FAQ : Enrolled Agents

Enrolled Agents (EAs) assist taxpayers with all aspects of their tax returns. EAs advise, represent and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any entities with tax-reporting requirements.

  • Enrolled Agents are individuals licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrollment dates back to 1884, when Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the Treasury Department, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses.

  • Unlike lawyers or CPAs, Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Throughout the year they advise, represent and prepare returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. In New Jersey for example, the more than 200 members of the New Jersey Society of Enrolled Agents prepare almost 400,000 tax returns each year.

    Enrolled Agents' expertise in the constantly changing field of tax law enables them to be effective representatives when taxpayers are audited by the IRS.

  • Over the years, an average of one-third of individuals taking the examination have passed, allowing them to apply for enrollment and subject themselves to a background investigation. In addition to the stringent testing and application process, Enrolled Agents are required to earn 72 hours of continuing professional education, reported every three years, to maintain their status. Because of the difficulty in becoming enrolled and maintaining that enrollment, there are fewer than 34,000 Enrolled Agents in the United States. In contrast, there are about 375,000 certified public accountants (CPAs) nationwide.

  • When choosing between an enrolled agent and a CPA, consider using a CPA for external audits and enrolled agents for tax assistance. Make sure an enrolled agent or CPA is experienced in the type of taxes that you require

  • CAAs can verify original documentation and certified copies of the documentation from the issuing agency through In-Person or Video Call Appointment.

    Jai Tax Services will return the documentation immediately after reviewing its authenticity. There is no need to send original passport and it’s the convenient way so that you can have the peace of mind in keeping the passport in your possession.

  • CAA’s can submit your ITIN application and receive your ITIN on your behalf.

  • If you’re not in NJ or not able to come in person, you must post-mail your original passport securely to us prior to short Video Call and we will return it to you immediately after Video Call.

  • Original Passport and Prior Year Tax Return is required for a ITIN Renewal Application.

  • Yes. Expired ITINs can still be renewed.