I currently work as a staff accountant at a CPA firm and I am interested in becoming an Enrolled Agent.
I plan on taking a course tax course this fall either through our local junior college or through H & R Block and I am having a hard time chosing which to attend.
When I told my boss at work that I wanted to take a class this fall she thought the college course would be best. But I am not so sure...
I would like to study to become an enrolled agent and I want to chose the best way to prepare for the test. I have printed out the past test to look over for an idea of what will be on the test, but I want to make sure I can pass it. I see on Amazon.com they have study guides also...
Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
2007-06-22 06:44:26 · 7 answers · asked by Shay 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
I would take both if you can. The college course will focus on theory and understanding and the H&R course will be more practical and focus on actually filling out the forms.
2007-06-25 11:00:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though I don't know about enrolled agents vs. tax attorneys, I do have some things for you to consider. First - have you already tried working with the IRS? They have agents who specialize in working with people who are having tax problems. Second - If you are subject to garnishment the amount that can be withheld from your paycheck has certain limits. If you work out a payment plan with the IRS you might want to make sure you are not paying too much more than you would have garnished should it come to that. That said, though, working out an agreement will give you some control over the situation. Third - If you do come to some kind of agreement and then your situation changes, get in touch with the IRS and let them know. They will be a lot happier to work with someone who keeps them informed than with someone who just stops paying an agreed bill.
2016-04-01 12:01:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took the H&R Block class a few years ago and thought it was great. It is structured in a more "real world" enviornment than most college classes that I have taken.
You cover the most common returns that you will see. It starts out very basic (rounding numbers) and then moves through the 1040 in a logical manner, using lots of examples and workbook exercises.
Their class will not prepare you for the EA exam, except to give you a very solid foundation in basic 1040 returns.
As far as the EA exam, I would take a class designed specificially to help you with pass the test, not a college class.
You won't regret taking the Block class, plus it will save you a ton of $.
Good luck!
2007-06-22 15:47:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Block does offer a course in most major metropolitan areas. They have allowed non-Block people to take the course but I had heard a rumor that they were going to change that.
Search for "EA Exam Review" on the web and you will see a ton of stuff that you can buy. I purchased a CD from an EA in Montana and many people I know purchased the "Gleim" review books.
2007-06-22 07:20:28 · answer #4 · answered by Wayne Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take the Block course. I took it 24 years ago, and I learned more about taxes in that 12 week course than I did studying for, taking, and passing the CPA exam.
2007-06-22 06:47:56 · answer #5 · answered by Leah 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The college course would be better than the H&R Block course - you'll learn more in-depth.
2007-06-22 08:07:40 · answer #6 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'm trying to do the same thing but under vita
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=119845,00.html
when i went to the irs office, they mentioned aarp. check them out.
2007-06-22 07:58:52 · answer #7 · answered by hi91977 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