- quote -

Since I resisted replying, knowing that my good friends
Helen and Gene would do the honors well, I can now tell you
that IN GENERAL EA's charge less than CPA's for same
quality work.

Cheer$$$$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

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- quote -

Thanks to all for the explanations. I'll be contacting a
nearby EA during this year's tax year.


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- quote -

I think they are great, but you might want to read my
tagline to see why. A member of NAEA is an Enrolled Agent,
licensed by the IRS. CPAs are state licensed and some CPAs
are associates of NAEA.

- quote -

Nope. If you asked all of us what we charged (assuming 100
questions) you would get 100 answers.

Helen, EA in PA
Member of The Tax Gang
Director, National Assoication of Enrolled Agents
Immediate Past President, PA Society of Enrolled Agents

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"Paul" <turningleaves02[at]yahoo.com> wrote:

- quote -

You should go to www.naea.org to learn more about Enrolled
Agents. Since I "R" one, I usually recommend us to most
folks who have no need for audited financial statements. I
have never had any desire to get the CPA certificate even
though I've been a tax pro for the better part of 21 years
now. That being said, there are some very good CPAs out
there. For that matter, there are some very good
unenrolled, unlicensed preparers out there too.

I assume from your post that you likely have a
misunderstanding of the difference between the NAEA and a
CPA. The NAEA is the National Association of Enrolled
Agents, those that belong to the NAEA are Enrolled Agents,
though not all EAs belong. Similarly, the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants is made up of
CPAs, though not all CPAs belong. When I counsel people
looking for professional guidance I stress the two most
important things to look for; 1) does the professional stay
current by taking regular continuing education classes in
their field of specialty; 2) do they belong to a member
organization. Answering yes to these does not guarantee
that you will get a good pro, but it goes a long way in
showing that the professional cares about his qualifications
and his profession, and that says a lot about the kind of
professional help you will likely get from that person.

As for fees - all of us EAs charge the exact same fees,
except when we charge different fees <g> !

Gene E. Utterback, EA

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"Paul" <turningleaves02[at]yahoo.com> wrote:

- quote -

There are many EAs who are as good or better than a CPA -
There are many CPAs who are as good or better than an EA -
There are many CPAs who are worse than and an EA and there
are many EAs who are worse than a CPA.

So what is the difference - CPAs and EAs both require
continueing education to keep their respective designations.
CPAs can audit financial statement audit - EA's can not.
CPAs are licensed by their respective states EA's by the
IRS. CPAs must generally have a 4 or 5 year college degree
and 1-2 years of experience under another CPA and pass a
national 3 day exam. EAs must pass a national exam (sorry
I'm a CPA and do not know how long it is)

From my understand the EA exam is more rigorous on taxation
(since that is all it covers) and the CPA exam more rigorour
overall but covers more areas. Both must maintain certain
ethical standards.

Bottom line here for you with a personal 1040 probably not
much difference.

EAs chime in here if I'm off base anywhere.

--
Regards,

Mark Rigotti

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I thinking of switching my personal tax accountant from my
present CPA to a NAEA member. What do you think of NAEA
members vs. CPAs? What do you think of NAEA members in
general? Do they all charge the same fees? Thanks for your
comments.

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