Enrolled Agent

Ken Weinberg, Enrolled Agent and member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is uniquely different from the average Cleveland area tax preparation service that pops-up around tax season - with more knowledge and credentials, as well as a passion for tax reduction strategies for the self-employed and small business.  He is also typically less expensive than a Cleveland CPAs or tax attorney, and can happily refer those services to his network of other tax professionals should your matter require it. For a comprehensive description of the Enrolled Agent distinction go to the Enrolled Agent page of the IRS website.

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Enrolled Agent, sometimes referred to as a Tax Agent, is the highest credential awarded by the IRS,  In order to maintain the enrolled agent status individuals must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years, ensuring Enrolled Agents (EAs) thoroughly understand updates to IRS codes.  Enrolled agents, like tax attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before. EAs are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and also have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

What does the term “Enrolled Agent” mean?

“Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Meaning, if you have a tax return that gets flagged by the IRS, maybe due to an IRS error, or a 1099 that you included in a Schedule C but did not send with your return, if you had your taxes prepared by someone other than an EA, CPA or Attorney, you will either need to deal with the IRS yourself, or hire one of these three professionals to deal with the IRS on your behalf. Only enrolled agents, attorneys, and CPAs have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The enrolled agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the U.S. Treasury Department.

Why Choose an Enrolled Agent Over a CPA or Tax Attorney?

Only enrolled agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in all areas of taxation, representation and ethics before they are given unlimited representation rights before IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who are state licensed and who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all enrolled agents specialize in taxation.

Are all Enrolled Agents members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)?

No. NAEA members have additional education requirements as well as an obligation to follow a stringent Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association, as well as the Treasury Department’s Circular 230 regulations. The principal concern of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the governmental agencies. NAEA members belong to a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to make the tax code fair and reasonably enforced. Ken Weinberg of Ken-Mar Tax has been a member of the NAEA for over 10 years.