CPA vs. EA| Which is the better option?

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[hector]

All you videos are so professional and very very informative. I keep watching all your videos while I put together how I want to move forward. Ultimately I want to have my own tax preparer business. All your insights are very much appreciated. Thank you 🙏🏼

[jayjohnson]

You consistently provide valuable content, thank you☺

[Haik-to-the-o]

I hit the like before watching, keep up the great work.

[linkingwithnaz]

Standard now is at least 150 college level credits in most states for a CPA. That's about same number of credits of a Bachelor's+Master's degree.

[laurenmarie]

Hi crysta, thank you for this! I am currently preparing to take the ea course.

[morehn]

An EA obviously a lower level of expertise than a CPA, but they should also be more affordable.
I wouldn't pitch a client by saying my specialty is just different than a CPA since an EA doesn't have any specialty that a CPA doesn't have.

[greggh]

Have you ever considered becoming a tax court practitioner? How many EAs go on to also become a USTCP?

[mahopacqc]

Many accounting students & professionals don't even know what EA stands for.

[nkreseknowledge]

I'm interested in a tax preparation course please!

[darrickharris]

I am a financial advisor. I am considering getting the EA credential because many of the tools that I use are based in IRC (Sec. 7702, Sec. 125, Sec. 162, qualified plans) just to name a few. What are your thoughts ?

[prasantakumarbehera]

Hello Mam
I'm from India
And I recently completed my graduation
Can you help me to be EA

[ttwpruj]

Do you need an associates or bachelors degree to become an EA? And if not, how can you build trustworthiness as a professional who hasn’t completed college? Been wanting to start a tax business and become an EA like I’ve seen in your videos but I haven’t finished college yet and I’m worried that’ll hold me back

[wholesalingtony]

Interested in becoming an EA... Which EA training course did you use?

[ravishankarjha]

Can you please share the free pdf EA books,

[megancushman]

Do you need work experience to become an EA? Or is it just the exams?

[mirandah]

To use your healthcare analogy, CPAs are like doctors, and EAs are like nurses.

[KarolynaABCMultiserviciosB]

Either way, IRS  take higher credential for EA  than they do for CPA

[stalworth]

I was told that you had to be a cpa to become an EA is this true? Or lawyer How can I start to become an EA

[rocier]

correct, most clients wont need a CPA. Most people should be able to do their own taxes tbh. But the difference between a CPA and EA is the difference between a doctor and a lifeguard, not a doctor and a differnt kind of doctor. CPAs require 5 years (150, not 120 hours) of education, a year working under another CPA with a letter of recommendation, and to pass the most difficult professional exam in existence. You can get your EA as a highschool dropout wit a couple weeks of cramming. If you want to grind out a "6 figure" income on guys that own small landscaping businesses that dont gross over 70k, or people with only w2s that don't know any better, then get your EA and spend your life arguing with your clientele and getting 75 bucks a return. Or just work at H&R block. If you want to be a professional, understand accounting, and be well respected, get your CPA. You get out what you put in. Its not equivalent.

[viralvidsrepository]

I thought I would provide some additional information for any businesses out there that are screening for an accountant. EA means enrolled agent with IRS, and it basically requires a person to take 3 tests which certifies them to work at H&R block. As far as accounting knowledge goes, the certification carries almost no weight whatsoever. That's not to say that there aren't EA's that know a ton of accounting(there are), but please don't infer you have a qualified professional merely because EA is behind his or her name. It is very simple to get this certification and therefore it is pretty meaningless. On the other hand, attaining the CPA is quite rigorous. It requires 5 years of college courses (with specific accounting curriculum), 4 incredibly rigorous exams with low pass rates, and a year of experience (apprenticeship) in "public accounting"(a supervising CPA has to sign your experience approval). In other words, if someone has CPA behind his or her name, you can be confident there is a minimum level of competence. But, since anyone reading the comments can basically attain the EA in a month, you be the judge of what that means in terms of accounting proficiency. Again, I'm not trying to say that you can't find a brilliant accountant that is only certified as an EA...You can. But I have met tons of EA's that are accounting idiots (and frankly not too bright on tax planning) and it's impossible to become a CPA and be an accounting idiot. The examination process precludes it.