The IRS makes changes to the tax code every day, according to the National Taxpayers Union. So, the demand for continuous education for tax practitioners, especially EAs, has skyrocketed.
Through continuous education, EAs can maintain their expertise, provide accurate advice to clients, and effectively navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving tax landscape. This not only ensures their competence as tax professionals but also enhances their ability to deliver quality service and uphold the trust of their clients.
However, finding the right courses can be challenging, especially for those more comfortable with numbers than evaluating curriculum.
Thankfully, we’ve spent much time becoming the leading authority on everything EA-related, including CE. Here are our top choices for tax professionals.
Best Enrolled Agent Continuing Education Courses
1. Surgent EA CE Review
Surgent EA CPE revolutionizes the continuing education process for enrolled agents with its dynamic and interactive learning experience. This course stands out for its flexible structure and on-demand webinars that foster an interactive learning environment. It’s not only a simple list of topics, but Surgent’s course provides interactive online courses with downloadable text, making it a versatile option for offline studying as well.
The course covers a broad spectrum of tax forms and procedures, comprehensively covering the critical areas. Despite the high time commitment that might be required, the ability to adapt the learning to your own pace and schedule makes this course a viable option for busy professionals.
Course Features
- Interactive online courses
- Downloadable text, perfect for offline studying
- Courses cover all necessary tax forms and procedures
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
Pros & Cons
- Convenient and flexible course schedules
- Interactive online learning experience
- Comprehensive coverage of tax laws
- High time commitment required for maximum benefits
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2. Illumeo EA Review
Illumeo offers a vast array of course topics, providing an expansive resource for enrolled agents who wish to delve deeper into specific aspects of their field beyond the standard tax law fundamentals. This extensive catalog of courses caters to both novice and experienced agents, with targeted learning materials that address particular challenges faced in the profession. From dissecting intricate tax codes to decoding IRS practices, Illumeo provides enrolled agents with the necessary tools to enhance their expertise and uphold their EA status.
Course Features
- Wide-ranging, relevant course topics
- Diverse format learning materials
- CPE credits upon completion
- IRS-approved provider
Pros & Cons
- Customizable learning focus
- Multi-format course materials
- Updated content on tax laws
- On-demand courses
- Limited interaction
- Less in-depth on niche topics
3. Lambers EA CE Review
Lambers EA Review distinguishes itself with a practical approach to continuing education. This provider focuses on real-world tax scenarios that reflect the complexities and nuances an enrolled agent might face in their practice. Its case study-based learning methodology allows enrolled agents to apply tax law knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing understanding and retention.
Being an IRS-approved continuing education provider, course completion directly gets reported to the IRS, a feature that lends peace of mind to the enrolled agents. Although the practical approach to learning may not align with everyone’s learning style, it offers the student a unique perspective that combines theory with practice, which can be incredibly beneficial.
Course Features
- Real-world tax scenarios and case studies
- Course completion counts towards EA CPE requirements
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
Pros & Cons
- Practical, real-world approach to learning
- Comprehensive coverage of federal tax law
- Course completion directly reported to the IRS
- The real-world approach might not align with everyone’s learning style
4. Gleim EA CE Review
Gleim stands out due to its detailed approach and emphasis on tax laws. The Gleim EA Review provides an in-depth understanding of tax laws to enrolled agents. As an IRS-approved continuing education provider, Gleim gives its users confidence that their study hours will be recognized.
The course is known for its innovative adaptive learning technology that tailors the learning path to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a personalized learning experience. Moreover, it boasts an extensive library of tax topics that equips enrolled agents with a thorough understanding of the most recent and relevant tax regulations. A unique aspect of Gleim EA Review is that upon completion, it offers a course completion certificate that aids in maintaining your EA status. This sets it apart from some other providers.
Course Features
- Extensive library of tax topics, ensuring agents are well-versed with the latest tax laws
- Adaptive learning technology that customizes the learning experience
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
- Course completion certificate, which is crucial for maintaining EA status
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive study materials, making it suitable for all types of tax preparers
- IRS-approved, ensuring the course completion counts towards the continuing education requirements
- Accessible anytime, anywhere, allowing enrolled agents to learn at their own pace
- The vast amount of course material can be overwhelming
5. TaxMama EA CE Review
The TaxMama EA Review course is uniquely designed to foster a robust, engaging learning environment. By merging e-books, online classes, and interactive forums, TaxMama EA Review provides students with an enriched learning experience.
One of its distinctive features is the community of tax practitioners that it hosts. This feature allows enrolled agents to engage in insightful discussions with their peers and industry experts, enabling them to broaden their understanding of complex tax laws and updates. Despite the community-based learning approach being a potentially challenging adaptation for some learners, the course’s comprehensive and up-to-date materials provide solid value for all enrolled agents.
Course Features
- A blend of e-books, online classes, and forums
- Comprehensive tax course materials
- A community of tax practitioners
Pros & Cons
- Engaging, community-based learning environment
- Comprehensive and up-to-date course materials
- Interactive learning experience with experts and peers
- The community-based learning approach might not suit everyone
6. Fast Forward Academy EA CE Review
The Fast Forward Academy EA Review aims to optimize study time with a targeted learning approach. This course stands out by focusing on critical areas that enrolled agents need to understand thoroughly. It leverages modern learning techniques to facilitate efficient and effective learning.
This course ensures that enrolled agents have access to comprehensive course materials that are relevant and updated. Furthermore, it’s an IRS-approved provider, giving enrolled agents the confidence that the course completion will count towards their continuing education requirements. Though the targeted learning approach may not align with everyone’s learning style, its unique method sets it apart as an innovative learning solution for busy professionals.
