Choosing the right tax professional can save you money, reduce risk, and keep your filings spotless. Two common options are the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the Enrolled Agent (EA). While both prepare returns and provide tax advice, they differ in credentials, scope, and typical focus. At Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services, our team includes EAs and accountants who deliver year-round planning, meticulous compliance, and hands-on guidance. Explore our Tax Preparation, IRS Representation, Bookkeeping, and Outsourced Controller/CFO.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | CPA | Enrolled Agent (EA) |
|---|---|---|
| Credentialing | State-licensed; 150+ credit hours; multi-part Uniform CPA Exam; experience requirements; CPE to maintain license. | Federally credentialed by U.S. Treasury; Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) or qualifying IRS experience; CPE required. |
| Primary Focus | Broad financial scope: tax, accounting, audits/assurance, and advisory. | Specialized in taxation: planning, preparation, and IRS representation. |
| Audit/IRS Representation | Unlimited representation rights before the IRS. | Unlimited representation rights before the IRS. |
| Best For | Businesses needing broader financial support (assurance, GAAP, complex advisory) in addition to taxes. | Individuals and businesses primarily seeking expert tax planning, preparation, and resolution. |
When to Choose Each
Choose a CPA if you need:
- Audits, reviews, or compilations of financial statements.
- Complex business advisory beyond tax (internal controls, transactions, GAAP reporting).
- A single advisor for broader finance + tax strategy.
Choose an Enrolled Agent if you need:
- Deep, year-round tax planning and return preparation.
- IRS controversy help: audits, notices, penalties, payment plans, and offers in compromise.
- Small-business focus on entity choice, reasonable comp (S-Corp), and multi-state/sales tax coordination.
What You’ll Get With Henriquez Accounting
- Proactive tax planning (entity structure, reasonable comp, deductions & credits).
- Accurate, audit-ready books every month with reconciliations and tie-outs.
- Quarterly tax projections and estimate vouchers with due dates.
- IRS & state representation: notices, audits, payment plans, penalty relief.
- Executive dashboard: cash runway, margins, and tax-ready KPIs.
How We Help You Decide
We start with a short discovery call to learn your goals and pain points, then recommend the most efficient engagement—CPA-level advisory when you need it, or EA-led tax planning and representation if taxes are your primary concern. Either way, you get a coordinated plan across bookkeeping, tax preparation, and IRS representation.
FAQs
Is a CPA better than an Enrolled Agent?
Neither is universally “better.” CPAs cover a wider financial scope; EAs specialize in taxation and IRS matters. The best fit depends on whether you need broad financial services or focused tax expertise.
Can both CPAs and EAs represent me before the IRS?
Yes. Both have unlimited representation rights before the IRS for audits, collections, and appeals.
Do I need a CPA for an audit of my financial statements?
Yes—financial statement audits/reviews/compilations fall under CPA services. Tax audits with the IRS can be handled by either a CPA or an EA.
Which is more affordable?
Pricing depends on scope and complexity. EA-led tax engagements are often more cost-effective when you primarily need tax planning, preparation, and IRS representation.
Can you handle both my books and taxes?
Absolutely. We align monthly bookkeeping with quarterly planning and year-end filings. See Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation.
Ready to talk through your situation?
Whether you’re choosing between a CPA and an EA—or need a coordinated team—we’ll guide you to the right plan, run the numbers, and handle filings end-to-end. Schedule Consultation
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