Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
How difficult is the exam to become an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
I heard that the best way to study for the exam is to look through past exams and know how to do the questions because exam questions tend to be similar from year to year. Is this true?
*Just some general information: I have 2-3 years tax experience with a degree in finance/accounting, and I passed the series 7 without breaking a sweat. So, I believe I'm a reasonably intelligent person - but definitely not a genius. How long do you think I'll need to study for the EA exam?
6 Answers
- Tax LadyLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
The EA exam is in three parts. Part I is individual returns, Part II is businesses, and Part III is representation. Part II is a lot harder than Part I, and Part III is easier than the others. Each part is 3.5 hours long and consists of 100 questions. They throw in a few questions from other sections just to make sure you're paying attention.
The degree in accounting will be a great help on Part II, but as there are different versions of the test, you never know which one you'll get. I would say plan on two to three weeks of concentrated study for each part. The questions on the IRS website give you an idea of what the test is like, but there are errors on those tests, and questions where the correct answer is in dispute. Good luck!
Source(s): www.irs.gov - Anonymous5 years ago
Go for it. The better you can look to potential clients or employers the better for you. I would be nowhere if I was not an EA because my practice is 90% representation fixing messes made by others. If you are working on a BS in accounting you will want to function at a higher level then H&R Block seasonal preparer. Ideally you would work for a CPA firm and work to get your CPA. If you took the exam and got your EA along with your degree you would have a professional credential that your fellow students don't and could represent your employer's clients, not just come along for the ride. You would also be able to represent clients anywhere in the country, something you can't do as a CPA. If you are taking a lot of tax in your accounting classes taking the exam may not be the pain it is to a lot of other people.
- ninasgrammaLv 71 decade ago
Looking through past exams used to be effective. The test is now a non-disclosure exam so this approach is less effective because the exams for the past couple of years have not been published.
If I were you I would invest in a review product and use it. I would not recommend reading the IRS publications alone although you want them for reference material.
If you study 2 or 3 hours a night, I would budget at least one month preparation for each test.
You may be over prepared if you do this but you are more likely to pass the first time.
- JssLv 71 decade ago
It should not be difficult for you.
Must read:
IRS publication 17: Your Individual Income Tax
334: Small Business
541 -- Partnerships
542 --- Corporations
559 - Executors and Adminstrators
950 - Estate and Gift Taxes
TD Cir 230 - MUST
