IRS ENROLLED AGENT VS. CPA

Choosing an IRS Enrolled Agent vs. a CPA

All tax professionals are not created equal—and knowing the differences could be an advantage in managing your tax liability. You may be familiar with ‘CPAs,’ or ‘Certified Public Accountants.’ These professionals are licensed only in the state(s) they operate in and are not required to demonstrate their competence in all areas of taxation to the IRS. Registered tax return preparers have even fewer requirements and need only pass a minimal competency test.

As the name implies, ‘IRS Enrolled Agents’ must meet more stringent requirements. And that’s why we are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in all areas of taxation and can represent taxpayers to the IRS anywhere in the country. (In fact, Enrolled Agents are known as America’s Tax Experts®.)

What does this mean to you? While the Weinbauer Financial Group is a Missouri company, we could represent you to the IRS in any state across the country. No matter where you live, own property or do business, we’re already there and ready to represent you.

More advantages:

  • IRS Enrolled Agents are required to understand not only the complexity of today’s tax code and how it applies to you, but also how constant changes affect your liability.
  • In addition to stringent testing to initially qualify (including a rigorous background check), IRS Enrolled Agents are mandated to undergo extensive ongoing training every year. This training exceeds the IRS’ requirements.
  • IRS Enrolled Agents are required to abide by the provisions and ethical standards of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230.
  • With an IRS Enrolled Agent, you have a limited client privilege under the law and can have confidentiality for certain conditions, such as audits and collections.

Because the requirements are so challenging, there are fewer than 50,000 IRS Enrolled Agents in the entire country. (In contrast, the American Institute of CPAs has nearly 400,000 members.)

We are IRS Enrolled Agents at the Weinbauer Financial Group. And we’re ready to show you the difference.