The Importance of Choosing an Enrolled Agent
There are many reasons to select an enrolled agent as your tax professional. One of the first reasons is that an enrolled agent is an expert in the complexities of the tax laws. The intricacies of the tax laws are enormous and confusing. Enrolled agents are well acquainted with the various changes and how they relate to the Internal Revenue Code and regulations.
Another important aspect to remember when hiring a tax professional is that an enrolled agent can best serve your needs. An enrolled agent is required to complete 72 hours of training with a 3 year period to retain and keep in effect their status as enrolled agents. Therefore, an enrolled agent is up to date with the current changes of the law.
In selecting an enrolled agent above other professionals as your tax representative, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that when you hire a CPA or attorney that they have any knowledge or experience with the tax law. Enrolled agents on the other hand are required to pass a rigorous test to exhibit their proficiency with the tax law. CPA's and attorneys may not have any knowledge of tax law and may have specialization in other fields of the law unrelated to tax.
Enrolled agents are the only tax preparers who enjoy unlimited representation rights before the Internal Revenue Service. An enrolled agent has extended jurisdiction and can represent their clients throughout the United States. In contrast to a CPA and tax attorney who is restricted to practice only in the state of which he/she is licensed.
The abilities of an enrolled agent include many aspects such as personal tax preparation, business tax preparation, audit representation, resolution of collection issues including offer in compromise and installment agreements. Hiring an enrolled agent is cost effective and saves time and money.
I, Charlotte Edginton an EA, worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 35 years. AS an EA, I have represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service, State Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization and the Employment Development Department in a variety of issues.