
Entry-level tax preparers make less, but can expect their salary to increase after gaining several years of experience, and gathering more clients. If you don’t currently have the IRS experience to become an Enrolled Agent, you’ll need to pass the EA exam. The EA exam was designed to produce only the most qualified and competent enrolled agents. But fortunately, you can prepare to pass by utilizing an EA review course. And with affordable pricing, this investment in your future definitely pays off.
- Earning an Enrolled Agent status may be difficult since the pass rates are from 57 percent to 70 percent.
- In 2014, the average enrolled agent earned $31,983 annually, but today, they earn $35,171 a year.
- According to the 2024 Robert Half Salary Guide, hiring trends in accounting and finance continue to favor the job candidate.
- On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
- In addition, the average enrolled agent salary at companies like Smoker Craft Boats and Independent Health are highly competitive.
- Moving down to Southern California reveals EA salary numbers that are as sunny as the beaches.
Senior-Level Salaries
- Another way to boost your salary and solidify your expertise is to become dual-certified.
- As of October 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded the national median salary for CPAs in the U.S. as $73,560.
- Senior-Level EAsEnrolled agents with five or more years of experience could have an annual income of $75,000 to $100,000 and even more.
- Additionally, a cursory glance at Boston EA jobs reveals that salaries range anywhere from $41,653 and $60,309.
- Of course, the more experience you have, the more an employer will be willing to pay you.
These include the experience level, industry, location, and enrolled agent salary whether the E.A. Specializes in specific tax areas like corporate or international taxation. With 5-10 years of experience, E.A.s typically see their salaries rise to ₹12,00,000 and ₹15,00,000 annually. At this stage, E.A.s are likely handling more complex tax matters and have built a solid client base.

Pass Rate on Surgent EA course
The Enrolled Agent license provides a unique specialization in U.S. tax law, which is in high demand across various industries in India. E.A.s can work in roles involving tax planning, compliance, IRS representation, and tax preparation for U.S. citizens and businesses operating globally. Specializing in this area allows E.A.s to differentiate themselves from other tax professionals like Chartered Accountants (CAs) or Company Secretaries (CSs). Financial Forecasting For Startups Lesser RequirementsCompared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous.
- However, actual EA salaries may vary quite a bit (between $37,000 and almost $54,000) when you consider all the variables.
- The advanced certification landscape in finance and accounting is quite diverse.
- And, in addition to the standard background check, the IRS also investigates your personal tax history.
- The benefits you’ll gain from earning the EA designation will far outweigh the cost of taking the EA exam.
- Therefore, as with the lion’s share of the small accounting agencies out there, specialization is key.
- Office managers oversee several ongoing projects at once and work with staff to ensure that operations run smoothly.
Enrolled Agent Salary vs. CPA Salary

The Enrolled Agent course is the right choice for you in this case. Nevertheless, you can pursue additional credentials, such as CPA licensure for instance. Offer some benefits (e.g., gyms, cafeterias, and daycare) that smaller firms can’t reasonably fit into their budgets. Completing the AFSP is not nearly as comprehensive as receiving an Enrolled Agent designation, and you do not have as many rights as an EA. However, it is vastly cheaper than that of preparing and sitting for the EA exam, and takes much less time to complete. This in turn makes you a more popular choice compared to your peers when it comes to a potential client looking for a tax professional.
- The other way to become an Enrolled Agent is by having enough IRS experience.
- Additionally, clients often prefer to work with a single individual or a small team for the sake of efficiency.
- This certification carries significant weight in the global tax industry, providing a valuable credential showcasing your expertise in U.S. tax matters.
- The exam is administered by Prometric and is available year-round.
- And, Enrolled Agent salaries are on the rise at larger firms and corporations, too.
- For tax concerns, such as audits, collections, and appeals, EAs represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.

If you want to become an EA, now’s definitely the best time to be one. Earning an EA confirms to clients the tax knowledge that you have, and keeps you up to date every year on any changes in taxation. Self-employed Enrolled Agents who operate their own accounting agencies can expect more earnings than their counterparts at large brokerages and corporations. At a median of over $53,000, the salary for an independent Enrolled Agent is not bad.
These jobs pay much more to EA professionals than to non-certified professionals. Also, you can work independently and provide tax services for various clients. In both cases, the career advancement of experienced EAs is impressive. The average enrolled agent salary in the United States is $35,171. Enrolled agent salaries typically range between $22,000 and $54,000 yearly. As of October 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded the national median salary for CPAs in the U.S. as $73,560.

And, these organizations only employ about five or fewer people. The IRS designates EAs, but because they represent taxpayers before the IRS, Enrolled Agents cannot work there. In most cases, Enrolled Agents compete with other tax professionals. Many EAs chose to work for large agencies, accounting or otherwise.

Complementary Courses and Certifications to Increase Salary or Get Promoted:
The Internal Revenue Service is a US government agency that enforces federal tax laws. The Enrolled Agent course by this agency is the best option for every student and professional aspiring to enter the global tax world and ensure career success. Is there any other enrolled agents or tax preparers who could give me some advice on where they work or other places I should apply? I have always worked in person, I am looking for a remote payroll job if possible. Both handle taxes, but CPAs focus more on accounting and auditing.
The other way to become an Enrolled Agent is by having enough IRS experience. According to the Treasury Department guidelines, you must have at least 5 years of active, continuous service in order to become an EA. In order to become an Enrolled Agent, you must satisfy the EA requirements of Treasury Department Circular 230.