Bookkeeping support
Licensed Enrolled Agents - Nationwide Virtual Service
Enrolled agent near me
Finding an enrolled agent near you isn't about zip codes. The EA credential is federal, and ProTax USA handles tax preparation, IRS representation, and bookkeeping for small business clients across all 50 states without state-level licensing gaps. Same advisor every month, not just at tax season. Flat monthly pricing. Book online or call now.
Why It Matters
What is an enrolled agent and how do they get licensed?
A tax return specialist is a tax professional who earns their credential after passing a three-part Special Enrollment Exam, or through documented experience as a former IRS employee. The exam covers individual tax, business tax, and representation procedures. EAs specialize in taxation and must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years to keep the credential active. The National Association of Enrolled Agents sets professional standards for the field. Unlike state-issued CPA licenses, the enrolled agent credential is federal, giving ProTax USA unlimited practice rights before the Internal Revenue Service in every state. That means a client in Texas gets the same IRS representation as a client in New York, with no referrals and no gaps. The enrolled agent credential is tax-only, no attest, no securities work, which keeps it focused on what your actual tax situation needs.
Bookkeeper / accountant
EA authority
Daily records
Core work
Can oversee
Financial analysis
Accountant
Advanced
Audit representation
Limited
Authorized
Growth trigger
Simple stage
Complex stage
Pricing Clarity
What can an EA do for small business owners?
ProTax USA handles the full tax calendar for small business clients: business tax returns, quarterly filings, estimated payments, and year-round accounting. Most clients don't track the separate deadlines for 941s, estimated payments, and 1099-NEC filings at the same time, and one missed date is a penalty. Small business accounting services at ProTax USA cover the whole calendar so nothing slips. Tax compliance runs differently for an LLC taxed as an S-corp than for a sole proprietor, and the structure decisions from year one affect tax returns for years after. ProTax USA reviews how clients are set up, flags what's missing, and handles federal filings without splitting the work across vendors. One firm, one monthly fee, one advisor who knows the account.
CPA revenue trigger
Simple stage
Notice received
Why It Matters
Can an enrolled agent represent you in an IRS audit?
Yes. Enrolled agents have unlimited rights to represent clients before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals. The authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS equals a CPA's for all federal tax matters. ProTax USA's EAs handle agency correspondence directly.
Accountant
CPA
Tax return
Can prepare
Can sign/advise
Audit defense
No license
Authorized
Statements
Prepared
Can audit
Complexity
Moderate
High
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FAQ
Common questions about enrolled agents
Tax
Scope
General
Cost
Tax Is an enrolled agent as qualified as a CPA for tax work?
For federal tax matters, yes. The EA exam tests tax law and IRS procedures in depth. An enrolled agent's authority equals a CPA's for tax filings and audit defense. The difference is that CPAs hold the state license required to perform attest work. For tax returns and federal representation, both are equally qualified.
Scope What does the CPA exam cover?
The CPA exam covers four sections: financial reporting, auditing and attestation, regulation including tax law, and business environment. The uniform CPA exam requires a 75 or higher per section. Pass the CPA exam and you hold state attest authority. The enrolled agent exam covers individual tax, business tax, and representation across three parts. Pass the EA exam and you hold federal tax authority in all 50 states.
Tax Do EAs handle tax planning?
Yes. Tax planning is within EA scope. EAs at ProTax USA review deductions, estimated payments, and entity structure throughout the year. CPAs also offer planning services alongside broader accounting work. For a business that needs tax expertise specifically, both handle planning comparably.
General When should I hire a CPA instead of an EA?
Hire a CPA when you need an audit, attest certification, SBA financing compliance, or grant review that requires a licensed CPA. CPAs are licensed by a state board of accountancy to perform those functions. For tax preparation, IRS representation, and back taxes, an enrolled agent covers the work. ProTax USA handles complex tax situations and will tell you directly if your situation requires a CPA referral.
Tax What is the difference between an enrolled agent and a tax preparer?
A tax preparer can file a tax return but cannot represent a taxpayer before the agency or respond to notices without specific authorization. An enrolled agent has unlimited representation rights, handles audit defense, and acts as a tax professional year-round. If you need someone beyond tax season, an EA is the right level of credential.
Cost What does it cost to work with an EA vs a CPA firm?
EA firms quote lower rates for tax-only work because they do not carry that infrastructure overhead. CPA firms charge more when attest work or broader accounting services are in scope. For most small businesses, the difference in cost for equivalent tax services is meaningful. ProTax USA quotes a flat monthly rate after a free call to review your actual situation.