Course Features
- Targeted learning approach
- Comprehensive course materials
- Provides completion certificates recognized by the IRS
Pros & Cons
- Optimizes learning time with a targeted approach
- Comprehensive and up-to-date course materials
- IRS-approved provider
- The targeted learning approach might not align with everyone’s learning style
Regardless of which platform you choose, the best enrolled agent continuing education course is the one that fits your learning style, schedule, and budget. It’s all about keeping your EA status, serving your clients effectively, and staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving tax landscape.
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7. WebCE EA Review
The WebCE EA Review is tailored to provide a user-friendly and informative learning experience. With an array of courses covering a multitude of tax topics, WebCE ensures that enrolled agents stay well-versed with the most recent tax laws and regulations.
Course Features
- Broad range of courses covering numerous tax topics
- Offers interactive, online study materials and exams
- Convenient course schedules to allow for flexible learning
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly platform, making it suitable for all types of tax preparers
- Comprehensive study materials, which are regularly updated to ensure relevance
- Provides an interactive learning experience, with access to expert tutors
- The broad range of courses could be overwhelming for some users
8. My-CPE EA Review
My-CPE EA Review stands out with its robust course content and affordability. Offering an extensive course library covering all required tax laws and regulations, My-CPE is a go-to resource for many enrolled agents looking to fulfill their CPE requirements.
Course Features
- Comprehensive course library that covers required tax laws and regulations
- Affordable pricing model with the goal of making continuing education accessible to all enrolled agents
- User-friendly platform that allows enrolled agents to learn at their own pace
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
Pros & Cons
- In-depth coverage of tax laws, ensuring that enrolled agents stay updated on the latest regulations
- Affordable pricing model makes it a budget-friendly choice
- Flexibility to learn at your own pace, allowing for a personalized learning experience
- Some users may find the interface less engaging compared to other platforms
9. TaxCE EA Review
TaxCE EA Review offers an integrated approach to continuing education, blending comprehensive tax law study materials with a user-friendly online platform. This blend ensures enrolled agents have a seamless learning experience as they work to fulfill their CPE requirements.
Course Features
- Comprehensive coverage of tax laws and procedures
- Integrated platform that combines study materials, quizzes, and exams
- Course completion directly reported to the IRS
- IRS-approved continuing education provider
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive and up-to-date course materials, ensuring enrolled agents are knowledgeable about the most recent tax laws
- Seamless integration of study materials, quizzes, and exams creates an efficient learning experience
- Direct reporting of course completion to the IRS reduces administrative hassle for enrolled agents
- Some users may find the integrated approach less flexible compared to other course offerings
FAQs
Continuing education courses are fundamental for Enrolled Agents as they help maintain their credentials and stay updated with the evolving landscape of tax laws. As tax preparers, EAs handle complex cases that demand a thorough understanding of the current tax environment. Enrolled Agent Continuing Professional Education courses equip EAs with this knowledge, ensuring they provide accurate and reliable services to their clients.
There are several highly-rated enrolled agent continuing education courses that cater to different learning styles and schedules. The best courses offer comprehensive content covering federal tax law updates, ethics, and specific tax forms and procedures. They also provide many hours and flexibility for learners to study at their own pace, online or in person.
The choice of a continuing education course depends on various factors. These include the course content’s relevance to the current tax environment, the course’s accreditation status (whether it’s recognized by the IRS for CPE credits), and the course format that best fits the Enrolled Agent’s schedule and learning style. Ultimately, the course should contribute significantly to the professional growth of the EA.
Yes, Enrolled Agents can take and complete their continuing education courses online. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing EAs to learn at their own pace. It also ensures that EAs can receive credit for their completed courses without geographical constraints.
IRS-approved providers are instrumental in continuing education. They offer courses that align with the IRS’s requirements for CPE credits. Upon completion of these courses, IRS-approved training providers report the earned credits directly to the IRS, ensuring a streamlined process for Enrolled Agents to maintain their credentials.
Continuing education is a catalyst for career progression for Enrolled Agents. As they advance their knowledge and skills through these courses, EAs gain a competitive edge in the tax field. This advanced proficiency opens up new opportunities, making them preferred tax professionals by businesses and individuals alike. Moreover, continuing education courses often cover niche tax areas, enabling EAs to specialize and offer unique services in the market.
Enrolled Agents are required to earn a minimum number of CPE credits every enrollment year. This includes specific credits in federal tax law updates, ethics, and other federal tax subjects. Completing an enrolled agent CPE course from an IRS-approved provider can help EAs meet these requirements.
To maintain their status, tax preparers, including Enrolled Agents, need to enroll in CPE courses regularly. The IRS mandates that Enrolled Agents complete a certain number of CPE credits every enrollment cycle (three years), with a minimum credit requirement per year.
Yes, ethics courses form an integral part of the enrolled agent CPE. These courses equip tax professionals with the understanding and application of ethical practices, which is a critical component of their role.
Online enrolled agent CPE courses provide study materials, video lessons, and practice tests that you can access at your own pace and convenience. Preparing for the exam typically involves going through the course content, taking practice tests, and reviewing your answers for feedback. This helps ensure that you’re adequately prepared to pass the exam and receive credit for the course.
Enrolled agent CPE courses cover the most recent tax updates as part of their curriculum. The aim is to keep tax preparers current with the latest changes in tax laws and procedures. It’s important for a top tax preparer professional to stay updated to provide the best possible services to their clients.
The average salary of an Enrolled Agent in the United States is approximately $50,000 to $75,000 annually. However, with the addition of continuing professional education (CPE) credits, an Enrolled Agent can expect a potential increase in their annual earnings.
