CPA or EA Agent advice

[Maxwell Fontaine]

Hey BPer's,

I was just looking into accountants and i came across EA agents and CPA.  I believe both are accountants and offer up general accountant functions BUT I believe the EA agents is more up to date on state laws and can represent me in front of the IRS. 

My questions are:

1. which is the better option to realistically to have ?

2. is the pricing difference worth the quality of work ?

Any tips or pointers or info I am missing is accepted, please and thank you in advance !!!

[Brian Schmelzlen]

Hi Maxwell,

At the end of the day, the person's individual level of experience and expertise is what is important, more than the professional license.  However, if I was picking just based on the license I would go with a CPA every time (admittedly I am biased).

The education and experience required to become a CPA is a lot higher than to become an EA.  That means that, everything else being even, a CPA is more likely to be able to give you better advice.

Attorneys, CPAs, and EAs are allowed to represent you in front of the IRS.  Attorneys and CPAs are allowed to perform additional functions that may or may not be of worth to you.

Yes, the pricing difference is worth the increased quality of the work.  Mistakes and poor advice can cost you far more money than a fee difference.