What is an Enrolled Agent?

A self-employed tax professional licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to practice all facets of taxation, anywhere In the United States. An E.A. must pass a comprehensive 16 1/2 hour exam on taxation, and accounting as it relates to taxation in order to got their license. They must also satisfy annual continuing education requirements in taxation.

How is an E.A. different from a certified public accountant (C.P.A.)?

C.P.A.’s are licensed by their state to practice accounting and taxation. They must pass a 15½ hour exam on accounting, of which only 1¾ hours relates to taxation and only 45 minutes of that relates to individual taxation. The emphasis of their education is primarily on accounting for major corporations and issuing certified accounting (financial) statements that the public can rely on for investment purposes -- hence the initials C.P.A.. From a practical standpoint, however, most of this work goes to large firms, so most C.P.A.'s generally do the same work as E.A.'s but have a heavier bookkeeping practice. With additional once-a-year work at tax time, C.P.A.'s often hire seasonal help to do your tax return... in other words, the person interviewing you is often different than the one preparing your tax return.

By definition: E.A.'s specialize in taxation.

C.P.A.'s specialize in accounting. Taxation is only their specialty if they make it so. E.A.'s do bookkeeping as an accommodation to their tax clients. C.P.A.'s do taxes as an accommodation to their bookkeeping clients.

What does this mean to you?

If you need tax advice, preparation, or audit representation, Enrolled Agents specialize in this where many C.P.A.'s see lax work as a nuisance. yet necessary facet of their accounting practice. Both can do management, financial consulting, bookkeeping, payroll. and financial statements for small businesses.

Working with Doug Maletz means...

• Computerized tax return preparation
• No charge EVER for brief phone calls, year round. Consequently...

I expect my clients to call me when they have questions!

• Free review of anyone's last three years tax returns
• Accessibility to you all year round
• Low-key, personable, well informed, street-smart, prompt, and user friendly service!