Enrolled Agent Exam Course Fees and Prep Options

Although CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, can prepare and file tax returns, you can join other programmes like ACCA courses or Enrolled Agent courses, if you want to work in the field of finance and accounting. If you want to specialise in taxation, you can join an Enrolled Agent training programme, a federally authorised tax expert representing taxpayers before the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in all matters, be it audits, collections, or appeals. However, candidates must pass the Special Enrolment Examination (SEE) to secure the title of EA, commonly known as the EA exam.

Before you sit for the exam, consider the total Enrolled Agent course fees. These expenses include exam fees, coaching, and study materials. This blog offers aspiring EAs a clear breakdown of EA exam fees, training costs, and affordable EA course options to help them understand the expenses.

Enrolled Agent Course Overview

An Enrolled Agent training programme is a good choice for aspiring candidates who want to understand US taxation laws, ethics, and representation. The training helps cover three parts of the course, as summarised below:

1. Individuals: Specialised tax preparation for individuals, deductions, credits, and tax planning.
   

2. Businesses: EAs review tax rules for corporations, partnerships, and small businesses.
   

3. Representation, Practices, and Procedures: IRS regulations, tax authority, and client representation.
   Many training programmes offer flexible learning options, including online and in-person classes. The right course will provide structured learning, mock tests, and expert guidance.
   

 

Key Benefits of Enrolled Agent Training

EA course teaches you core practical skills. This certification opens doors to many exciting career opportunities. Thus, Enrolled Agent coaching is a great investment.

• Higher salary potential: EAs earn more than non-certified tax professionals per industry standards.
  

• Year-round job security: Unlike seasonal tax preparers, an Enrolled Agent is in demand throughout the year.
  

• IRS recognition: The IRS awards the EA title as the highest credential.
  

• Flexible career paths: You can work independently, with firms, or for corporations.
  

• Global career opportunities: U.S. tax experts are in demand by many multinational companies and get placements in accounting firms KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, EY and Grant Thornton.

Understanding Enrolled Agent Exam Fees

Knowing the total Enrolled Agent course fees is important before taking the EA exam. The three-part EA exams have fees for each part. 

Other costs to consider include IRS fees, rescheduling charges and training costs.

Breakdown of EA Exam Fee Structure

The cost breakdown of the EA exam fees is as follows: 

• Exam registration fee (per part): The cost of each part is approximately $267. This fee is non-refundable.
  

• Enrolled Agent application fee: The application fee for the IRS is $140.
  

• PTIN fee: The preparer tax identification number fee is $19.75.
   

Please note: You won’t be charged a fee if you reschedule at least 30 days before your appointment. A $35 fee applies if you reschedule between 5 and 29 days prior. If you reschedule less than 5 days before, you must pay the full exam fee again.

Additional Costs for Taking the Exam

Some additional expenses should also be carefully considered apart from exam registration.

• Study Material for EA exam: Books, online courses, and practice tests cost between $420 and $600.
  

• Enrolled Agent coaching: Coaching programmes range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the provider.
  

• Continuing education: Completing the ongoing education by EAs costs around $200 to $300 per year.
  

Enrolled Agent Coaching and Training

Although you can self-study, most candidates benefit from the Enrolled Agent coaching because of its structured learning, guidance and mock tests.

Choosing the Right Enrolled Agent Coaching

With many coaching options available, candidates should consider:

• Course content: Training should be designed to prepare students for all parts of the EA exam sections.
  
  

• Mock tests: Opt for courses with practice exams.
  
  

• Flexibility: Depending on convenience, select between online and in-person coaching.
  
  

• Instructor support: Check if the programme offers direct access to tax professionals and allows you to hear their stories.
  
  

• Cost: Search for an affordable course without compromising the quality. 
  

Steps to Become an Enrolled Agent

Now that you know the Enrolled Agent course fees, you should know the steps to becoming an EA, which include the following:

1. Obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number): This is a requirement for tax professionals wanting to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.
   
   

2. Enrol for the EA exam: Schedule the exam date and clear all three exam parts.
   
   

3. Pass the Special Enrolment Examination (SEE): Show a score of 105 required for each part.
   
   

4. Apply for enrolment: Candidates must apply to the IRS after passing the exam.
   
   

5. Pass a suitability check: The IRS verifies candidates' tax compliance. You must not have any outstanding tax liabilities or criminal background.
   
   

6. Maintain EA status: EAs must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years.
   

Career and Placement Assistance for EAs

Many Enrolled Agent coaching programmes train the students with an interest in finance on a success based model and provide placement assistance to all the eligible students. The rising demand for tax experts makes EA a great career option if the candidate is qualified.

 

Job Opportunities After Becoming an EA

After getting the EA credential, you can work in various roles in the tax industry, such as:

• Tax Consultant: EAs can offer tax planning and preparation services to individuals and businesses. They help clients minimise liabilities and comply with tax laws.
  

• IRS Representation Specialist: EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS and can help clients with audits, collections, and appeals.
  

• Corporate Tax Professional: Many large companies hire EAs to manage tax compliance, filings, and financial planning.
  

• Financial Advisor: EAs with a background in finance can offer investment and retirement planning services with a tax perspective and have a career in investment banking.
  

• Independent Tax Preparer: Many EAs start their tax consulting businesses by working with small businesses and individuals.
  

EAs have a high earning potential. A person who has earned the privilege of representing high-value clients in the corporate world earns significantly more during the tax season. The average base salary for an Enrolled Agent in India is Rs 9,10,942 per year.

Changes in tax matters and increasing IRS scrutiny have increased the dependency of many businesses and individuals on tax professionals. Investing in an EA career is valuable because of the consistent demand in the field of financial services.

Conclusion

Consider enrolling in coaching classes to give these exams from India. Although the Enrolled Agent course fees can be considered high, it is an investment in a valuable and rewarding career. The right guidance will help you become confident to take the exam, which will become a stepping stone to a successful career in the accounting and finance industry.

 

If you want to pursue a career in US taxation, join NorthStar Academy. Our distinguished professionals, renowned for decades of experience in training and mentoring the students enrolled, are experts at future examination preparation. We assist eligible candidates with making resumes, introducing recruiters, and practising interviews. The affordable EA course by NorthStar Academy offers training, mentorship, and placement support upon completion. We also offer training for CMA USA exam preparation, US CMA courses, and CPA US courses.