With multiple tax professionals to choose from, selecting the right one can be confusing. Whether you’re looking for tax preparation & planning , IRS representation, or ongoing accounting & bookkeeping, here’s how to decide who’s best for you. At Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services, we can guide the choice—and deliver the services—so you get the right expertise at the right time.

What Each Type Does

Enrolled Agent (EA): Federally licensed, specializes in taxation, can represent you before the IRS. Great for returns, notices, and practical tax strategy. Start with our Tax Preparation.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Broad financial expertise—audits, accounting, tax work, and financial planning. Ideal when you need integrated bookkeeping plus tax.
Tax Attorney: Legal professional for complex tax law issues, litigation, appeals, and legal defense—often teamed with an EA/CPA.

Key Differences to Consider

Scope & specialization: EAs focus on taxes; CPAs add accounting/assurance; attorneys handle tax law and legal disputes.
Cost structure: Attorneys and CPAs generally have higher hourly rates than many EAs—match cost to complexity.
Representation rights: EAs, CPAs, and attorneys can all represent you before the IRS; only attorneys represent you in court.
Qualifications & oversight: CPAs (state boards), EAs (IRS), attorneys (state bars). Verify credentials and continuing education.
Complexity of your needs: Simple returns/notices → EA; business structure/accounting + tax → CPA or EA with accounting; legal disputes → Tax Attorney.

Which Professional Fits Your Situation?

Match common scenarios to the right pro—and the service we provide:

Simple or individual taxes & minor IRS issues: Enrolled Agent — Personal Tax Preparation.
Business accounting + tax advice: CPA/EA plus Accounting & Bookkeeping and Business Taxes (consider Controller/CFO services for dashboards & KPIs).
Tax court, litigation, complex legal exposure: Tax Attorney (often collaborating with our tax and IRS representation support).
Growth, pricing, and planning questions: Our Business Consulting integrates with tax and reporting.

Need help deciding?

We’ll assess your situation and recommend the right mix—EA, CPA, and/or attorney—then coordinate the work: from filing and notices & audits to books and CFO insights. Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from an EA to a CPA later?

Yes. Many clients start with an EA and later add a CPA for broader accounting/reporting needs. We coordinate the transition and keep continuity.

Does a tax attorney cost much more?

Typically, yes—especially for legal representation. Use an attorney when legal risk is high or litigation is likely; we’ll help you scope appropriately.

Which one can represent me in an IRS audit?

EAs, CPAs, and Tax Attorneys can all represent you before the IRS. When court-level issues arise, a Tax Attorney leads; we often support with records and analysis.

How to Choose Between an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or Tax Attorney