When you are facing tax dilemmas it may be difficult to know where to begin seeking tax resolution. There are thousands of representatives to choose from with the common titles of enrolled agents and certified public accountants. Mistakenly, the terms enrolled agents (EAs) and certified public accountants (CPAs) get confused for one another which can make it even more difficult to find the correct tax help. We have narrowed down these titles in hopes for easier selection.
Enrolled agents are licensed through the federal government and are able to represent taxpayers in matters concerning audit representation, collections, and appeals. Authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury, they are also able to advise and prepare tax returns which are generally their area of expertise. Though some may specialize in tax resolution, it tends to be the job of certified public accountants. In addition, CPA’s, who are licensed through state, tend to specialize in more than one tax help service and usually have more education than EA’s. The main difference between the two is that CPA’s have the ability to confirm to the IRS that one’s financial statements are truthful, which is very important in most tax cases.
If things are still a little fuzzy, the following examples should help clear things up.

When to choose an EA

• Out of state tax returns
• Resolving an IRS tax dispute
• When you are expecting to owe
• When you do not have resources to hire a tax attorney and need help with a civil case, tax proceedings, and appeals

When to choose a CPA

• Tax guidance
• Assistance with your business tax problems
• IRS audit representation
• Filing taxes