If you are wearing eyeglasses you will be required to remove them for visual inspection to ensure they don’t contain a recording device. Large jewelry items must be stored in your locker due to concerns over concealed recording devices. Water in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap must have all labels removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other prohibited test aids.

Big cities have more job opportunities and a larger pool of skilled workers, but they also typically have a higher cost of living, so location isn’t everything. If you dislike the cold and aren’t comfortable in a big city, you don’t have to live in New York or Chicago to make a living as an Enrolled Agent. For example, daycare can be a considerable expense for young working families. On-site daycare could save thousands of dollars and dozens of hours in commuting each year. Office managers oversee several ongoing projects at once and work with staff to ensure that operations run smoothly. They must stay up to date on a wide variety of projects and report directly to higher-level executives.

Staff Accountant HYBRID

The most highly specialized Enrolled Agent probably isn’t going to be earning as much at a smaller organization as they could at a larger one. Some larger organizations pay their entry-level Enrolled Agents more than smaller organizations pay experienced Enrolled Agents. As you progress in your career, your salary will naturally increase. For each stage of your Enrolled Agent career, you’ll see an average salary increase of 8.38%. Once you get your first job, experience starts to include actual time working in the industry and your accomplishments at work. As part of the evaluation of your enrollment application, the IRS will conduct a suitability check that will include a review of your personal tax compliance and criminal background.

With the new designation, enrolled agents were given the ability to represent citizens and prepare claims. After Congress passed the income law in 1913, the duties of EAs were expanded to include tax representation. 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.

Enrolled Agent (EA) Tax Specialist – Dunham Trust

In answering questions, candidates should not take into account any legislation or court decisions in effect after Dec. 31, 2023. Yet, both paths to the EA also involve extensive background investigations. And, in addition to the standard background enrolled agent salary check, the IRS also investigates your personal tax history. Individuals who are considering a new career path may find that becoming an enrolled agent is the right choice. Review a breakdown of entry level salary expectations by state here.

• This means that enrolled agents are able to represent taxpayers in any state in the country.
• The National Association of Enrolled Agents reports that there are more than 50,000 enrolled agents working in the United States as well as abroad.
• The average Enrolled Agent salary in California is $46,809 as of February 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $43,186 and $52,543.
• Unauthorized access to notes, books, reference materials or electronic devices may result in your test results being nullified by the IRS.
• Take a look at our Enrolled Agent Salary Guide to get an idea about industry salary range.
• As a result, you will not be allowed to test and forfeit your examination fee.