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Writer's pictureTimalyn S. Bowens

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Timalyn Bowens standing with her arms folded.

An Enrolled Agent is the highest credential that the IRS awards to a tax professional. The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) refers to them as America's Tax Experts. This credential gives the tax professional unlimited representation rights before the IRS. This makes Enrolled Agents very unique. Only two other credentialed tax professionals have the same rights. The two credentialed professionals are Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Tax Attorneys.


Tax representation is a right of all taxpayers. It is even listed in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, as the right to retain representation. It is when they have someone advocate for them before the IRS. I like to explain it as stepping into my client's shoes to handle their IRS problem for them. At Bowens Tax Solutions that looks like negotiating back taxes of $100,000+, removing tax levies, and handling tax audits. If you need help with a tax problem that is suffocating you, you can book a consultation with America's Favorite Enrolled Agent here: my tax relief appointment.


If you cannot afford tax representation, you can always advocate for yourself or look into a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. These clinics have credentialed tax professionals who can assist you with handling your tax debt. You have to be under a certain income threshold to qualify for their assistance. You can find the office nearest you here: Publication 4143, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List (pdf).

You can also call their number at 1-800-TAX-FORM.


When you retain representation from an Enrolled Agent they are your tax power of attorney. This gives them the authority to talk to the IRS on your behalf. It also permits them to receive copies of any written correspondence that you receive from the IRS. Essentially, unless you receive a summons you never have to talk to the IRS again about your issue. Because the Enrolled Agent will handle it for you.


Why Should You Hire an Enrolled Agent?


The Internal Revenue Service licenses tax professionals as Enrolled Agents after they pass a 3 part exam, the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE). The SEE tests the taxpayer's proficiency in tax law. Testing them on various tax law topics ranging from Individual taxes to Corporate taxes. In addition to that the IRS holds Enrolled Agents to a higher standard than non-credentialed preparers. Circular 230 governs Enrolled Agents, creating guidelines for how they can ethically do business. They are ethical tax experts whom the IRS has authorized to do tax preparation, tax planning, and tax representation. Some Enrolled Agents operate in all 3 lanes, while others specialize. Here at Bowens Tax Solutions, we specialize in tax representation.


CPAs and Tax Attorneys are both licensed through the state, not the Internal Revenue Service. However, they can represent taxpayers before the IRS as well. This is an overlapping service that they can also offer. The main difference is that CPAs don't necessarily do tax work. Most do your traditional accounting functions. Some tax attorneys also do not do tax representation. They represent taxpayers in actual tax court. An Enrolled Agent is the only credentialed professional that has a license from the Internal Revenue Service that you know specializes in taxes.


We would love to give you guidance on your tax issue and to see if you're a good fit for us to represent before the IRS. You can book your consultation with us at www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com.


To learn more about the process of retaining representation and what it looks like to work with an Enrolled Agent you can find these details on the Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens podcast. Episode 37, The Tax Relief Journey breaks down this process for you.



 

Timalyn S. Bowens EA is America's Favorite EA and Tax Expert who will work hard to find a customized legal solution for you! As an Enrolled Agent licensed through the Internal Revenue Service Timalyn can fight the IRS for taxpayers in all 50 states. As the host of Tax Relief with Timalyn Bowens and a YouTube content creator she empowers taxpayers to make educated decisions about their tax situation.


When you are facing questions regarding your personal or business taxes, working with a professional makes all the difference. At Bowens Tax Solutions, we serve our Louisville-area neighbors by providing the tax services and knowledge needed to succeed. We are here to assist you with your tax issues and preventative care. Visit our website at www.bowenstaxsolutions.com for more information.



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