Enrolled AgentAn Enrolled Agent is a person credentialed by the IRS. Through multiple comprehensive tax exams, they demonstrate their expertise in a wide range of tax matters. Some of those tax matters include individual taxes, small businesses, S-corps, C-corps, partnerships, and everything in-between. Enrolled Agents are also tested on representation practices and can perform Tax Resolution services. See more about Tax Resolution here.

CPA

“CPA” is a very well-known “brand” with education prerequisites. Like an Enrolled Agent, they also have continuing education requirements. This credential allows practitioners to perform public services like auditing companies and creating their financial statements. It also allows CPAs to file taxes. (As an aside, when it comes to filing taxes, it’s actually scary how easy it is for ANYONE to obtain an IRS-issued tax preparer number. Just because they can, it doesn’t mean they should!)

Which is better?

As partial/biased as we are to the Enrolled Agent designation, there really isn’t a “better”. What matters is your preparer’s competence. Part of that competence is tax education. Enrolled Agents complete an average of 24 continuing education hours each year, all of which pertain to taxes. CPAs may have a higher number of continuing education hours, but there is no requirement for tax education. You can read more about vetting your tax preparer here.

Commitment to Excellence

My name is Chad Mangum, EA. I am an Enrolled Agent and help all of my current and future clients with their tax problems. I dedicate myself to learning as much as possible about taxes. With several years of tax experience, I know firsthand many of the complexities involved with running a business. Annually, I exceed the minimum and average continuing tax education requirements. Who would you rather have prepare your taxes? Someone who does the minimum and is only involved with taxes part of the year? Or someone who strives for continual improvement and is involved with taxes all year round? If you chose the second one, please feel free to reach out to me! Chad@YourTaxPrep.com, 801.580.6163. You can check out more about Tax Preparations Services, pricing, and what we offer here.