What is an Enrolled Agent? 
 
Enrolled agents (EAs) are federally-authorized tax practitioners who have demonstrated technical 
competence in tax law and are the only taxpayer representatives licensed to practice by the United States 
government. Only EAs, attorneys and CPAs may represent taxpayers without limitation before the IRS. 
EAs advise and represent taxpayers who are being examined by IRS, taxpayers who are unable to pay, 
and taxpayers who wish to avoid or recover penalties. EAs prepare tax returns for individuals, 
partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any other entities with tax-reporting requirements. Unlike 
attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all EAs specialize in taxation and 
are required by the federal government to maintain their professional skills with continuing professional 
education. 

 History of Enrolled Agents 
 
After the Civil War, many citizens had problems settling claims with the government for horses and other 
property confiscated for use in the war effort. After many petitions and much pleading, Congress, in 
1884, endowed enrolled agents with the power of advocacy to prepare claims against the government and 
to seek equitable justice for the citizenry. For many years, the purpose of the enrolled agent was to act in 
this capacity. 
 
In 1913, when the income tax was passed, the job of the enrolled agent was expanded to include claims 
for monetary relief for citizens whose taxes had become inequitable. As the income tax, estate, gift and 
other sources of tax collections became more complex, the role of the enrolled agent increased to include 
the preparation of the many tax forms that were required. Additionally, as audits became more prevalent, 
their role evolved into taxpayer advocacy and negotiating with the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of 
their clients. 
 
In 1972, EAs united to form a national association to represent the needs and interests of EAs and the 
rights of taxpayers. That association is today called the National Association of Enrolled Agents 
(NAEA). Through their national association and state affiliates, enrolled agents have successfully 
defended their rights to practice and furthered the passage of legislation and administrative rules that 
benefit both tax practitioners and ordinary citizens.