appointment for the May 1, 2025–Feb. The actual seat time is 4 hours to allow for a tutorial, survey, and one scheduled 15-minute break. Once you settle on a few, contact the team leaders and discuss recording transactions the terms, including how they will compensate you and areas for growth. Applicants are charged $20 in North Dakota and $160 in Idaho, for example.

How to register as a professional tax agent with HMRC

A career in real estate can be exciting because it comes with many opportunities, including the potential for high commissions and a flexible schedule. If you’re considering diving in, it’s important to do ample research about your state requirements and the market in your area. Keep in mind that you may need some additional education, experience, and/or training. For instance, you may require accounting knowledge to work as an appraiser and must understand zoning laws if you want to work with an industrial brokerage. Passing the exam doesn’t automatically qualify you for a license.

Online PTIN application

In addition to the PTIN fee, make sure to plan ahead for other Enrolled Agent exam costs, like studying for and scheduling your exam. The lack of demanding EA requirements means it’s relatively easy to focus on the exam, complete the other required steps to become an Enrolled Agent, and earn your designation quickly. When you’ve registered and got the agent code for the service you want to use, you can then enrol it onto your HMRC online services account. As an EA, you hold a prestigious designation that sets you apart in the tax industry and positions you as a trusted advisor.

Create a study plan and pass the Enrolled Agent exam

• If you need any accommodations guaranteed by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), contact Prometric first to get pre-approved before scheduling your appointment.
• All references on the examination are to the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications, as amended through Dec. 31, 2024.
• A real estate agent differs from a realtor, even though both help people with real estate transactions.
• Not all test centers are equally equipped for all accommodations.
• This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
• However, passing scores are only valid for three calendar years before they expire6.

Develop a strong brand that reflects your expertise and values. Create a professional website, optimize it for search engines, and use social media to connect with potential clients. Networking, referrals, and online advertising can also help you reach a broader audience. Once you know that you want to become an enrolled agent, you must select your path.

• Starting your own tax practice is not only a viable career path but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your clients.
• Technology and Tools – Invest in the right technology and tools to streamline your operations and provide top-notch service to your clients.
• Each exam lasts 3.5 hours and contains 100 multiple choice questions.
• Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.
• Generally, enrolled agents must obtain a minimum of 72 hours per enrollment cycle (every three years).
• The EA exam isn’t available in March or April because this time is set aside each year by the IRS to update the EA exam.

Learn about upskilling your career with Surgent IQ

Starting your own tax practice is not only a viable career path but also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your clients. To truly commit the time, money, and effort the EA licensing process requires, you must really understand and value the tangible benefits of becoming an enrolled agent affords your career. Furthermore (sometimes, for that reason), CPAs charge more for tax services. Everyone needs the aid of a tax expert at some point in their lives, so the demand for EAs is there. And with CPAs placing such a premium on their assistance, EAs appeal to the public with their advanced tax knowledge and reasonable pricing. Once you’ve passed all three parts of the Enrolled Agent Exam, you can apply for enrollment to practice before the IRS by filling out Form 23.

Your team can also help you understand the ins and outs of the industry, the process of real estate transactions, and the legal and ethical guidelines you must follow. Costs for pre-licensing depend on the state, but the average ranges from $300 to $600. You can find online and in-person real estate schools; your state’s website may list schools. bookkeeping and payroll services For instance, the licensing course is 75 hours in New Jersey and 45 hours in Wyoming.

If you pass, the score report will show a passing designation. All score values above passing indicate that a candidate is qualified — not how qualified. You will also receive diagnostic information which may indicate areas of weakness in your performance how to become an enrolled agent where you may need continuing education. Generally, enrolled agents must obtain a minimum of 72 hours per enrollment cycle (every three years).

How do I prepare for the examination? Are there any study materials? (reviewed Oct. 19,

• Apart from rare and exceptional circumstances, testing fees are neither transferable to later dates nor refundable.
• Refer to Circular 230 PDF, Sections 10.5(d)(1) and 10.51, for a complete explanation of the suitability requirements.
• Unauthorized access to notes, books, reference materials or electronic devices may result in your test results being nullified by the IRS.
• Additionally, you will have to wait a little longer to finish the process.
• You may take each section up to four times per testing window, which opens annually on May 1 and closes on the last day of the following February.
• For this reason, with the EA designation, there’s really no arguing that you don’t know your stuff.

Note that the website may still be a third-party website even the format is similar to the Becker.com website. You will receive your results immediately after you complete the exam. You may electronically apply for enrollment and make secure payment of the $140 enrollment fee at Pay.gov. Food or beverages, other than water, may not be brought into the testing room.

The process should only take about 15 minutes, and once it’s complete, you’ll get your PTIN. You are responsible for pacing yourself and making sure you have enough time to complete the exam. One of Becker’s tips to pass the SEE Exam is learning to spend no longer than about 1.8 minutes answering each question. This will give you enough time to complete all 100 questions, with 30 minutes extra to review your answers.