Become an enrolled agent and offer more services to your customers. As an enrolled agent, you may represent anyone in any tax matter before the IRS. Enrolled agents must pass the strict IRS two-day test. Passing this test is easier with the right tools, which include enrolled agent exam software.

Train to pass this test by obtaining this software online or on CD. You can also take a complete course with instructions if you learn better with an instructor. The exam software is included with the courses. Look at the following when finding enrolled agent exam software basics:

1. Choose enrolled agent exam software to prepare for the test.

2. Know the prerequisites before taking the enrolled agent course.

3. Take enrolled agent courses that include the exam software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare for the test with EA exam software

Find out how to prepare for the test and how to make the most of the exam software.

I recommend: Texas Society of Enrolled Agents offers details on how to become an enrolled agent along with places to buy the enrolled agent exam software. Blue Ridge Chapter Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents provides details on how to become an enrolled agent and other information including fees, forms and regulations.

Look over the duties before purchasing enrolled agent software

Find out the prerequisites for an enrolled agent and the ongoing training requirements of the job once you get it. Use the enrolled agent exam software to help you ace the test and get this coveted position.

I recommend: Bankrate discusses the role of the enrolled agent, their duties, prerequisites and ongoing training requirements. After learning what to expect, if you decide this is the right position for you, buy the exam software from a reputable dealer. 1040.com provides information on prerequisites of becoming an enrolled agent. Get the exam software after deciding whether you want to pursue this position.

Consider taking the enrolled agent training course that includes exam software

Taking the entire course ascertains that you cover every aspect of the enrolled agent exam, not just the test answers. Take a comprehensive course that includes the exam software to prepare for the exam and have the best chance of passing it the first time you take it.

I recommend: IRS Exams forums offers tips and advice about the enrolled agent exam as well as places to take a live course. Review the areas where you have questions for answers and tips. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers much information on how to apply to be an enrolled agent as well as the requirements. Check the site completely before you begin and enrolled agent exam course. National Association of Enrolled Agents provides scholarships for enrolled agent preparation. Find out if you qualify to receive this aid for your course and software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take the course in person for face-to-face contact and buy the enrolled agent exam software basics CD for review of the test questions out of class.

An Enrolled Agent is a person who has demonstrated their competency as a tax professional by taking and passing a written Enrolled Agent exam. Enrolled Agents can represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for all tax matters at all administrative levels, unlike other tax preparers who are restricted to certain administrative levels.

Many tax professionals feel it is necessary to become an IRS Enrolled Agent because it allows them to offer their clients full comprehensive tax services that regular tax preparers cannot. Things to keep in mind if you wish to become an Enrolled Agent:

1. Enrolled Agents must pass a comprehensive written examination and pass a background check administered by the IRS.

2. Enrolled Agents need 72 hours of continuing professional education every three years to maintain their Enrolled Agent status.

3. Enrolled Agents are bound by the ethical standards set forth in the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register to take the EA exam

Apply to take the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) and schedule a test date. You may not have to take the SEE if you already have past service and technical experience with the IRS that qualifies you for enrollment.

I recommend: The SEE is administered by Prometric so you must sign up and schedule the EA exam with them. Go to the IRS Enrolled Agent website to determine if you have the experience that allows you to skip taking the SEE.

Purchase Enrolled Agent exam software

After registering for the EA exam, you'll need to buy some Enrolled Agent software or sign up for Enrolled Agent courses. The IRS has some helpful study guides on its website.

I recommend: Enrolled Agent training is available from ExamMatrix and WiseGuides. Gleim Enrolled Agent software lets you track your progress as you take each section of the exam. The software is comprehensive and lets you see where you need to improve to prepare for the EA exam. Download the SEE study kit from the IRS.

Apply for enrollment as an Enrolled Agent

Once you have successfully achieved a passing score on all three sections of your EA exam, you must fill out IRS Form 23 as your application to become an Enrolled Agent. Your tax records will be examined as part of your background check. Failure to file your taxes or to pay taxes will result in a denial of your application to become an Enrolled Agent.

