Enrolled Agent Professional Development Program

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is authorized by the U.S. Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers before all levels of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Enrolled Agents are the only tax professionals admitted to practice by the federal government (see Treasury Circular 230) which means EAs can practice anywhere in the United States (unlike attorneys and CPAs, who are licensed by individual states). Enrolled Agents must demonstrate a high degree of expertise in taxation and also comply with rigorous ethical standards. Detailed information on the Enrolled Agent designation is available from the IRS.

Enrolled Agents work for accounting firms, law firms, corporate tax departments, financial services firms, the IRS, and state revenue departments. In addition, a large number of EAs are self-employed. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the annual entry-level salary for an Enrolled Agent is $41,302, more than double that of a tax preparer. The median salary for EAs is $59,579, while experienced EAs earn an average annual salary of $74,143.

Program Audience

The Northwestern University Enrolled Agent program will prepare tax professionals to take the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), which is offered at Prometric testing sites throughout the country. This program is ideal for tax preparers, accountants, financial planners, government revenue agents, attorneys, and bankers. Individuals considering a change of career are also encouraged to enroll in the program. There are no academic requirements for becoming an EA, but candidates without prior federal tax experience should first complete FN_EXTND 313-0 Extended Program: Income Tax Planning (10-week course) or FN_PLAN 313-0 Income Tax Planning (accelerated 6-week version).

Learning Outcomes

The Enrolled Agent Professional Development Program is a twelve-week course covering the fundamentals of federal taxation. The course is divided into three parts corresponding to the three Special Enrollment Exam sections: Individual Taxation (including estate and gift tax); Business Taxation; and Representation, Practice and Procedures. Students who complete the program will gain special competency in tax matters and professional ethics, and will be prepared to sit for the SEE.

Custom Programs

The School of Continuing Studies works with corporate partners to develop custom programs to meet their specific needs. This program can be held at your company location.

Northwestern Excellence

• Northwestern University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
• School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
• SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
• SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.

Course Information

The Enrolled Agent Professional Development Program is held at our Loop location. Registration information and detailed course descriptions can be found on the course listings page. Schedules, content and prices are subject to change.