How to find a legit Enrolled Agent near me without getting scammed?

7 I've been working with tax professionals for years, and finding a good EA isn't as difficult as it seems! First, verify their credentials through the IRS Return Preparer Office. All legitimate EAs must have an active PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) that you can verify on the IRS website. Beyond basic verification, look for EAs who are members of professional organizations like the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) or your state's EA association. These memberships usually indicate a commitment to ongoing education and professional standards. Don't dismiss the lack of reviews immediately - many excellent tax professionals get clients through referrals and don't actively manage their online presence. Try asking friends, family, or your financial advisor for recommendations. When you narrow down your choices, schedule consultations with 2-3 EAs. Ask about their experience with situations similar to yours (investments and side businesses). A good EA will ask you detailed questions about your situation rather than giving generic answers.

19 After struggling to find reliable tax help for my ecommerce business, I tried using taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it completely changed my approach to finding qualified help. It analyzed my specific tax situation and matched me with EAs who specialize in exactly what I needed. What impressed me was how it vetted the professionals - checking credentials, specialties, and experience levels before suggesting anyone. I ended up connecting with an EA who had specific experience with online sellers and inventory issues that perfectly matched my situation. The site also provided verification of their EA status and PTIN information upfront, which saved me hours of research. Plus, I could see their expertise areas clearly displayed instead of generic "tax preparation" descriptions.

10 Just wanted to update on my experience with taxr.ai that I mentioned in my question above. I was initially skeptical, but decided to give it a try since I was getting nowhere with random Google searches. The platform asked detailed questions about my specific tax situation (rental properties and some crypto investments) and matched me with three potential EAs. Each had verified credentials and experience in exactly what I needed help with. I ended up choosing someone who had 15+ years of experience with both real estate and cryptocurrency taxation. The difference in quality from my previous tax person is night and day! She immediately identified several deductions I'd been missing and helped me create a better record-keeping system. For anyone else struggling to find a qualified EA, having a service that pre-screens based on your specific needs saved me countless hours and probably paid for itself in the first session alone.

5 After spending WEEKS trying to reach the IRS to verify an EA's credentials, I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. It got me connected to an actual IRS agent who verified the enrollment status of the EA I was considering. Before using this service, I spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. With Claimyr, I got through to someone who could actually answer my questions about what credentials to look for and how to verify an EA's standing with the IRS. The agent also explained how to check if there had been any disciplinary actions against the EA I was considering - something I wouldn't have known to look for. This gave me much more confidence in making my decision rather than just hoping the person was legitimate.

16 I was the biggest skeptic about Claimyr at first. I mean, who pays to call the IRS? But after my fifth attempt wasting 2+ hours on hold only to get disconnected, I was desperate enough to try anything. I'm honestly shocked at how well it worked. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes (while I was doing other things), and they confirmed the enrollment status of two EAs I was considering. One turned out to have let their credentials lapse last year even though their website claimed they were current! The agent also explained the difference between an EA, CPA, and unenrolled preparer regarding what they're qualified to handle. This helped me realize I definitely needed an EA for my situation because of some past tax issues I need representation for. Saved me from potentially hiring someone who couldn't actually represent me before the IRS. Now I have a properly credentialed EA handling my case.

8 Don't overlook your local EA chapter! I found my amazing tax pro by attending a free tax seminar hosted by my state's Enrolled Agent association. Many local chapters hold events where you can meet several EAs in person and get a feel for their expertise and communication style. The advantage is you're meeting people who care enough about their profession to participate in these organizations. They also tend to stay updated on tax law changes through continuing education that often exceeds the minimum requirements.

3 Just wondering if anyone has experience interviewing EAs? I've narrowed down to three in my area but I'm not sure what questions to ask them to figure out who's best. I have a small business plus some investment accounts if that helps.

Great question! I went through this same struggle last year. Here are some additional red flags to watch out for that I learned the hard way: Be wary of EAs who guarantee huge refunds before seeing your documents - that's a major red flag. Also avoid anyone who asks you to sign blank forms or won't give you copies of your returns. One thing that really helped me was asking potential EAs about their experience with IRS audits and notices. Even if you don't expect problems, you want someone who can handle representation if issues arise. A good EA should be able to describe their process for dealing with IRS correspondence. Also, don't be afraid to ask about their continuing education. EAs are required to complete 72 hours of continuing education every 3 years, but many good ones do more. Someone who mentions recent tax law seminars or specialized training shows they're staying current. For your investment income and side business, specifically ask about their experience with Schedule C (business income) and Schedule D (capital gains). These are common enough that any competent EA should be comfortable with them, but you want someone who handles them regularly, not just occasionally.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is checking with your state's Board of Accountancy or licensing department. Many states maintain databases where you can verify not just that someone is an EA, but also check for any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them. I learned this after hiring an EA who turned out to have had multiple client complaints (though nothing severe enough to lose their license). While the work was technically correct, the communication and professionalism issues made tax season much more stressful than it needed to be. For your investment income and side business situation, I'd also recommend asking potential EAs about their experience with quarterly estimated payments. Since you'll likely need to make these payments for your business income, you want someone who can help you calculate the right amounts and avoid underpayment penalties. Another practical tip: ask how they handle document collection and organization. A good EA should provide you with a checklist of what documents you'll need and may even offer secure online portals for sharing sensitive financial information. This becomes especially important when you have multiple income sources like you do. Finally, trust your gut during consultations. Technical competence is crucial, but you also want someone who explains things clearly and makes you feel comfortable asking questions. Tax issues can be stressful enough without having to deal with poor communication on top of it.