what ea course is best if you are new to tax preparation

by Dr. Roxane Kris II 9 min read

Full Answer

What is the best tax preparation course?

We chose Surgent Income Tax School as offering the overall best tax preparation course because it has learning options available to people with all knowledge and experience levels. Plus, the costs are reasonable, and the school has a great reputation.

Which EA prep course should I buy?

Surgent has been leading the way with adaptive technology, and when you use an EA promo code to purchase Surgent’s course, you can save both time and money. My Recommendation: Surgent EA Review Runner Up: Lambers EA Prep With the exclusive 70% discount for I Pass the EA Exam readers, Lambers is highly affordable.

Why choose taxmama EA prep?

TaxMama EA Prep TaxMama's customer service stands alone for 3 reasons. First, as soon as you enroll with TaxMama, you'll be connected to a network of other exam candidates and seasoned EAs. Second, TaxMama equips you with the knowledge needed to start your own tax practice.

How much do enrolled agent tax prep courses cost?

Enrolled Agent Courses Gleim EA Review Surgent EA Review Fast Forward Academy EA Review TaxMama EA Review Lambers EA Prep Course Passkey EA Book Pricing for 3 Parts $629 Check Price $599 $1,312 $1,400 Check Price Course Discount Save 25% Save 25% Save 25% Save 10% Save 70% Save 9% NAEA/Top Tax Prep Firms' Endorsement Video Lectures

Which EA course is the best?

These are the Top 5 Best EA Exam Review Courses & EA Prep Courses in June 2022:Surgent EA Review Course.Gleim EA Exam Review Course.Fast Forward Academy Enrolled Agent Review Course.Lambers Enrolled Agent Review Course.WiseGuides EA Prep Course.

How long does it take to prepare for EA?

Specifically, a lot of trusted academies advise aspirants to plan to invest about 40 to 70 hours of study time per examination. You need to understand that the more hours you invest in studying for a week, the fewer weeks you need to study.

Is the EA designation worth it?

As an EA, they earn the right and privilege to represent clients before the IRS, covering all tax topics and working with any administrative level. It is a highly respected accounting certification that has the power to boost careers and expand opportunities within the profession.

Is the enrolled agent exam hard?

On the EA exam, candidates have 3.5 hours to answer 100 MCQs. In contrast, the REG exam requires candidates to complete 76 MCQs and 8 TBSs within 4 hours. The EA exam dedicates a bit more attention to limits, phase-outs, and income brackets. Therefore, the EA exam is not extremely difficult.

What is the hardest part of the enrolled agent exam?

Business sectionThe Business section is considered the hardest among most tax preparers and often gives Enrolled Agent candidates anxiety. Due to its reputation, candidates will take Part 2 after passing at least one of the other two sections, meaning that candidates are more likely to have a study strategy in place before starting.

Which is better EA or CPA?

An EA is the highest credential the IRS awards. A professional with this designation typically makes between $15,000 and $20,000 more than CPAs annually. You'll want to seek out an EA for any and all tax-related issues. In fact, the IRS says they are uncontested experts on such topics.

Are enrolled agent in demand?

Are enrolled agents in demand? Yes, there is a shortage of enrolled agents that can handle complicated tax returns and have the ability to represent clients before the IRS. If you want to go into a growing career and offer plenty of options, this could be the right one.

Does the IRS hire enrolled agents?

Enrolled Agent Duties They can work with corporations, individuals, trusts, non-profits, or a variety of other entities, and can work in tax areas ranging from calling the IRS on notices to helping clients strategize to legally maximize tax benefits.

What is the difference between tax preparer and EA?

EAs and CPAs are both knowledgeable, experienced professionals who are required to maintain high ethical standards. The primary difference between an EA vs CPA is that EAs specialize in taxation, and CPAs can specialize in taxation and more.

How long should I study for EA exam?

How much time should I expect to review the Enrolled Agent study material? Depending on experience, you should expect to invest up to 40-70 hours of total study time for each exam part.

How much does the EA exam cost?

Enrolled Agent Exam Cost Each part of the EA exam costs $109. You will be required to pay this fee when you schedule your examinations. If you need to reschedule your exam, you can do so.

