What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

What does the term “Enrolled Agent” mean?

“Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “Agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only Enrolled Agents, attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department.

How can an Enrolled Agent help me?

Enrolled Agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Enrolled Agents’ expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.

What are the privileges of an Enrolled Agent?

The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allow federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the Enrolled Agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.

What are the differences between EA’s and other tax professionals?

Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Enrolled Agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the U.S. government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states).

How do I become an Enrolled Agent?

There are two tracks to become an IRS Enrolled Agent, which are outlined in Treasury Department Circular 230, Regulations Governing the Practice of Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries, and Appraisers, before the Internal Revenue Service. All candidates are also subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. The IRS website also provides information on the enrollment process. Prometric administers the exam process for IRS. The two tracks are: 1. You can become an enrolled agent by demonstrating special competence in tax matters by taking a online Enrolled Agent examination administered by Prometric. This track requires that you:

• Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE); see below
• Achieve passing scores on all parts of the SEE;
• Apply for enrollment on Form 23; and
• Pass a background check to ensure that you have not engaged in any conduct that would justify the suspension or disbarment of an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent from practice before the IRS.

How can I prepare for the Exam?

With our EA Exam Review Course, you will study and review the tax knowledge required to successfully pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam (also known as the Special Enrollment Examination or the SEE). The course will highlight to you those subjects that you may need to gain additional knowledge in, and covers all of the key areas of taxation that is covered by the exam including individual returns, business entity returns, practice before the IRS and tax practitioner ethics. Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course

How do I keep my license?

Enrolled Agents renew their license on a staggered schedule, based on the last digit of the enrolled agent’s social security number. The current fee for renewal is $30 per year. To be eligible for renewal for the enrollment cycle, Enrolled Agents must complete 72 continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours for the three year cycle, with a minimum of 16 CPE per year. Two CPE credit hours per year must be in Ethics. Platinum Professional Services offers Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Tax Courses that are designed to enhance an Enrolled Agents professional proficiency in federal taxation or federal tax related matters. EA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Courses

What are some of the features of the course?

Our courses are online. Once you purchase the course you have immediate access to it. You can go in and out of the course at your convenience for up to six months (one year for Notary and Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course). The reading material is built within the course and is presented in an online E-Book format making the reading material portable if you prefer to work offline. Our tax and notary course features automatic grading, a detailed review of your missed quiz questions, and full instructor support. You will have unlimited number of tries to pass the quizzes and the final exams. Discussion forums are available within the course. Once you complete the course with a 70% or better, you have access to print your own certificate of completion.

I am already an existing tax return preparer, what do I need to do to participate in the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)?

All tax preparers who are preparing tax returns for compensation must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The PTIN can be obtained here. In addition, you must either take the 15 Hour IRS AFSP Continuing Education Course or the 18 Hour IRS AFSP Continuing Education Course w/AFTR. The 15 hour course is for those who have: Completed one of more of the following national or state tests:

• Registered Tax Return Preparers Oregon/California/Maryland and other state based return preparer testing programs
• Accredited Tax preparer test offered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy/Taxation Part 1 of the Special Enrollment Exam during the 2 year eligibility window Successful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program reviewers an instructor

I am currently registered as a Tax Preparer with CTEC, what is the deadline for completing the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course?

The deadline for completing the annual 20 hours of continuing education, is October 31st. After October 31st, you can still register until January 15th, but you will need to pay an additional late fee.

How much does the CTEC Qualifying tax course cost?

The CTEC 60 Hour Qualifying Tax Course is competitively priced at $129.00

How much does the CTEC Continuing tax course cost?

The CTEC 20 Hour Continuing Education Tax Preparer Course start at $36.00.

Does the 20 hour include the 2 hours of Ethics?

Yes, it also includes three hours of federal tax updates, ten hours of federal tax law, and five hours of California state tax law.

Where do I purchase my California Tax Preparer's Bond?

Platinum Professional Services offers Tax Preparer Bonds through an affiliate.

I have completed the 20 Hour Continuing Education Course; can I register with CTEC online?

Yes, since Platinum Professional Studies reports the completion of the Course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything. Go to: http://www.ctec.org to complete the registration process. You will not need your course information, as it has already been reported. You will need your bond information. Note: We will report all completions to CTEC within three business days.

I have tried registering with CTEC and my course hours have not been reported, why?

Have you received your certificate of completion? If you have not received your certificate of completion from within your course, it will not be marked as complete and Platinum Professional Services will not be notified of your completion. Have you waited three business days, prior to trying? Allow this time so that the system can be updated. Check that the last six digits of your SSN is in your account. If they are not, you will need to add them and then give us a call at 877 315 1772. If none of the above applies, and you still can not register, contact Platinum Professional Services at customersupport@platinumprostudies.com.

