What is an Enrolled Agent?

There are approximately 35,000 enrolled agents (EAs), who are licensed by the IRS to prepare individual tax returns and offer tax advice. For many tax filers, a good EA will be as good a choice as a CPA. The fees that an EA typically charges tend to be less than those of a CPA. Unfortunately, though, this group isn't regulated at the state level, and the IRS won't inform you of any ongoing complaints, although you can call to see if a particular EA has been suspended or disbarred (202-694-1891).

See also Choosing a Tax Return Preparer