Is the EA exam open book?

Is the EA exam open book? The examinations are closed book. You are also not allowed to access any notes, books, reference materials, or electronic devices at any time during the examination or during breaks.

What is a personal counselor for EA?

Personal Counselor - Everyone has questions and when studying for the EA exam you don't have time to spin your wheels. Having a personal counselor assigned to you is an invaluable resource not offered by many other EA review courses. Final Exam Review - The final days leading up to your exam are crucial to your success.

What is Lambers EA Review?

Video Lectures - Lambers EA Review is one of the few courses that offers video lectures

How long is the Gleim EA exam?

Gleim EA Review more than prepares you with their Exam Rehearsal mode which simulates the real enrolled agent exam. Their test is 3.5 hours long and includes 100 multiple choice questions so you can practice your time management.

Is Gleim EA Review worth it?

But if you want to be sure you pass the enrolled agent exam on your first try I truly believe Gleim EA Review is your best bet and is worth the investment.

Does Surgent EA have a refund guarantee?

Pass Guarantee - Surgent EA Review does offer a pass or refund guarantee if you qualify based on their terms and conditions.

Does Fast Forward Academy have audio lectures?

No Audio Lectures For Download - Fast Forward Academy does not offer downloadable audio lectures but do give you full access to 10 hours of video lectures online.

Does Gleim EA have flashcards?

No Flashcards - At this time Gleim EA Review does not offer any flashcards to assist you in studying for the Enrolled Agent Exam but they do offer audio lectures which are very handy for studying on the go.

What is the best course for tax preparation?

If you know how to prepare basic tax returns and want to continue to advance in your career, the Advanced Tax Preparation course by National Tax Training School is a great option. You’ll learn how to provide a full suite of tax services (e.g., complex tax returns, tax strategy, tax consulting), and Enrolled Agent exam prep, which is typically offered as a separate program, is included.

What is tax preparation course?

Tax preparation courses can help beginner and experienced tax preparers advance their careers by providing information and curriculum on everything from basic knowledge to Enrolled Agent (EA) exam prep to continuing education credits. The best tax preparation courses are offered by reputable companies, come with an affordable cost, ...

How much does it cost to get a CPE credit?

If you aren’t an NATP member, you can purchase 10 CPE credits for courses about foreign taxes for $346 or 40 CPE credits for basic tax preparation courses for $510. Professional or basic NATP members get a fee discount of 5% to 25%. All of these courses are included in the premium NATP membership. The CPE training costs are higher for non-members. If you want to see if the NATP CPE training is right for you, a more cost-effective option is to buy the basic membership.

How much does a CPE course cost?

Costs vary depending on the courses, ranging from a low of $29 for a CPE course up to $1,497 for all five courses in its Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) program, covering beginner to advanced tax concepts. Upon CTP program completion, you’ll have the knowledge and experience necessary to prepare for the Enrolled Agent exam.

What happens when you enroll in a tax prep course?

Once you enroll, you’ll be assigned a dedicated mentor who will guide you through the course. They’ll also be available to provide you with coaching or other support you need to succeed. However, it will be up to you to find tax preparation work.

How long does it take to complete the tax preparation program?

You complete the program’s 20 online modules at your own pace, which means it can be completed in as quickly as eight weeks or it could take up to a year. Expect it to take about eight hours to finish each unit.

How long does it take to complete the tax course?

This online course is self-paced. It’s possible to complete it in a couple of months, but it could take a year. In addition to online materials, you’ll be given a hard copy to use as a reference guide and you’ll be assigned a course mentor who can support you with tax-related issues for up to a year.

What is the most fully featured review course?

Lambers Enrolled Agent Review Course is the most fully featured review course, but it will cost you quadruple the other review courses if you want all of these features!#N#If you need classroom video lectures, flashcards, or MP3 audio lectures then I would recommend Lambers.#N#Otherwise I would keep looking...

What is Gleim EA exam?

