A Better Understanding Of The Enrolled Agent Exam

By Eula Clarke


The Internal Revenue Service is designated by the Treasury Department to collect taxes and process tax returns every year. This bureau is managed by the Commissioner. Its purpose is to execute the Internal Revenue Code.

Civilians have advocates called enrolled agents to deal with situations where claims against the government need to be created. They have to take the enrolled agent exam to become tax practitioners and be given the authority by the Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Attorneys and certified public accountants are also given the power to advocate for the them, but are licensed on a state by state basis.

The Federal statute regulates the right to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Once they pass the exam and be authorized to practice, he or she will be considered as FATP or Federally Authorized Tax Practitioners. This status is given to attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled agents.

All these practitioners represent their clients on cases involving audits, collection actions, payment concerns, refund issues, and appeals. Should they be willing to undertake such enormous challenges, these candidates must obtain a PTIN, or the Preparer Tax Identification Number. This allows them to legally prepare federal tax returns or claims for refund.

The applicants must pass all of the three portions of the Special Enrollment Examination or SEE. This exam covers most of the tax codes. Their other option is to work for the IRS for five continuous years, focusing more on areas where they can apply and interpret the Internal Revenue Code and the laws on income, estate, gift, exercise taxes, or employment. However, if they do not pass the test, each of the parts can be retaken four times in any testing year provided to interested applicants.

Once the applicant successfully pass the test, within one year they must submit Form 23. After this, a background check will begin. This investigation will include the personal credentials of the applicant and the business compliance in relation to tax payments.

Applicants can remain active by renewing every three years. This is considered as their enrollment cycle. A total of 72 hours worth of continuing education requirements is required every three years. Every year, there must be at least 16 hours of continuing professional education, in which two hours must be on ethics.

Agents can renew every three years based on the last digit of SSN. Simply view Circular 230 Section 10.6d for the specific cycle. They can renew online at Pay.gov, just put 8554 in the search box, or renew on paper using Form 8554.

If the individual fails to accomplish a timely application for renewal, then he or she will be part of a list of inactive enrolled individuals. Other reasons include not giving a prompt response to the notice of noncompliance and being unable to complete the requirements of eligibility for renewal. During this time, they are not allowed to represent taxpayers, use the term enrolled agent, or use the EA designation.




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