Roles Of An Enrolled Agent CE

By Eula Clarke


An enrolled agent is a tax practitioner that is empowered by the US government to represent taxpayers interests. Taxpayers are represented at the Internal Revenue Service. These professional receive empowerment from the treasury department. This close association between enrolled agents and the department of treasury signifies that the professionals are of great importance to both taxpayers and the government. This is why it is crucial to understand the responsibilities of an enrolled agent CE.

When it comes to taxation, enrolled agents can be of great help. They act as representatives and advisers to different people. They may file taxes for sole proprietorships, non-profit organizations, corporations, or any other business entity such as international businesses, resident aliens, new immigrants and non-resident aliens.

They are involved in tax preparation to a number of filers. These filers may include trusts, estates, partnerships, individuals and corporations. Bearing in mind that taxation is subject to changes yearly, it is important for these individuals to be regularly trained on new strategies and procedures. The IRS requires them to participate in a 72-hour professional education after a period of three years. The purpose of this education is to retain their status.

Another duty of an enrolled agent is to aid the IRS in tax collection matters. They also provide additional assistance in audit responses, levies and other IRS processes. This creates the need for credibility, trustworthy and convenience for these experts. Taxpayers interests should not be taken care of by incompetent persons who cannot be entrusted with critical matters such as taxation.

Having an enrolled agent will not solve all your taxation problems. It may also not take away all the headaches you might be having concerning your taxation matters. However, you are better placed compared to another taxpayer who opts to hire internally trained individuals or companies. This is because, these professionals are affiliated with the government and they are the best. It is comforting to understand the accountability between enrolled agents and the department of treasury.

However, it is a wise idea for these specialists to protect themselves. Protecting themselves as preparers of tax is necessary because their job exposes them to many risks. They have the ability to safeguard themselves from litigation. This can be achieved by purchasing professional insurance policies. The purpose of the policies is to protect them from errors made during the process of tax preparation.

These specialists cannot be forced to reveal confidential information that might have been shared between them and clients. IRS and other authorities should not interfere with the privileges and confidentiality of clients. It is important to note that client confidentiality and privileges do not involve matters relating to state tax. File tax preparation is another tax that requires full disclosure to the IRS and other tax authorities.

In the recent past, individuals that prepare tax returns including enrolled agents are required by the law to possess a Tax Identification Number. This rule by the IRS to have tax preparers have PTIN is aimed at regulating the tax preparation industry. Initially, this industry was very much unregulated. In order for tax preparers to obtain a PTIN, they should create an account and fill out an application. They are required to pay $64.25 as fee.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment