If you operate in Brooksville or Hernando County—contracting, real estate, retail, or professional services—your choice of tax professional matters. Both Enrolled Agents (EAs) and CPAs can file returns, but their focus differs. Below we explain the differences, when to hire each, and how Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services supports you year-round with bookkeeping, planning, and IRS representation. Explore Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, Outsourced Controller/CFO, and Business Consulting.

EA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference?

Enrolled Agent (EA) — Federally licensed by the IRS with unlimited practice rights in all states. Deep specialization in tax law, return preparation, and IRS representation (audits, appeals, collections).
CPA — State-licensed accounting professional. Broader scope including financial statements, assurance, and advisory. Many CPAs also have strong tax practices.

Bottom line: need federal tax expertise and representation? An EA is ideal. Need broader accounting/assurance or attest work? A CPA is the right fit. Many Brooksville businesses work with firms (like ours) that combine EA tax depth with bookkeeping/CFO services.

When to Hire an EA in Brooksville

IRS notice, audit, payment plan, or penalty abatement.
Mid-year tax projections and quarterly estimates (avoid surprises).
S-Corp salary vs. distributions planning and documentation.
Multi-state or e-commerce sales & use tax questions.
Amended returns, QuickBooks cleanup, or catch-up bookkeeping.

When to Hire a CPA

Compilation/review/attest services requested by lenders or investors.
Complex GAAP reporting, consolidations, or assurance-driven deliverables.
Industry-specific accounting policies and internal controls design.

How We Support Brooksville Businesses

Tax Preparation: 1120S, 1065, 1120, Schedule C + owner 1040 coordination.
Planning: entity selection, reasonable compensation, retirement, depreciation/bonus timing.
Compliance: Florida sales & use tax, payroll (941/940), 1099 e-filing with W-9 tracking.
Cleanup: reconciliations, reclassifications, prior-period adjustments, amended returns.
Advisory: pricing, budgeting, job costing, KPI dashboards, and cash-flow planning.

Month–Quarter–Year Cadence

Monthly

Bank/credit reconciliations, tax-ready coding, P&L/Balance Sheet/Cash Flow.
Sales tax filings (when applicable) and nexus monitoring.

Quarterly

Estimated tax calculations and safe-harbor adjustments.
Officer compensation and payroll tax checkups for S-Corps.
KPI review: margins, cash runway, budget vs. actual.

Annually

Business returns and owner 1040; depreciation strategy; 1099 workflows.
Entity review and forward tax plan for the next year.

Who We Help Most in Brooksville

Contractors & trades (job costing, materials, subcontractors).
Real-estate investors (capex vs. repairs, passive/active rules).
Retail & e-commerce (inventory, sales tax, marketplace facilitators).
Professional services (reasonable comp, home office, multi-state risks).

Work with an EA/CPA Team in Brooksville

Monthly books closed on time—every month.
Quarterly estimates with reminders and safe-harbor targets.
IRS notices/audits handled by licensed representatives.
Transparent fixed-fee plans and fast onboarding.

Book a 30-Minute Consultation

FAQs

Is an EA licensed by the IRS?

Yes. EAs are federally licensed and can represent taxpayers nationwide in audits, appeals, and collections.

Can a CPA also represent me before the IRS?

Yes. CPAs have practice rights before the IRS. Choose based on your needs—tax representation depth (EA) vs. broader accounting/assurance (CPA).

Do you handle Florida sales tax and payroll?

Yes—registrations, filings, reconciliations, and calendars for sales & use tax; payroll setup and 941/940 reviews.

Can I switch to your firm mid-year?

Absolutely. We onboard, reconcile recent months, refresh estimates, and take over notices or deadlines immediately.

What records do you need to start?

Prior returns, bank/credit statements, payroll reports, W-9/1099 lists, and access to your QuickBooks file. We provide a secure upload link and checklist.

Ready for Brooksville-Focused Tax Help?

Get year-round planning, clean books, and strong IRS representation from a local team. Schedule Consultation

Why Choose an Enrolled Agent or CPA in Brooksville, FL