Gleim Enrolled Agent Review Course is one of the most advanced prep courses currently available for EA candidates.# N#Dr. Gleim uses the same advanced technology as his CPA and CMA exam and applies it directly to his EA exam course. With the largest test bank currently available, I am confident that Gleim EA review course provides you with all you need to have to pass the EA exam on your first try.#N#If you are motivated and learn by doing thousands of multiple choice questions and essays, then I truly believe that Gleim Enrolled Agent Review is your best option for passing the EA exam on your first try!

What is Fast Forward Academy?

Fast Forward Academy is an education technology company whose EA Review Course is one of the most comprehensive tools for any aspiring Enrolled Agent. Thousands of Tax professionals all over the United States have trusted Fast Forward Academy to help them pass the EA exam with success.

What is an EA exam?

An Enrolled Agent exam review course is an assortment of self-study resources you can use to prepare for the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), also known as the Enrolled Agent (EA) exam. The purpose of these courses is to help you learn the content that will appear on the EA exam. EA exam review courses are usually based online, ...

What is an EA test bank?

A test bank is a collection of MCQs like those on the exam. Using a test bank allows you to become more familiar with the exam content and testing environment. It also helps you avoid memorizing the questions, which is an ineffective strategy.

How many MCQs are there in the EA exam?

The EA exam has 3 parts, and each part presents 100 MCQs. These enrolled agent MCQs can be complicated, as they come in several different formats. Therefore, doing well on these questions requires you to do more than just memorize definitions and formulas. Instead, you must reach deep levels of knowledge with the exam content. When you have plenty of high-quality practice MCQs to answer, this is definitely possible.

What is an enrolled agent course?

An enrolled agent course covers and presents the exam content in a convenient and efficient way.

How many questions are in the Fast Forward Academy EA test bank?

The Fast Forward Academy EA Review test bank is about as big as the Gleim EA Review test bank, as it also has more than 3,500 questions. This test bank also has detailed explanations for each question; however, they don't have as much information for the incorrect answer explanations. This is where Gleim EA Review excels. Furthermore, Fast Forward’s test bank comes with unlimited practice exams. That means you can effectively train yourself to answer 100 MCQs in 3 ½ hours, just as you would on the EA exam.

How many questions are asked in the Enrolled Agent exam?

The Enrolled Agent exam contains exactly 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) addressing 12 main content areas. These topics are fairly broad, so the exam questions could ask you about anything relating to them. To prepare for such general coverage of federal taxation, you must answer plenty of practice questions.

Can you purchase a review course for the Enrolled Agent exam?

You can purchase review courses for each part of the Enrolled Agent exam separately or as a complete set.

What is an EA in tax?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They are highly qualified tax professionals who are allowed to represent individuals and businesses when handling professional tax matters.

What is the only EA review course that has Spanish answer explanations?

Surgent is the only EA review course out there that has Spanish answer explanations. This is great for all the native Spanish speakers out there!

How long is the EA exam?

Just like the real EA exam, this test is 3.5 hours long and includes 100 multiple-choice questions, so you can practice your pacing while answering so many questions.

How to become an enrolled agent?

Individuals interested in how to become an Enrolled Agent can visit the IRS website to learn more. Essentially, the process involves being recognized as a qualified candidate by the IRS and then passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE).

What is Fast Forward Academy?

Fast Forward Academy integrates their community forum seamlessly with the rest of their study tools. Because of this, students can easily compare their progress with their peers as a barometer for their study efficiency.

Can you make a custom test with software?

The user-friendly test software allows you to make customized practice tests with ease. You can create a custom exam that consists of questions you’ve never seen, questions you’ve never answered, questions you’ve answered incorrectly, or all available exam questions. This is convenient because it allows you to create a short exam if you want to fit in a quick study session.

Does Surgent have EA prep?

Recently, Surgent added a new tier to their EA prep catalog. If you enroll in their Ultimate Pass, you can gain access to EA exam experts for 1-on-1 virtual coaching and accelerated support options. This is by far the best way to go if you want as much help with the EA exam as you can possibly get.

What is an EA in CPA?

National Credentials: The “EA” by your name represents a federal designation handed down by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In other words, it allows you to work anywhere in the country. This contrasts with CPA licensure, which is state-specific with limitations and restrictions. Clients know that enrolled agents can work across state lines without hassle.

What is an EA certification?