I am interested in preparing tax returns in Oregon, do I need to take a course?

Yes, the State of Oregon requires that individuals that prepare tax returns for compensation obtain a Tax Preparer License. The Tax Preparer License enables a person to lawfully prepare personal income tax returns in the State of Oregon. A tax preparer must work under the supervision of a Licensed Tax Consultant, a Certified Public Accountant, a Public Accountant, or an Attorney who prepares tax returns for their clients. The state of Oregon requires all paid Tax Preparers to complete an Oregon 80 Hour Basic Tax Course and pass an exam (administered by Oregon Board of Tax Practicitioners)

In Oregon, once I pass the exam am I required to take any continuing education?

Licensees are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours continuing education as a prerequisite to renewing their license each year.

I am registering as a California Tax Preparer with CTEC for the first time, what do I do once I complete and pass the course?

Once you pass the course, the next step is to obtain a PTIN. You will need to obtain a PTIN (Personal Tax Identification Number) with the IRS at irs.gov/PTIN. You will also need to obtain a Tax Preparers bond. Platinum Professional Services offer Tax Preparer Bonds through an affiliate. After you receive your bond Since Platinum Professional Services reports the completion of the course to CTEC electronically, you can register online without having to mail anything. Go to: http://www.ctec.org to complete the registration process. You will not need your course information, as it has already been reported. However, you will need your bond information. Note: We will report all completions to CTEC within three business days. If your completion is not showing on CTEC.org check that the last six digits of your SSN is in your account. If they are not, you will need to add them and then give us a call at 877 315 1772.

What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

What does the term “Enrolled Agent” mean?

“Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “Agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only Enrolled Agents, attorneys, and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department.

How can an Enrolled Agent help me?

Enrolled Agents advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Enrolled Agents’ expertise in the continually changing field of taxation enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.

What are the privileges of an Enrolled Agent?

The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allow federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the Enrolled Agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.

What are the differences between EA’s and other tax professionals?

Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Enrolled Agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the U.S. government (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states).

How do I become an Enrolled Agent?

There are two tracks to become an IRS Enrolled Agent, which are outlined in Treasury Department Circular 230, Regulations Governing the Practice of Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries, and Appraisers, before the Internal Revenue Service. All candidates are also subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. The IRS website also provides information on the enrollment process. Prometric administers the exam process for IRS. The two tracks are: 1. You can become an enrolled agent by demonstrating special competence in tax matters by taking a online Enrolled Agent examination administered by Prometric. This track requires that you:

• Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE); see below
• Achieve passing scores on all parts of the SEE;
• Apply for enrollment on Form 23; and
• Pass a background check to ensure that you have not engaged in any conduct that would justify the suspension or disbarment of an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent from practice before the IRS.

How can I prepare for the Exam?

With our EA Exam Review Course, you will study and review the tax knowledge required to successfully pass the IRS Enrolled Agent Exam (also known as the Special Enrollment Examination or the SEE). The course will highlight to you those subjects that you may need to gain additional knowledge in, and covers all of the key areas of taxation that is covered by the exam including individual returns, business entity returns, practice before the IRS and tax practitioner ethics. Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course

How do I keep my license?

Enrolled Agents renew their license on a staggered schedule, based on the last digit of the enrolled agent’s social security number. The current fee for renewal is $30 per year. To be eligible for renewal for the enrollment cycle, Enrolled Agents must complete 72 continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours for the three year cycle, with a minimum of 16 CPE per year. Two CPE credit hours per year must be in Ethics. Platinum Professional Services offers Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Tax Courses that are designed to enhance an Enrolled Agents professional proficiency in federal taxation or federal tax related matters. EA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Courses

What is a CPA?

A CPA is a certified public accountant and licensing is issued by each individual state or jurisdiction. Each state or jurisdiction has a separate licensing board that determines and governs specific requirements but in general, CPA exam requirements include:

• A Bachelor's Degree-this is the first and most important CPA exam requirement
• Completion of a minimum number of credit hours in business and accounting

How do I become a CPA?

The two most important goals to focus on in your quest to become a CPA are passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting licensing requirements. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the AICPA with significant input and assistance by NASBA and state boards of accountancy. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills entry-level CPAs need to practice public accountancy. Passing the CPA Exam is only one step in meeting the licensing requirements that must be completed. The steps are referred to as the “Three Es” (Education, Examination and Experience), and completion of the three steps is required for licensure as a CPA in the U.S. The successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement in all 55 jurisdictions; but the Education and Experience requirements may vary for each state or jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions also require an additional exam in ethics in order to obtain a license (sometimes referred to as the fourth “E”). The CPA license is the only license for accounting professionals and is issued by state boards of accountancy in the 55 jurisdictions (there is not a national CPA license). To review the testing requirements and other helpful information for your State or jurisdiction, you can go to this link, provided by NASBA.

