For instance, CPAs working for conglomerates or in a CPA firm could easily bring in six-figure salaries. This exam covers auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, https://www.bookstime.com/ financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. Overall, it usually takes at least eight years to become a certified public accountant due to the necessary requirements.
- Elsewhere in the region, such as Baltimore, the majority of the enrolled agent positions pay between $45,908 and $63,998 per year.
- The test is not offered during the annual blackout period in March and April.
- The big chains pay their more experienced enrolled agents between $20 and $30 per hour on average, which comes to between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.
- Enrolled agents in Charlotte also earn less than the national average.
- The first is by passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which has 3 parts.
- However, actual EA salaries may vary quite a bit when you consider all the variables.
EA vs CPA salary
The EA credential is also more client-focused than a CPA credential. These are both factors to weigh alongside salary numbers for each profession. Compared to many other enrolled agent salary certifications, this qualification costs less, even though it cannot be called inexpensive. However, each time a candidate takes the exam, they need to pay $206.
- A senior-level enrolled agent with between 10 and 20 years of experience can typically expect to earn an average salary of $55,000.
- What’s more, enrolled agents often fill the role of both tax accountant and tax attorney.
- EA candidates are not allowed to have any outstanding tax liabilities.
- The job levels for enrolled agent status are entry, mid-level, and senior level.
- However, the salary of a CPA will quickly exceed the salary pace of an EA.
- So, use our comparisons of the best EA review courses to find the right EA course for you, and use our EA discounts to save on your preferred exam prep.
- In order to sit for the EA exam, all that is required is a preparer tax identification number.
How many questions are on each part of the examination? (reviewed Oct. 19,
Failing candidates are provided a scaled score value so that they may see how close they are to being successful. Candidates that receive a scaled score of 104 are very close to passing. You will also receive diagnostic information to assist you with future examination preparation.
Entry-level salaries for EA agents
Becoming an EA is one of the best investments you can make in your career as a tax preparer. The benefits you’ll gain from earning the EA designation will far outweigh the cost of taking the EA exam. In addition to the salary benefits, you’ll also enjoy increased representation rights so you can expand your client base and the services you can offer. Plus, the EA designation signals a high level of expertise that will cement your status as a valuable expert on tax topics. Both certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs) must adhere to strict ethical standards. Among the differences between these two careers is that certified public accountants are regulated at the state level.
The job levels for enrolled agent status are entry, mid-level, and senior level. Entry-level candidates, who are mainly practitioners, may earn around $52,000 annually, and focus primarily on tax returns. The mid-level professionals may earn a little more than the above, which may again go up to $80,000 per year.
Similar Jobs to Enrolled Agent
- So, as the tax preparer, an enrolled agent is the most qualified to explain and defend the choices made during preparation.
- Bookkeepers ensure that a business makes the most economically viable and safe decisions to keep finances tight and under control.
- The length of time required to become an enrolled agent is much less than the amount of time required to become a CPA.
- There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns.
- Another factor to consider as you choose your career path is the earning potential for both the EA credential and CPA license.