The credential raises your profile, opens new career doors, attracts work, and gives you confidence in your abilities as an accountant. Whether you work as a tax preparer or accountant or simply want to move into the field of tax preparation, becoming an EA bestows credibility on your enterprise. Several other benefits of passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) follow below.

How to become an enrolled agent?

You must first obtain your preparer tax identification number (PTIN), which puts you in the Treasury Department’s database. Next, you should register for and take the SEE. If you pass all parts of the exam, you may then apply for enrollment through the IRS website.

What is an EA credential?

The credential essentially allows EAs to handle virtually any situation that may arise in the case of a taxpayer. Included among the information below are the many benefits EA certification may bring to your career.

What is an enrolled agent?

An enrolled agent prepares taxes for clients. As the name suggests, EAs can act as their clients’ agents, representing them before the IRS. The credential grants EAs more authority than many other tax preparers, allowing them to speak for clients, argue tax law with the IRS, and make appeals. CPAs can also represent clients in this way, ...

How much does it cost to take the SEE exam?

Paying for the SEE – The exam costs $185, and applicants usually pay by credit card. You can also pay by e-check over the telephone. The nonrefundable fee covers all three exam sections for up to two years.

When is the SEE exam administered?

When Is the SEE Administered? Prometric administers the SEE on behalf of the IRS during between May and February. Candidates can take the exam up to four times during that window.

Which EA exam prep course offers the best experience for the widest range of students?

The EA exam prep course that offers the best experience for the widest range of students is Surgent. Their curriculum is made up of several different study materials, they offer live instructor assistance, and their adaptive learning technology is second to none. Gleim also has an excellent catalog of EA exam review courses with the largest volume of practice questions and quizzes.

What is the most important decision you will make on your Enrolled Agent journey?

Choosing the right EA review course is the single most important decision you will make on your Enrolled Agent journey.

What is the surgent prep course?

Their enrolled agent exam prep curriculum includes a wide range of materials: lectures, practice questions, and virtual coaching . All of this is paired with an excellent adaptive learning program that ensures you’re always spending your time in the most productive way.

How much does the wiseguides exam cost?

Low Price: Pay as little as $49 per exam section (90 days of access) or $79 for each part of the exam, or $237 for all three (12 months of access). The WiseGuides EA course includes access to all online features, practice questions and online exams, 1,500 digital flashcards and hard copy textbooks.

How long is the Surgent EA review?

Surgent EA Review: 2 Minute Overview (With a lot to like!)

Can you create your own practice exam on Gleim?

Custom Practice Exam: Anyone using Gleim’s program has the option to create their own practice exams. Doing so lets you focus on areas that you know you need extra help in. Plus, you can exclude questions from areas you’ve already mastered.

Do we sell your EA information?

We never sell your information or send you spam, we only send you the latest discounts on EA courses and helpful tips & tricks for studying and passing the EA exam with flying colors!

How much does it cost to take the Comprehensive Tax Course?

The cost to test out of the Comprehensive Tax Course is $100.

How long does it take to pass the EA exam?

Successfully pass all three parts of the EA exam (SEE exam) within two years.

How long does it take to get an IRS enrolled agent?

As mentioned above, you can take and one part at a time. You have two years from passing the first exam to pass all three parts of the exam. This makes studying and passing the SEE exam much more manageable! There are fives steps to the exam process:

How long does it take to get a CTP certificate?

The courses teach you tax preparation from the very beginning and can be completed in just 18 months or less. The CTP® curriculum includes most topics on the EA exam and CTP® graduates are well prepared to pass the EA Exam after completing a Surgent EA Exam Review, also available through The Income Tax School.

What is an enrolled agent?

An Enrolled Agent is a tax expert and it is the highest credential in the tax industry, awarded by the IRS. An Enrolled Agent (EA) has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by either: If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Why is it important to be an enrolled agent?

Your earning potential is much greater when you become an Enrolled Agent because you have a higher level of tax knowledge and are an unrestricted, meaning you are able to do more things for your clients. You can easily work year-round assisting clients with tax preparation and many other different tax issues.

How much does it cost to take the IRS exam?

There is a $182.00 fee per part paid at the time of appointment scheduling. The test fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

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