I recommend: Form 23 is the application for enrollment that can be found on the IRS website. Join the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) to network with and learn from other tax professionals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You must renew your Enrolled Agent license every three years or you will lose your privilege of being an IRS Enrolled Agent.

Look into enrolled agent exam software advice and ratings to determine which reviewing software best suits your individualized needs. Learn about different ways to use the programs, and find out what other programs are on the market.

Discover the pros and cons of working with enrolled agent software by reading advice from others and asking your own questions. Here are some ways of sorting through all the software advice and ratings:

1. Find enrolled agent training software tips and advice by browsing through blogs and forums online.

2. Go to professional organizations for enrolled agent exam software advice and ratings.

3. Gather information from professional and general user reviews for advice on the best enrolled agent exam books and software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sift through blogs and forums for advice on software to prepare for the enrolled agent exam

When studying for your EA exam, you may find valuable input from others who have used the software in preparing for their own exams. Blogs and forums offer a range of opinions and allow you to pose your own specific questions.

I recommend: Intuit Community is a popular source for learning about enrolled agent training. It discusses different methods of study and provides a place for people to ask questions about software. TaxAlmanac offers a discussion forum for those preparing for the enrolled agent exam. Successful candidates who have passed the exam offer software advice and recommendations.

Heed advice from professional associations on study software for becoming an enrolled agent

Whether you contact an association of enrolled agents who have already passed the test or other professional organizations, glean advice from the experts on the best study software for your enrolled agent exam.

I recommend: CPATrainingCenter.com discusses the enrolled agent exam in great detail and offers advice on ways to review for it. Best software training options and formats are evaluated, such as CDs and DVDs. The Texas Society of Enrolled Agents recommends resources for people looking to take the enrolled agent exam. Scroll down to see the list under the section titled Studying for the Special Enrollment Exam.

Get professional user input on enrolled agent software

Before you begin your enrolled agent training with a specific type of software, consider input from past users who rate the software according to ease of use and quality of study materials.

I recommend: Amazon.com provides a detailed description of software designed for enrolled agent exam preparation. Along with an editorial review of the product, the site offers recommendations and advice, plus pros and cons. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants reviews different types of tax software. The site details its methods for analyzing and reviewing software and explains why it advises professionals to use certain programs. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers advice on education for enrolled agents, including software.

Certain careers within the IRS require that that an employee pass the enrolled agent exam. This exam, like many professional exams, is thought to be quite difficult and the training requires an in-depth knowledge of the current tax codes and laws. In order to aid a potential employee in their preparation, several software training programs have been created.

Take the time to learn about various enrolled agent software to determine what software will be the most helpful for your test preparation. Here are some resourceful links to help get you started. Think of this tutorial as enrolled agent exam software for beginners.

1. Locate enrolled agent exam software and course study books.

2. Learn about enrolled agent training through an association of enrolled agents.

3. Find companies and locations that provide enrolled agent training in preparation for the exam.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find enrolled agent software and study books in preparation for the exam

There are several corporations that produce software designed to prepare the individual for the enrolled agency exam. These packages usually come with a set of books along with the software for the self-testing process. Take the time to compare and contrast some of the different enrolled agents test prep software on the market.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Phoenix Tax Group for more information on enrolled agent exam books and software. The Exam Review Store also sells products made by Gleim.

Educate yourself on the enrolled agent exam by visiting association websites

Enrolled agents have national, state and local associations that offer a plethora of information from when the next enrolled agent training will be held to the latest software that prepares potential agents for the exam. Take the time to browse their websites and read up on the latest information offered by various enrolled agents associations.

I recommend: Go to the websites for the National Association of Enrolled Agents or California Society of Enrolled Agents for an overview of the process to become an enrolled agent as well as test-prep materials like enrolled agent software.

Locate places that provide enrolled agent training

There are many places throughout the United States that provide training and also give the test for enrolled agent training. Take the time to peruse the websites that offer such training and get tips and hints on the software to use for preparation. Since the test is updated from time to time, these training courses and associated software programs will change as well.

I recommend: Check out the website for the CPA Training Center for details on the enrolled agent exam and some software that may be of use during the testing preparation period. The website Exam Matrix also provides similar information.