Enrolled Agent vs CPA: Which Tax Pro Is Right for You in 2025?
When tax season comes around, it can be hard to know which professional is the right fit for your needs. Two of the most common designations you will see are Enrolled Agent (EA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Both are highly trained and licensed, but their backgrounds and areas of focus are not the same.
At Clear Lake Taxes and Bookkeeping, we are proud to be a licensed Enrolled Agent, and we often get asked how that compares to working with a CPA. The truth is, both can play an important role depending on what you are looking for.
What Is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent is a federally licensed tax professional. EAs are authorized by the IRS to represent taxpayers in all 50 states, and their expertise is centered exclusively on taxation.
EAs can:
Prepare tax returns for individuals, families, and businesses
Represent clients before the IRS in audits, appeals, and collections
Provide year-round tax planning and strategy
To earn the credential, an individual must either pass a comprehensive three-part IRS exam or have relevant IRS work experience. Enrolled Agents also complete ongoing continuing education to stay current on the tax code.
What Is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant is licensed at the state level and has a broad accounting background. Their training includes financial accounting, auditing, tax, and business consulting.
CPAs often work in areas such as:
Financial statement audits
Accounting and bookkeeping
Business advisory and valuation
Tax preparation and planning
Becoming a CPA requires extensive education, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and meeting state-specific experience requirements. CPAs are trusted professionals across many areas of accounting and finance, and many also offer tax services.
How Do They Compare?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Enrolled Agents focus on taxes. Their training, licensing, and day-to-day work all revolve around tax law and IRS representation.
CPAs have a broader scope. Their expertise spans accounting, finance, auditing, and often includes tax as well.
Both EAs and CPAs can prepare returns and advise clients. The difference is that EAs specialize exclusively in taxation, while CPAs may or may not offer tax services alongside a wider range of accounting and business services.
