What are enrolled agents and how can they help me?

Tax professionals generally fall into three categories. Those with the most training and education can earn the CPA credential, for Certified Public Accountant. Those with the least training are generally called tax preparer. Enrolled agents are somewhere in between. They have met the IRS education and experience requirements to become enrolled agents, and passed a test. They also must take continuing education courses. Enrolled agents can represent you before the IRS in the event of an audit.

Enrolled agents' fees tend to fall between those of a preparer and those of a CPA.