What are the four parts of the Exam?

The CPA Exam is a 14-hour, computer-based test comprised of four sections:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

What are the CPA Exam dates?

Each calendar year has four "testing windows" in which a person can sit for their CPA Exam. For the first two months of each quarter, a person can sit for any or all sections of the examination in any order. The third month in each quarter is a "blackout" month in which no exams may be scheduled. Candidates must pass these these four sections over a period of 18 months so it is important to plan a schedule for when you want to take each part of the CPA Exam to ensure that you don't lose credit for any exam sections by going over the 18 month rolling window. You cannot take the same section of an exam more than once during any testing window. For example, if you sit for FAR in January, you could also sit for AUD, but you would not be able to retake FAR until April.

How to I keep my license?

CPA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required to maintain your license and the requirements vary for each state. Continuing education for CPA professionals can be done online in almost every state, allowing you to keep your license current while saving you time and money. The continuing professional education requirements in California are as follows: no CPE is required during the first year of licensure. If the license was issued in an even-numbered year, 40 hours of CPE are required to renew the license the following year. Eight of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting subjects. After the first renewal period, the CPE requirement is 80 hours every two years. A minimum of 20 hours must be earned in each year. Sixteen of the 80 hours must be obtained in auditing and accounting subjects. The following State Boards no longer maintain a formal CPE Sponsor program. Instead, they have defined the requirements for acceptable CPE courses and Platinum Professional Services courses meet these standards. Platinum Professional Services offers a formal program of self study, provides interactive self study CPE courses, and issues certificates of completion for all courses as proof that you completed a course. All Platinum Professional Services self study courses meet the requirements for Interactive Self Study defined by the NASBA / AICPA standards for self study CPE programs, which is why our CPE courses can be used in the following states.

What is a CPA?

A CPA is a certified public accountant and licensing is issued by each individual state or jurisdiction. Each state or jurisdiction has a separate licensing board that determines and governs specific requirements but in general, CPA exam requirements include:

• A Bachelor's Degree-this is the first and most important CPA exam requirement
• Completion of a minimum number of credit hours in business and accounting

How do I become a CPA?

The two most important goals to focus on in your quest to become a CPA are passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting licensing requirements. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the AICPA with significant input and assistance by NASBA and state boards of accountancy. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills entry-level CPAs need to practice public accountancy. Passing the CPA Exam is only one step in meeting the licensing requirements that must be completed. The steps are referred to as the “Three Es” (Education, Examination and Experience), and completion of the three steps is required for licensure as a CPA in the U.S. The successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement in all 55 jurisdictions; but the Education and Experience requirements may vary for each state or jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions also require an additional exam in ethics in order to obtain a license (sometimes referred to as the fourth “E”). The CPA license is the only license for accounting professionals and is issued by state boards of accountancy in the 55 jurisdictions (there is not a national CPA license). To review the testing requirements and other helpful information for your State or jurisdiction, you can go to this link, provided by NASBA.

What are the four parts of the Exam?

The CPA Exam is a 14-hour, computer-based test comprised of four sections:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Regulation (REG)
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

What are the CPA Exam dates?

Each calendar year has four "testing windows" in which a person can sit for their CPA Exam. For the first two months of each quarter, a person can sit for any or all sections of the examination in any order. The third month in each quarter is a "blackout" month in which no exams may be scheduled. Candidates must pass these these four sections over a period of 18 months so it is important to plan a schedule for when you want to take each part of the CPA Exam to ensure that you don't lose credit for any exam sections by going over the 18 month rolling window. You cannot take the same section of an exam more than once during any testing window. For example, if you sit for FAR in January, you could also sit for AUD, but you would not be able to retake FAR until April.

How to I keep my license?

CPA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required to maintain your license and the requirements vary for each state. Continuing education for CPA professionals can be done online in almost every state, allowing you to keep your license current while saving you time and money. The continuing professional education requirements in California are as follows: no CPE is required during the first year of licensure. If the license was issued in an even-numbered year, 40 hours of CPE are required to renew the license the following year. Eight of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting subjects. After the first renewal period, the CPE requirement is 80 hours every two years. A minimum of 20 hours must be earned in each year. Sixteen of the 80 hours must be obtained in auditing and accounting subjects. The following State Boards no longer maintain a formal CPE Sponsor program. Instead, they have defined the requirements for acceptable CPE courses and Platinum Professional Services courses meet these standards. Platinum Professional Services offers a formal program of self study, provides interactive self study CPE courses, and issues certificates of completion for all courses as proof that you completed a course. All Platinum Professional Services self study courses meet the requirements for Interactive Self Study defined by the NASBA / AICPA standards for self study CPE programs, which is why our CPE courses can be used in the following states.