Enrolled agents vs. other tax professionals

While Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax attorneys also have unlimited representation rights, their focus and licensing differ from EAs. 

• Education: Unlike CPAs, there is no formal degree requirement to become an EA. The qualification is based on a demonstrated proficiency in tax law.
• Specialization: All enrolled agents specialize in taxation, while CPAs and attorneys have a broader scope of practice that can extend to general accounting, financial consulting, and legal representation.
• Licensing: An EA's license is federal, meaning it is valid in all states. CPA licenses, on the other hand, are issued by individual state boards.