CPA vs. EA

I have seen quite a bit of comparisons between the Enrolled Agent (EA) credential and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential lately. I decided to do a breakdown of some of the main differences between the two to help you decide which is the credential for you. Today's video will define and describe what an EA and CPA does, give an overview of the process to getting the credentials, and compare the overall careers.
As I make it very obvious, I am a Certified Public Accountant and I have never taken the Enrolled Agent exam. I speak at length about my journey to becoming a CPA, but by no means do I feel the CPA the absolute best route for every accountant. I did do a little research on the EA exam and found that it is the quickest and most cost effective way to start a career in tax if that is what you desire.
After watching today's video you should be able to better assess which route makes the most sense for you. In whatever you choose, please recognize that both of these credentials are worthy of respect.
In today's video I mention an EA who is amazing, named Crysta Tyus,EA. Her channel is below.
/ @crystatyusea
If you are interested in taking the EA, there are a ton of review courses available to you. The site below compares a few of them for you.
ipasseaexam.com/enrolled-agen...
If you are interested in becoming a CPA and want more information on what review course to use, the site below breaks down the different review courses for you. I have also made a playlist with my CPA videos if you want more guidance.
www.ais-cpa.com/best-cpa-revi...
CPA Pass rates
www.ais-cpa.com/cpa-exam-pass...
EA Pass rates
www.gleim.com/enrolled-agent-....
Song: Shine by Alvin Risk
Intro Song: Waves by Founder
Licensing Information
images.apple.com/legal/sla/do...

[@ronaldgreenjr1423]

I'm an EA and CPA. I would say the EA is better for someone who is motivated to start theirown tax practice. I started my own Tax Practice 1 month after passing the CPA Exam. You'll be able to attract clients and make good money. But you'll have to educate most people on the difference between EAs and CPAs. The CPA has such a prestigious reputation that most people think of CPAs when they need Tax or Accounting services. Most accounting job postings will say CPA Preferred so that's definitely a motivation to take and pass the CPA Exam. With the exception of FAR...the EA Exam and CPA Exam are pretty much on par in terms of difficulty. The robust availability of CPA Exam Prep software really makes it "simple" to pass the exam if you put the time in. You really have to understand the different tax rules to pass the EA Exam but it's less of a grinding experience. I chose to go ahead and get my CPA mostly because of the marketability and flexibility that it provides. I think the future of tax, especially with the CPA exam changes in 2024, will pretty much make the EA obsolete.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Wow I commend you for doing both. I stopped at CPA lol. Love the EA designation though and agree it’s great for solo practitioners

[@AldoTJ]

Wow thanks for sharing this! I would love to one day have both as well. For now I’m trying to get the CPA!

[@ForensicDreamer]

I loved your delivery of this information. Thank you once again for sharing your knowledge. 👍🏾

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@LadyALCO]

Thank you for the video Courtney!

[@jennifervail5433]

Informative vid. Love the energy! Comparing CPA duties to EA duties are like comparing apples to oranges. Both are great! We all can agree, one is no better than the other. It all depends on what you want to accomplish for your clients. CPA licenses are only valid for full practice within its issuing state, and only for as long as the license is valid. The EA credential is the highest awarded by the IRS. An EA can practice in any state due to its federal certification. Those with EA credentials have virtually unlimited practice rights, although they can't represent clients in tax court; only attorneys can do so.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

CPAs have “substantial equivalency” meaning they can practice in just about any state they are just only licensed in one. Also, CPAs NEVER let their licenses expire, we just renew every year for a small fee. Also I’m almost certain EAs can represent clients in tax court along with attorneys and CPAS. There are a lot of similarities

[@pjseries1082]

thanks for the information, am getting ready to take my CPA exams

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Best of luck to you 🙏🏾

[@PocketWatcherJT]

GREAT VIDEO 🙌🏿‼️

[@Essays4College]

I’ve known and worked with both CPAs and EAs and I would say that, by and large, CPAs are more polished and more educated. However I’ve come across many EAs that would run circles around CPAs when it comes to taxes.

[@niknik8598]

I love this video. I completely agree with your assertions and descriptions about the difference between the two certifications. I have an EA and CIA, and I’m thinking of restarting my CPA journey. I love tax and audit tho .... crazy right lol. Great video

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I’ve definitely never known anyone to love tax AND audit. You are going to have tons of success if you can master both practices. Go for it with the CPA, you won’t regret it.

[@yuanliu9872]

so great video and girl!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you

[@teejay6063]

Thanks Courtney! 🙂 Hope I spelled that right 😕. You're vids are very informative 👍.

[@Brian-ey4xt]

The reason I went EA was that I never worked for a CPA during my early career (so I could never get my 2000 hours supervised by a licensed CPA). I figured 'why bother study for something I can't get a license for anyway?' My first boss who was a CPA came about 17 years into my career. By that time, I had gotten my MBA and was earning over $200k, so pursuing the CPA exams would have provided very little benefit for my career. Solid video and explanation of the differences between the two credentials!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks so much for this breakdown. It’s not always the best choice to go for the CPA so I’m glad you chose what worked best for you. Also, I know I’m late responding to your comment. Life has been so busy 🫠

[@greganderson9249]

When I worked at big 4 in order to move to management a credential is required. One way around it was to take EA and pass. Working in private can be a challenging environment to study for CPA.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yeah the EA is a much more straightforward option in terms of money and time commitment.

