Finally, after passing the exams, the candidate can apply for the enrolment and pay the fee online. They need to download Form 23, which is the application for getting permission to practice before the IRS. Next, the candidate must visit the Special Enrolment Examination (SEE) website, schedule the test, and prepare for the exam by going through the sample papers and other resources. Offer more flexibility and greater access to management, giving individuals a greater say in the perks and fringe benefits available. Bookkeepers ensure that a business makes the most economically viable and safe decisions to keep finances tight and under control.

Steps to Earn the IRS Enrolled Agent Salary

Success in this field requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to providing value to enrolled agent salary clients. EAs, while potentially earning less on average, specialize in tax law and regulations. In general, CPAs earn more than EAs in all career levels; however, the CPA credential requires significantly more schooling, time and up-front costs than the EA credential.

Wage gap by gender, race and education

It’s important to note that these figures are averages and individual salaries may vary based on factors previously discussed. Offer some benefits (e.g., gyms, cafeterias, and daycare) that smaller firms can’t reasonably fit into their budgets. Tax managers handle all the tax reporting and compliance with local, state, and federal tax laws for an organization. While this position is commonly filled by a CPA, the Enrolled Agent designation is a great way to secure your tax specialization. It’s essential to take into account the cost of living expenses in your deliberations as well. However, even after clearing the above, the agent must renew their status every three years.

High Paying Enrolled Agent Jobs

• The highest-paying cities for enrolled agents are Green Bay, WI, San Francisco, CA, and Southfield, MI.
• Firms are looking to fill entry-level positions, so recent accounting grads and young professionals are in a great position to get their first accounting job.
• Of course, having your own agency also removes any limitations on your salary.
• For instance, corporations rely on enrolled agents to advise them on policy, prepare taxes, and represent them in audits and other proceedings before the IRS.
• And, in addition to the standard background check, the IRS also investigates your personal tax history.
• Different specializations, such as tax preparation or financial consultation, may command varying compensation levels.
• Office managers oversee several ongoing projects at once and work with staff to ensure that operations run smoothly.

But fortunately, you can prepare to pass by utilizing an EA review course. And with affordable pricing, this investment in your future definitely pays off. So, use our comparisons Certified Public Accountant of the best EA review courses to find the right EA course for you, and use our EA discounts to save on your preferred exam prep. As of January 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Enrolled Agent in the United States is $43,407. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $40,052 to $48,726, with most professionals earning between $36,998 and $53,569. With dedication and strategic career development, EAs can build rewarding careers as trusted tax professionals.

The Enrolled Agent Salary: Our Guide to EA Salaries

If you’re looking to speed up your salary gains in tax preparation, the best thing you can do is earn a professional designation, like the Enrolled Agent designation awarded by the IRS. Earning an EA confirms to clients the tax knowledge that you have, and keeps you up to date every year on any changes in taxation. And, if you decide to work for a non-finance-related company as an enrolled agent, you can actually expect to earn a bit more. On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Partnership Accounting Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year. As in many professions, more years in the field typically correlate with higher earning potential.

Working as an enrolled agent at one of the larger national tax firms won’t necessarily earn you as much as you might make at a more specialized regional or local brokerage. The big chains pay their more experienced enrolled agents between $20 and $30 per hour on average, which comes to between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. For instance, the range for some posted jobs in these types of companies is between $60,000 and $85,000. Chicago’s median salary for enrolled agents is actually lower than that of the rest of the country, according to Payscale’s data. Current job postings in Chicago reveal an EA salary range from around $55,000 per year to over 6 figures.

• Yet, both paths to the EA also involve extensive background investigations.
• And, with the increased convenience and reliability of telecommuting technology, a small firm can serve clients nationwide.
• The big chains pay their more experienced enrolled agents between $20 and $30 per hour on average, which comes to between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.
• For example, daycare can be a considerable expense for young working families.

Similar Jobs to Enrolled Agent

• But in the long term, corporate salary caps and geographical constraints often limit CPAs’ salaries.
• Therefore, the EA salary range in that city is a little lower, with the average salary about $51,560.
• The size of the company and the scope of your responsibilities also affect your earnings.
• Consequently, building a reputation as the tax expert in town (and the tax law expert) can really help your career.
• It’s essential to take into account the cost of living expenses in your deliberations as well.

Managers are looking for new ideas and are prepared to provide the necessary on-the-job training to prepare new hires for success. This is a great time to go into accounting, and becoming an Enrolled Agent will help you land an even bigger starting salary than you could without it. By considering these factors – experience, role, and location – one can better gauge potential EA salary ranges. However, individual circumstances may lead to variations in actual compensation. If you don’t currently have the IRS experience to become an enrolled agent, you’ll need to pass the EA exam. The EA exam was designed to produce only the most qualified and competent enrolled agents.