Back to school doesn’t just mean kiddos…
A reader has written in that she’s sitting for the EA exam and is looking for some good resources.
For those of you who don’t know, an enrolled agent (EA) may represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, just as attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs) do. There are two ways to become an EA: 1, Written exam or 2, “Fast track” due to IRS experience.
The EA exam is called the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE). It is composed of three parts:
Part 1 – Individuals
Part 2 – Businesses
Part 3 – Representation, Practice and Procedures
Each part of the exam consists of about 100 questions.
As you can imagine, like the bar exam, there are a bazillion different study guides, seminars, classes and the like to prep you for the exam. My reader wants to know which ones are most helpful. Since I’ve never studied for the EA exam, I don’t have the first idea… So, I’m asking for your input. For those of you who have taken the exam, what do you recommend?
My dad used the Gleim books and found them to be very helpful. He is a much better rote learner than I am. If you do well with very straight forward learning and are a “learn by reading” type, Gleim is a great source.
Personally, I used TaxMama.com (self study) which I loved for the convenience and the overall learning. Her course will get you to pass the EA, but additionally really teach you practical aspects of tax as well. She is also warm and funny. As an “audio/visual learner” I benefited from both hearing and seeing the lectures.
I studied for the exam using both Gleim and Taxmama.com’s self study course. Like the previous commenter noted, Gleim is good if you’re good with self study and don’t necessarily need a lecture or audio aids. Gleim does have audio courses, but I’m not sure how good they are since I’ve never used them.
Taxmama.com was very helpful. She tries to use her knowledge and experience to help you pass the exam and provide useful information, things that won’t necessarily be found in any textbook. When I took the course, it included a copy of the Gleim tax book, it’s quite possible that her course still comes with the book, in which case you would have the best of both worlds.
I took the Enrolled Agent course given by H & R Block.
I am in the process of sitting for the exam using ExamMatrix. They give you your money back if you do not pass the exam on the first try. The software even informs you when you are ready to sit for each section.
I used the Gleim books and CDs when I took the exam.
Besides the test they give you some good tips for taking the test. I don’t know if calculators are still forbidden under the new system. If they are, one suggestion I would make is to study using paper and pencil instead of a calculator for the math.
I am using Exam Matrix also. So far so good. The software helps narrow the questions you see based on your ability to get them correct. Therefore, you spend less time answering/studying with material you already know. The custonmer support is great and as mentioned, there is a pass guarantee…just read the fine print on it.
Good luck!
Okay. I passed parts 1 and 3 with no problems on 11/19/09 using ExamMatrix. Now the ultimate challange, Part 2!
I have passed parts 1 & 3 first try with about 40 hours of study time for each part using Gleim’s study materials. I have to say that they were extremely helpful and gauged my performance throughout my studies. If you follow their patented method of studying and focus on what you’re truly weak in, you’ll have no problem with their materials.