[@ForensicDreamer]

I'm currently studying for my MSA and my EA. I'm thinking of doing the EA and CPA route. I enjoy tax accounting and tax preparation but financial management and financial reporting is fun to me too lol.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

If you enjoy the financial management side too, you should probably go for the CPA. That way you will have the option to move around. Once you have the CPA you won’t also need to get the EA-I wouldn’t do both

[@kamyar1990]

If you are an CPA it doesn’t mean you are an expert on tax but an EA is expert in tax I’m going to get my bachelor of accounting in December and then become an EA so I can start working on taxes

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

That’s a good plan, the accounting background will be helpful when doing taxes

[@Karime18]

You're 100%, an EA is an expert in tax (all of our continuing education is specific to tax). You can do the representation side or you can do the tax preparation side and more. I think if you want to become a tax expert / tax professional, the EA route might be the best option for you (There's 3 tests vs. 6 I believe for a CPA). CPA in my opinion is more for financial planning and in certain cases, tax preparation. CPAs are not all tax preparers though. Even though the CPA designation is considered prestigious, it doesn't mean the EA designation is less prestigious...it's just NEWER. EA is an Accounting License, you'll have continuing education requirements just like CPAs to be able to practice. You'll be up to date on all new tax laws and regulations.

[@kamyar1990]

@Mohammed I want to become a CPA. I have the education and experience requirements to seat for the test.

[@DW5918]

Yes!!! The EA is perfect perfect me.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

💕💕💕

[@BharatSingh-lt5pz]

@@TheAccountingStruggle please guide me i am from india total cost

[@haneef0008]

@@BharatSingh-lt5pz total cost 65000 rs in india

[@BharatSingh-lt5pz]

@@haneef0008 Hi Haneef who are you , are you live in india or have done ea if yes then tell me scope and eligibility dear

[@paulmeek537]

I think the EA is it for me. I've been wanting to become a CPA for a while but it's too much money and time to get that extra 30 credit hours " Masters ". Plus every body and their moma needs to file taxes 😂

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Then go straight to the EA. You will get everything you need from that to have a rewarding career in tax. And yes there will always be clients in the tax field. You should follow Crysta Tyus on here. She helps a lot with the EA exam

[@tarawilliams7744]

PTINs are now free! Thanks this was helpful

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Oh that’s amazing. Thank you for clarifying 😊

[@afrocoolio25]

The PTIN was free two or three years ago, and then it went back to around $50. It is free again?

[@aramissandoval59]

​@@afrocoolio25 I paid for mine 2 weeks ago and it was $35.95 out the door.

[@LadyALCO]

I definitely paid $35.95 this year and for next year. lol

[@STRANGEPOET74]

This was informative. Thank you. I'm deciding between becoming CPA or EA. I'm one class away getting 150 credit mark. The class is Business Taxation. But I'm looking at EA and I may consider that. I will have check out Crystal Tyus on how she become an EA.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks and yes Crysta is your girl for all things EA! She will be a huge resource of you’re going into tax 🤗

[@tricallyourmama]

New to all of this and am thinking of going down the path of tax&bookkeeping. I do have restriction of a felony record. Would that hold me back in the path of cpa or ea? Great video. Def earned a new subbie

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you! Congratulations on getting back on track. The felony charges could be difficult for both CPA/EA depending especially on what the charges are but I would encourage you to still take u the skill. There is always a way around things so don’t let that discourage you

[@ALXSSA]

love the hair and makeup girl! there are so many certifications i have never heard of lol 😆, great video!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you sis. Yeah, these are just a couple but the list is soooo long

[@cyrus7807]

The CPA is still a respected credential, however its original intent is far removed from the role of most CPAs today. The only real advantage in earning the CPA license is to sign off on financial statements. Very few businesses, large and small need certified financial statements. Most CPAs are terrible when it comes to taxation - remember only 1 of the 4 CPA exams covers taxation and is not indepth, even in the slightest. Many of my CPA colleagues who focus on tax frequently state that if given the chance to start all over again, they would forgo the CPA and go straight to the EA credential. The best combination for someone passionate about taxation is Enrolled Agent and a member of the bar. Wanna do tax, go for the EA. On the other end, if you're interested in playing in Excel all day, then get the CPA. P.S. - I will add that there are many Enrolled Agents who do VERY well financially in their tax practices; especially those who focus on IRS and State tax agency representation.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yeah I agree and think I even mentioned in the video that many EAs do exceptionally well for themselves. There are certainly some CPAs who do not enjoy or take any interest in tax accounting, but saying most CPAs are terrible at taxation is a huge stretch. I hear EAs say stuff like this a lot and find it puzzling. I personally like the CPA license because it has given me the option to try out different careers but more importantly I have a well balanced and very in depth knowledge of accounting. Many EAs have never studied accounting and I personally like being able to offer both. PS- I feel seen because I absolutely do love playing in Excel all day lol

