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Is Becoming an Enrolled Agent Worth It?
If you’re thinking about taking the SEE, you’re probably wondering if becoming an enrolled agent is worth it. After all, it takes a lot of time and some costs, too, to become EA. It’s natural to double-check and triple-check that this is the right path for you. So, in this post, we will go over some questions to ask yourself before you take the EA exam.
Is it worthwhile to become an enrolled agent?
Here are the top questions to contemplate before trying to pass the EA exam to ensure you’re on the right career path.
Do you want to enter the accounting field but don’t plan to pursue a college degree?
The first consideration is whether or not you have a college degree or plan to get one. After all, according to the EA exam requirements, you don’t need a college education to become an enrolled agent. In fact, you only need a high school diploma (or the equivalent). Instead of showing your knowledge of the US tax code via university courses, you’ll prove that you have what it takes to be an EA by passing the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (or SEE).
Do you enjoy working with numbers and understand taxes?
Do you enjoy working with numbers and understand taxes?This goes without saying, but you should enjoy working with numbers if you are thinking of becoming an enrolled agent. But if you are someone who enjoyed your math classes in school, then you might excel as an enrolled agent.
Besides, it’s hard to find an accounting credential that allows you to work with numbers without going to college. (In comparison, CPAs and CMAs both need college degrees.)
Are you looking for an accounting certification with a low barrier to entry?
Some accounting certifications have a “high barrier to entry.” That is, candidates must have certain credentials before they can even apply to take the exam. The CPA Exam is one instance – candidates must have 120 hours of education (basically, a bachelor’s degree) to take the CPA Exam, up to 150 hours to get the CPA license (equivalent to a master’s degree, depending on their state’s regulations), and lots of college-level accounting courses.
The SEE, by comparison, has a fairly low barrier of entry. In fact, to take the enrolled agent exam, candidates only need a high school diploma.
Are you looking for an affordable accounting certification?
Are you looking for an affordable accounting certification?Some accounting certifications – like the CPA license – can be quite costly. For instance, if you want to become a CPA, you need to get a university-level education. Then, you’ll need to pay the CPA exam fees, which are some of the most expensive among other accounting certifications. Of course, you’ll need CPA study materials, too, which can cost as much as $5,000.
The enrolled agent certification, however, is much more affordable. First of all, you don’t need a college degree, so you don’t have to worry about that expense.
Second, the EA exam costs are fairly affordable. And EA study courses are reasonable, too, especially when you use our discounts for the best EA study materials like Gleim and Becker.
Do you want a career with a flexible schedule? A good reason to become an enrolled agent!
If you become an enrolled agent, you’re stepping into one of the few accounting credentials that has the potential to give you a flexible schedule.
Of course, your schedule will ultimately be determined by your job and what time of the year it is. For instance, tax season between January and April can be very busy. But outside of tax season, enrolled agents can enjoy flexible work arrangements that include part-time work, remote positions, and even seasonal freelance contracts.
Are you looking for an accounting credential that will get you noticed?
Even though the EA credential has a low barrier of entry and is affordable, it is still a respectable certification. In fact, EAs have some rights that other accountants don’t have. For example, if you want to take on representation work and don’t have a CPA license (and you don’t plan to take the CPA Exam), then you’ll need to become an enrolled agent. After all, only enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys can represent clients before the IRS.
Final Thoughts: Is it worth it to become an EA?
After thinking through these questions, I think it’s easy to see that it’s worth it to become an enrolled agent. This accounting qualification is great for anyone who has an interest in tax matters and is looking for an affordable credential with great benefits.
About the Author Susan L.
Susan is an esteemed member of the I Pass the EA Exam team. Even better, she's (almost) as excited about the EA exam as you!
