SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Enrolled Agents Credential Act, introduced on February 10, 2015 by U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA-03), is designed to ensure that individuals, families, and businesses across the country are able to identify and access trained specialists to assist them in filing their taxes. Enrolled Agents are tax specialists certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury who have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Despite being an exclusively federal credential, some states prohibit Enrolled Agents from using their credential when representing taxpayers or advertising for potential clients. This bill would clarify that Enrolled Agents may use and display their credential when advertising their services and representing their clients.
"The IRS estimates Americans spend 6.6 billion hours per year filling out tax forms," said Portman. "The least the federal government can do is ensure that consumers have all the information available when choosing who to trust with their financial security – and that's exactly what this commonsense measure does."
"Enrolled Agents use their considerable expertise to help taxpayers navigate our overcomplicated tax code – but some states don't recognize their federal certification," said Boustany. "As Tax Day approaches, this bill is a common-sense reform at no cost to the taxpayer that will give these advocates their rightful recognition while Congress works on full tax reform."
California is one of the few states to have set requirements for professional tax preparers. State law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee to be either an Enrolled Agent, an attorney, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax preparer registered with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
"There is a lot of confusion surrounding how to best file your taxes this year, in light of so many changing tax rules," said Patricia Kappen, EA, President of the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA). "With all the tax changes taking place in Congress and the state Legislature, it is more critical than ever to have a qualified tax specialist on your side when preparing your tax and financial strategy."
Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who are state-licensed and may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. To join America's 47,000 Enrolled Agents, one must either pass a comprehensive tax code examination or have extensive experience interpreting the tax code as a former IRS employee. Enrolled Agents must also complete continuing education classes to stay current on tax changes. Visit www.csea.org or call 1-800-TAXPRO-5 for more information or to find an Enrolled Agent near you.
About the California Society of Enrolled Agents
The California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA) is a non-profit association of more than 3,500 federally licensed tax professionals that offers Californians guidance in choosing a tax professional to assist them with tax planning, preparation and representation. Enrolled Agents (EAs) advise and represent their clients on all matters of taxation throughout the year, not just during tax time. If you have tax questions, your Enrolled Agent can assist you in ensuring that you do not pay too much, and help you minimize your risk of an audit. Visit www.csea.org or call 1-800-TAXPRO-5 to find an Enrolled Agent near you.
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