[@cyrus7807]

@@TheAccountingStruggle perhaps stating that "Most" CPAs are terrible in taxation was a bit brash of me, and I apologize if I came off as offensive, or more, disrespectful. Similarly, however, many, though not all CPAs have a superiority complex when it comes to accounting/ taxation credentials, and the war of professional exceptionalism between CPAs and EAs is decades old. For what it's worth, I'm working towards earning the CPA.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Truer words have never been spoken-there are so many CPAs with “I’m the smartest in the world” attitudes and it’s very tired. I’m super proud to be a CPA but I hope I don’t come across with that exceptionalism energy. We all do important work. I admire EAs and I think we can all learn from each other. I wish you all the best on your CPA journey and I hope my other videos are helpful along the way.

[@chinnu8888]

Bcom completed. EA certification is a future demand. Iam confusion

[@shivaabhiram9740]

Hey, Great Video. Can a Enrolled Agent pursue CPA and get license? Are they any limitations for an Enrolled Agent to get CPA License?

[@ernagevorgyan3390]

Hello, I got my Bachelor degree in Accounting. I purchased the Beker's CPA review class, but this COVID situation, full time job and 2 kids "broke" my motivation to study and take the CPA exams. I am soooo lost now. Any advice for me? Should I study for CPA or EA?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I totally get it. The answer really depends on your career goals. The CPA is a harder/longer process but well worth it. If you plan to focus solely on tax then the EA is the best bet

[@1201_DeZigns]

Me and my husband have a business and I have been doing pretty good with keeping the books but the tax part is what is kind of hard. I want to be able to do our taxes so do you think I need a cpa or a EA?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Well you don’t need either-you could hire somebody to do that stuff for you but if tax ia the focus go with the EA

[@aparnababubayana5215]

With EA certification can I get jobs in Canada ?

[@brennaarthur2173]

Is there a good way to mix accounting for an international career?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

It’s hard to say without knowing what you plan to do in your career internationally. Many CPAs go international through Big 4 firms, in which case international business classes mix well

[@victorleyva8064]

So let's basically say I want to prepare taxes for people file there returns both federal and state taxes but also be able to help those that are in debt with the IRS. WOULD THE EA BE BETTER?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

It’s sounds like the EA would be a better fit for you

[@victorleyva8064]

Great I'm glad you answer my question I start my Enrolled agent certificate course preparation on January 18th 2022 and should be finish in 10 to 11 months from that day my goal is to work for someone else for a year the to learn the in and out then go ahead and open my own firm. @@TheAccountingStruggle

[@LadyALCO]

@@victorleyva8064 What course are you taking to prepare the EA exam?

[@B_fitandhealthy_]

Will both EA and CPA make sense or will be just a waste of time?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

If you get both it’s not a bad thing but if you have your CPA it’s no need to get an EA too

[@anishkumar118]

Ea average salary with 2 years experience? ?

[@annalizarodriguez9530]

Hi. Can EA be applicable to someone outside the US? I am working remotely for a US client and would like to study US taxation and become a tax preparer to other US clients as well.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yes it can apply to those outside the US. Here is what I found www.surgent.com/ea-exam-review/about-ea-exam/#:~:text=No%2C%20you%20don't.,your%20PTIN%20using%20Form%208946.

[@incky-pinky]

You have to be a US citizen, not just a green card holder, (if I'm not mistaken) to become an EA and work with IRS.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think the US citizen part is correct but as far as working for the IRS, if you have experience working for them then you can skip the exam. Otherwise, you can take the EA exam and get on that way

[@aqua2300]

You can become an EA as a green card holder with no particular restrictions. A green card holder is also considered as a 'US person' who is eligible to work in the country.

[@aperson1181]

what resources did you use to prep?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I used Becker

[@Bert1010]

Are you in northern va or southern va? I plan on going cpa route as of now

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I’m in central VA

[@Bert1010]

@@TheAccountingStruggle oh okay, I didn’t know there was much job opportunities central. I’m in Virginia Beach area and was wondering if the job opportunities would be good in this area

[@itskhoudia4029]

You’re face is soooo flawless I forgot what I was here for 😂🤩

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Awww I don't know how I missed this comment but thanks so much!

[@404TRUCKERTV]

Lol no comparison. EA has a threshold, you won't be working for high net worth clients, public companies etc and you will experience a career and income cap. EA is just a clearance, like a hall pass to do business with the IRS, it's not a license. CPAs have unlimited opportunities in the world because it's the top accounting credential, it is a license. CPA standards are set to GAAP, FASB and AICPA.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

For sure the CPA license holds the most weight, hence why I chose it for myself. I was to highlight that not everyone wants to be a CPA and do the type of work you mentioned though and in that case the EA would be a great choice. Plus the CPA is a big investment

[@ericeandco]

Apples and oranges. They’re not the same thing.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Correct, this is what I explained in the video....the differences between them