Choosing the right tax professional can be overwhelming—especially in Florida, where tax laws may be simple, but IRS rules are not. Should you work with a CPA? An EA? Or just someone at the nearest tax office?

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we help clients understand not just their taxes—but also who’s qualified to do the job right.

Let’s break down the difference between a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent), and an unenrolled tax preparer, so you can make the best decision for your situation.

1. Enrolled Agent (EA) – The IRS Tax Specialist

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax expert who can represent you directly before the IRS in audits, collections, appeals, and more.

Unlike CPAs or attorneys, EAs are tested and authorized specifically in federal tax law, and must complete ongoing tax-specific continuing education each year.

You should work with an EA if:

  • You’re dealing with the IRS (collections, penalties, notices)

  • You need help planning or reducing taxes proactively

  • You want quarterly tax projections or audit protection

  • You have business or self-employment income

🧠 Learn more: What Is an Enrolled Agent?

2. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – The Accounting Generalist

A CPA is licensed by a state board to perform accounting, audit, and tax services. Many CPAs specialize in taxes, but others focus on areas like:

  • Financial reporting

  • Business valuations

  • Auditing or assurance

  • General accounting for corporations

While CPAs can represent clients before the IRS (like EAs), not all do so regularly. Their knowledge may be broad, but not always deep in federal tax law.

You should work with a CPA if:

  • You need compiled or reviewed financial statements

  • You’re applying for bank loans and need accounting credibility

  • You need estate or business consulting alongside tax work

🧩 Not all CPAs specialize in taxation. Ask them directly about their experience in IRS representation or small business tax planning.

👉 Do I Need an EA If I Have a CPA?

3. Unenrolled Tax Preparer – The Most Common (and Least Regulated)

Unenrolled preparers are often seasonal workers who complete tax returns but:

  • Do not hold a license

  • Cannot represent you before the IRS

  • Have no formal education or testing requirement

They may be suitable for simple W-2 returns, but if something goes wrong—or if you’re self-employed, investing, or dealing with IRS notices—you’re on your own.

🚫 The IRS has cracked down on fraud and errors caused by unlicensed preparers in recent years.

Comparing Your Options

Role Can Represent You? Federal License? Specializes in Tax?
EA ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (IRS) ✅ Yes
CPA ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (State) ⚠ Depends on CPA
Preparer ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No

Which Is Right for You?

The truth is: it depends on your situation. Many Polaris clients choose to work with both a CPA and an EA—CPAs for financials, and EAs for tax resolution and planning.

✅ Have IRS debt?
✅ Need quarterly estimates or proactive tax planning?
✅ Want to prevent underpayment penalties?
👉 You need an Enrolled Agent.

Real Examples from Florida Clients

📍 Plantation Small Business Owner: Working with a CPA for bookkeeping, but hired Polaris EAs for S Corp planning and IRS audit representation.

📍 Fort Lauderdale Consultant: Overpaid taxes for years until a Polaris EA restructured her business and reduced her tax bill by $12,000.

📍 Miami Investor: Chose an EA over a storefront tax preparer after receiving an IRS underreporting notice. We resolved the issue and secured penalty relief.

Related Posts You Should Read

Final Thoughts: Credentials Matter—Ask Questions Before You Sign

The most important step you can take is asking the right questions:

  • Are you licensed?

  • Can you represent me before the IRS?

  • Do you provide tax planning or just tax prep?

At Polaris, we’re proud to offer licensed, experienced Enrolled Agents who focus exclusively on your IRS and tax strategy needs. We don’t just file—we plan, defend, and protect.

📍 Get Trusted Tax Help in Florida

✅ Schedule a Tax Strategy Call with Polaris
✅ Learn About Enrolled Agent Representation