In order to become an Enrolled Agent, you must satisfy the EA requirements of Treasury Department Circular 230. This document explains that you can obtain an Enrolled Agent designation in 1 of 2 ways. The first is by passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which has 3 parts. Given that only a few states offer salaries above the national average for Enrolled Agents, considering a move to a new location for economic advancement should be a decision Budgeting for Nonprofits made cautiously.
Who should earn the EA?
In the right area, and with the right Accounting Periods and Methods book of business, an Enrolled Agent can do quite well working in self-employment. Best of all, you can set your own schedule, work across the United States, and take on as many clients as you can keep. In the Pacific Northwest, where tech and trees reign, Seattle Enrolled Agents earn anywhere from $49,275 and $68,692. However, San Francisco residents in Enrolled Agent positions earn a median income of $54,504, which is well above the national number. Of jobs posted in the city by the bay, nearly half pay above $125,000 annually.
Which U.S. City Offers the Highest Salaries for Enrolled Agents in 2025?
CPA stands as the highest credential awarded in the accounting field, covering a wide range of financial services beyond taxation. In contrast, the EA credential specializes in tax matters, offering an in-depth, nuanced service to taxpayers. If you have a more complex business environment or need extensive accounting services beyond taxes, a CPA is your go-to professional. CPAs can offer a holistic approach to your business and personal financial enrolled agent salary needs, from tax planning to strategic financial planning.
- Pay ranges for people with an Enrolled Agent (EA) certification by employer.
- The premier solution for fixing tax problems is the offer in compromise.
- Enrolled Agents have the potential for competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.
- If you’re a sole proprietor or self-employed, an EA can be more suited to your specific tax needs.
- What’s more, the median pay for Enrolled Agents in Denver is in line with the U.S. median at over $44,000.
Popular Companies for Enrolled Agent (EA) Certifications
Are you on the crossroads of choosing between becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? Each career path has its merits and focus, whether it’s financial accounting, tax preparation, or even financial planning. Here, we dive deep into the specifics of these roles, from their educational qualifications to their place in today’s business environment. As Enrolled Agents progress in their careers, they may take on managerial or leadership roles within their organizations or establish their own tax practices. Increased responsibilities often correlate with higher earning potential. Building a reputation for exceptional client service and maintaining a strong client base can also contribute to higher earnings through referrals and repeat business.
- The commitment to ongoing education ensures that both EAs and CPAs maintain the highest level of expertise and ethical standards.
- According to the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide, hiring trends in accounting and finance continue to favor the job candidate.
- Consequently, entry-level positions start on the low end of these ranges, while senior positions claim the highest salaries.
- The Enrolled Agent (EA) credential is a nationally recognized certification offered by the IRS for tax professionals.
- At a median of over $53,000, the salary for an independent Enrolled Agent is not bad.
- According to data from Indian job portals, the average annual salary for Enrolled Agents in India ranges from INR 300,000 to INR 800,000, depending on the factors.
Average enrolled agent salary
If you’re the type that thrives as your own boss and has big plans to build your own business, you can use your Enrolled Agent credential to jump into entrepreneurship. EAs can take on the risk—and reap the rewards—of opening their own tax service firm, helping clients file taxes, optimize savings, stay compliant, and navigate IRS audits. You can also work as an independent consultant, taking on contracts with clients and/or firms to offer your expertise in tax services.
How to increase your salary as a tax preparer
If you dislike the cold and aren’t comfortable in a big city, you don’t have to live in New York or Chicago to make a living as an Enrolled Agent. If your goal is to work at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, the Enrolled Agent designation is one way to stand out from other applicants. Learn how becoming a tax expert can help you excel at firms of all sizes on our Enrolled Agents at the Big 4 blog. The most highly specialized Enrolled Agent probably isn’t going to be earning as much at a smaller organization as they could at a larger one. Some larger organizations pay their entry-level Enrolled Agents more than smaller organizations pay experienced Enrolled Agents. Tax preparers work with taxpayers to complete federal and state tax returns.
Salary for Certification: Enrolled Agent (EA)
If you would ever like to ask me another question, you can add me as a favorite on your “My Questions” page. You only need to pass the Enrolled Agent exam and obtain your PTIN to get started. Earning an Enrolled Agent status may be difficult since the pass rates are from 57 percent to 70 percent. However, besides the exam, there are not many bottlenecks to obtaining the designation. In addition to the EA salary, there are many benefits to becoming an Enrolled Agent.