Tax season can be overwhelming — especially with evolving laws, audits, and complex returns. A licensed Sarasota Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can simplify the process, protect your interests, and optimize outcomes. At Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services, we often partner with or act as your EA/CPA to deliver clarity and peace of mind—covering tax preparation & planning, IRS representation, and year-round bookkeeping.

Key Ways an EA or CPA Simplifies Tax Matters

IRS Representation & Audits: Both EAs and CPAs can represent you before the IRS—handling audits, appeals, and notices to reduce stress. See our IRS Representation.
Tax planning & optimization: Strategies to reduce liabilities, time deductions, and maximize credits—integrated with tax prep.
Complex return handling: Multi-state, corporate, partnership, trust, or foreign income filings—managed accurately and on time.
Minimizing errors & penalties: QA reviews, documentation procedures, and code expertise help you avoid costly mistakes.
Annual compliance & filings: Deadlines, extensions, and regulatory changes are tracked for you.

Differences Between an Enrolled Agent and a CPA

Scope: CPAs commonly offer broader financial services (assurance, financial reporting, and advisory) in addition to tax.
Specialization: EAs focus on taxation and may practice across all U.S. states; they’re federally credentialed for IRS matters.
Governance & licensing: CPAs are licensed by state boards; EAs are credentialed at the federal level and maintain ongoing CE requirements.

Benefits of Working with a Sarasota-Based EA or CPA

Local expertise: Familiar with Florida’s environment (no personal state income tax), local property considerations, and regional business norms.
Accessibility: In-person consults when needed; seamless remote options the rest of the year.
Community network: Connections with local attorneys, estate planners, lenders, and real-estate professionals.

Ready to simplify your tax strategy?

Let us help you choose—or act as—your Sarasota EA/CPA so tax stress becomes history. Personal, business, or complex returns—we’ve got you, from filing to notices & audits and ongoing books. Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an EA or CPA handle tax audits?

Yes — both professionals are fully qualified and authorized to represent clients before the IRS during audits, appeals, and a broad spectrum of tax issue resolutions. They possess the necessary credentials and experience to effectively advocate on behalf of taxpayers, ensuring that every matter related to tax compliance and disputes is managed with the highest level of expertise, thoroughness, and careful attention to detail. Their comprehensive understanding of tax laws and procedures allows them to navigate complex situations efficiently and protect their clients’ interests throughout the entire process.

Which is better for simple returns?

For straightforward personal tax returns that do not involve many complexities, either option will generally work just fine and should be sufficient to meet your basic tax filing needs. However, if your financial situation is more complicated—such as if you have business income to report, own rental properties, have tax obligations in multiple states, or hold various types of investments—their specialized expertise becomes especially valuable. In these cases, their in-depth knowledge and experience can make a substantial difference by helping to ensure accuracy in your tax filings and maximizing any potential benefits or deductions you may be eligible for.

Do I need a local Sarasota EA or CPA?

Being local can be helpful but is not absolutely necessary. It is far more important to prioritize a professional’s expertise, their responsiveness to your needs, and the level of trust you can establish with them. While having someone nearby can offer advantages for understanding subtle, location-specific issues and scheduling in-person meetings, these factors should be considered secondary to their skills and reliability. Local familiarity is certainly a beneficial bonus that can enhance communication and problem-solving for particular situations.

How a Sarasota Enrolled Agent or CPA Can Simplify Your Taxes