An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional licensed by the federal government — specifically the IRS — after passing a comprehensive three-part exam covering individual and business taxes. EAs have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS, including in audits, collections, and appeals. They're required to complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years. EAs specialize exclusively in taxes, making them a strong choice for complex tax situations or IRS issues. Verify an EA's status through the IRS website.