Enrolled Agent Salary Guide in 2025-26

In order to become an Enrolled Agent, you must satisfy the EA requirements of Treasury Department Circular 230. This document explains that you can obtain an Enrolled Agent designation in 1 of 2 ways. The first is by passing the https://real-estate-nz.com/contractor-accounting-software.html Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which has 3 parts.

Factors that influence Enrolled Agent salary

The figures above are based on data from December 2024, but it’s a no-brainer that the figures will go up this year, in 2026, and beyond. If https://nomeessentado.com/film-manufacturing-company-might-deliver-four000-jobs-to-parker.html you want to become an EA, now’s definitely the best time to be one. The more years of experience you have, the higher your earning potential. EAs with extensive tax code knowledge and client representation experience command premium salaries.

• The average enrolled agent salary has risen by $3,188 over the last ten years.
• Pay ranges for people with an Enrolled Agent (EA) certification by employer.
• The enrolled agent credential opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
• The benefits you’ll gain from earning the EA designation will far outweigh the cost of taking the EA exam.
• Moreover, whatever the state of the economy may be, people will always need help preparing their taxes or dealing with the IRS.
• This is a great time to go into accounting, and becoming an Enrolled Agent will help you land an even bigger starting salary than you could without it.

Move to a Larger Firm

Mid-level agents can expect their salaries to be between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Knowledge of IRS guidelines, experience in client representation, and tax preparation skills all play a significant factor in the earning potential. Entry-Level EAsAn entry-level position is the starting point for an EA career after passing the exam. The annual average salary for beginners could range from $30,000 to $50,000. If you look at it, it may not be much, but keep in mind that EAs have the potential to see a rapid pay hike as they acquire experience and specialize in tax areas.

How much do Enrolled Agents make compared to the Average Tax Preparer?

Tax preparers work https://nomeessentado.com/the-want-for-an-entertainment-lawyer-in-movie-manufacturing.html with taxpayers to complete federal and state tax returns. This job usually involves a busy season, with the highest workload occurring from December to mid-April. A smaller step, but still one in the direction of earning more for your expertise, is completing the Annual Filing Season Program. The AFSP is a yearly 15 to 18 hour continuing education program governed by the IRS. Once completed, you are listed on the IRS’ RPO database as an official “Annual Filing Season Program Participant”. Background- I am a Tax Pro with 8 years experience, average 450 returns per year.

Experience Level

Typical salaries for accounting agencies were around the $50,000 mark. On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year. In the Pacific Northwest, where tech and trees reign, Seattle Enrolled Agents earn anywhere from $49,275 and $68,692. However, San Francisco residents in Enrolled Agent positions earn a median income of $54,504, which is well above the national number.

Education and Certification Requirements

The IRS designates EAs, but because they represent taxpayers before the IRS, Enrolled Agents cannot work there. In most cases, Enrolled Agents compete with other tax professionals. Many EAs chose to work for large agencies, accounting or otherwise. However, some prefer to work for only one client or for a corporation or a smaller business. As you’ll see, each employment option for Enrolled Agents has its pros and cons. According to a recent search on Indeed.com, over half of the Enrolled Agent jobs in Atlanta pay more than 6 figures.

• The average enrolled agent salary in the United States is $35,171.
• Of course, having your own agency also removes any limitations on your salary.
• Plus, the EA designation signals a high level of expertise that will cement your status as a valuable expert on tax topics.
• Earning an EA confirms to clients the tax knowledge that you have, and keeps you up to date every year on any changes in taxation.
• Firms are especially interested in candidates with technology skills that can be applied to growing areas like cloud systems and data analysis.

Enrolled Agent Salary Guide in 2025-26

And another factor that makes a significant difference is the type of employer for whom you choose to work. If you’re considering a career in accounting or finance, you may be curious about how much money Enrolled Agents make. They also work for some of the most well-respected corporations in the country. So, to determine how lucrative a career as an Enrolled Agent can be, use this information to learn more about the Enrolled Agent salary.

• Managers are looking for new ideas and are prepared to provide the necessary on-the-job training to prepare new hires for success.
• Therefore, the EA salary range in that city is a little lower, with the average salary about $38,197  to $55,306.
• The IRS’s Enrolled Agent credential grants you unlimited tax representation authority before the IRS.
• Additionally, clients often prefer to work with a single individual or a small team for the sake of efficiency.

Enrolled agent salaries by experience level

If you’re considering becoming an Enrolled Agent, it’s important to understand the career path. Learn more about the benefits of the designation, including the Enrolled Agent salary and the opportunities you gain as an EA. Answer how much do Enrolled Agents make, and if it’s worth becoming credentialed to increase your earning potential. Lesser RequirementsCompared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous. After passing the exam and the IRS background check, you can do tax preparation and client representation easily. And, if you decide to work for a non-finance-related company as an Enrolled Agent, you can actually expect to earn a bit more.