No, Enrolled Agents do not have to be CPAs. In fact, to become an enrolled agent there are no minimum education requirements. What is required is that you pass the SEE (Special Enrollment Examination) which is a 3 part test created by the IRS. Upon successful completion of all 3 parts, you have to file Form 23 and undergo a tax suitability check (to make sure you are current with your tax obligations).
For more information about how to become an enrolled agent, check out the information found at Fast Forward Academy:
http://fastforwardacademy.com/index-page-benefits-to-become-an-enrolled-agent.htm
Yes, there are enrolled IRS agents in Lincoln, NE
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of practicing representing taxpayers before any office of the Internal Revenue Service. An enrolled agent can negotiate with the IRS during examinations and appeals, and act in place of a taxpayer signing consents and executing agreements on their behalf. An enrolled agent is the only professional granted a right to practice directly from the U.S. government. Attorneys and certified public accountants (CPA) have state licenses, which limits their practice only to the states where they are licensed. Unlike a CPA or Attorney, an enrolled agent holds a federal license and has the right to represent any taxpayer in any state regarding federal tax matters. An enrolled agent is considered a tax specialist, which sets them apart from attorneys or CPA's who do not always specialize in taxes. The practice of enrolled agents before the IRS is not limited and they may represent taxpayers before the IRS, performing the same tasks as an Attorney or CPA. The capabilities of an enrolled agent extend beyond just preparing returns to areas such as representing clients in cases involving audits, collections, and appeals.
You are confusing an enrolled agent with an IRS employed tax agent. Enrolled agents are not employed by the IRS. Yes, IRS agents can personally visit and ask to verify tax related matters.
The IRS can advise you of the availability of enrolled agents. Visit this site for info: http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/agents/article/0,,id=100710,00.html
It's not that one certification is better than the other. Enrolled Agents are strictly focused on taxes which gives them an advantage in that area, while the CPA covers a broader area. It really comes down to the individual's ability. Just based off of the certification, I would go with an EA for taxes, a CPA for financial reporting, a CMA for internal decision making, a CIA for auditing, and a CFE for investigating employee fraud.
46,000 according to NAEA
Enrolled Agents are not accountants, but many accountants do become Enrolled Agents or vice-versa. Today, an enrolled agent would handle settling inquiries, disputes, and claims for payment between the IRS and taxpayers. In addition, the role of an EA has eventually expanded to include preparing various tax forms. Basically, an EA can help you with anything related to your federal taxes and the IRS.
In most cases the IRS will communicate with the tax payer and then the tax payer could seek the help of an enrolled agent, accountant, attorney, etc.
Enrolled agents are allowed to take the place of a taxpayer at the IRS. They keep confidentiality between themselves and their clients and generally assist people with their taxes.
Using the IRS branding should be okay as long as you don't misrepresent the EA designation. Here is guidance from the IRS:From §10.30 Solicitation. (a) Advertising and solicitation restriction-Enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents, or registered tax return preparers, in describing their professional designation, may not utilize the term "certified" or imply anemployer/employee relationship with the Internal Revenue Service.While not specified, it is reasonable to assume we cannot use synonyms of "certified" in the description. Here are some we should stay clear of in our advertising:accreditedapprovedlicensedvalidatedExamples of acceptable descriptions for enrolled agents are "enrolled to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service," "enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service," and "admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service."
There are a few ways to get IRS relief. A person can contact lawyers that specialize in Tax problems. A few that can be found online are National Tax Debt website and Tax-Tiger website.
I have sheet of CPA stamps I can sell you.