Vicki Venable, Enrolled Agent
What's an ea?
An Enrolled Agent is an individual who has demonstrated (by an intensive two day exam) technical competence in the field of taxation and can represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service.
Unlike attorneys and CPA's, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, EA's specialize in matters of taxation and are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the United States Government. (CPA's and attorneys are licensed by the states.)
Only EA's, attorneys and CPA's may represent taxpayers before the IRS.
EA's are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education each year, with at least 2 of those hours ethics related.
Pending legislation would require all paid tax preparers to register with, and possibly be tested by, the Internal Revenue Service. Unfortunately, this legislation is still being "blocked".
It is our opinion that anyone preparing tax returns for a fee is implying a knowledge of tax issues and, as such, should not be opposed to registration, basic testing and continuing education requirements.
