What’s the difference between an EA and a CPA?

EAs and CPAs are both knowledgeable, experienced professionals who are required to maintain high ethical standards.

IRS Enrolled Agent (EA)

  • Federally licensed by the Department of the Treasury

  • Focus primarily on taxation and tax representation services

  • Provide tax consultation services

  • Enrolled Agents are tax specialists

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

  • State licensed by individual State Boards of Accountancy

  • Focus on broad accounting principles, tax and financial services

  • Work only in the states where they are licensed

  • May or may not specialize in taxation

 

What is an EA?

 

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agents are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can practice before."