I don’t think I have updated on this blog yet that I’m OFFICIALLY an Enrolled Agent now! After many hours of studying and three difficult tests, and even with the IRS being partially shut down, I have received both my Enrolled Agent credential and my E-File number permitting me to legally file taxes for people for pay and represent taxpayers before the IRS.

This is really exciting and also a little scary for someone who is prone to self-doubt, imposter syndrome and overthinking. 😂 Despite doing well on the tests ( because I studied like crazy!) and having two seasons of tax preparation experience, it feels a little early for me to hang out a shingle for my own business. Not to mention there are expenses involved such as software licenses and other costs.

However, I do feel confident in my abilities to file taxes that are not overly complicated. I am experienced with self-employment, retirement plans, rentals, etc. I’m not quite ready for partnership or corporation returns , although I did learn a lot about them in my studies.

The benefit of having the EA credential is that in the event that a client is contacted by the IRS , or even a non-client, I can talk to the IRS for them as their representative. In most situations the only other people who have authority to represent taxpayers are CPAs and attorneys. The taxpayer , someone from their immediate family, an employee of an employer, and a tax preparer with a current AFSP certification can represent a taxpayer in some cases. This is technically called “practice before the IRS”.

This doesn’t mean I will work FOR the IRS. I work for my clients to help them with problems with their returns. I decided to get the credential because Intuit provides reimbursement for the cost of the test as well as pays for a course to learn the material. But just between us, I don’t know what I’m going to do with it. I’m learning all I can about the tax business but I’m leaving it up to God to guide me to the next step.

I’ll be working for Intuit as a Live Tax Expert ( I got a raise thanks to the credential!) this tax season. They do allow their employees to carry on a side business so if anyone would like to be my first customer, let me know! I’d love to file a few returns using my own E-file number . I can do your taxes for you and E-file it using freetaxusa.com .