Going into business for myself as an EA?

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  • #202972
    Teddybear91
    Participant

    I’ve recently been thinking about getting my EA license and starting my own practice. I’ve been working in tax for a couple of years now both in Big 4 tax and a small, boutique CPA firm where I did everything from high net worth individuals, trusts, gift, partnerships, corps (s-corps) and nonprofit returns. I also have experience in tax planning and responding to tax notices, etc.

    I’m worried about how to get clients – does anyone have experience in this?

    Or am I just making a big mistake that I’ll probably regret?

    Is the EA going to help me or hurt me?

    Is it total career suicide to get the EA and just never bother with the CPA?

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  • #782483
    clrk217john
    Participant

    I got the EA as a sophomore in college just because I liked tax and didn't have enough credits for CPA at that point. Having an EA definitely will not hurt you (and it's obviously better than no credential whatsoever), but why not just go for the CPA/get both? CPA is much more widely recognized than the EA and allows you to do more than an EA alone would be capable of doing, which could be valuable if you start your own practice.

    FAR - 95, 2/17/2016
    AUD - 98, 4/2/2016
    REG - 92, 6/10/2016
    BEC - Waiting for Score, 7/9/2016

    #782484
    Missy
    Participant

    Its just not as widely recognized, and while that doesn't affect your ability it does affect your marketability.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

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