There are many types of tax professionals who can prepare your taxes. What difference does it make whom you choose? It makes a lot of difference. As a consumer your goal should be to NOT overpay for professional tax services by getting those you don't need, and don't under pay for a professional, that is, use one who cannot address your concerns.

Most Americans will benefit from the use of an enrolled agent so that is who I will discuss in this article. My next article will discuss certified public accountants.

1. Enrolled agents prepare taxes, represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service, provide financial planning, and other services to individuals and businesses.

2. Enrolled agents can represent any category of tax payer with the IRS, any tax issue, and can practice before any tax office.

3. An enrolled agent must embark upon a course of study that includes reading 400 pages of study material to take a four-part exam.

4. Enrolled agents are required to uphold a code of ethics and professional conduct and are required to stay current on tax issues and laws by taking Continuing Professional Education Courses.

5. Enrolled Agents are both knowledgeable with tax law, and have reasonable fees in line with what an average American can pay.

Like Certified Public Accountants and tax attorneys enrolled agents are regulated by the federal government in their practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agents are much less expensive than Certified Public Accountants or Tax Attorneys. This and the fact that they are licensed and take continuing education courses in taxes make them a good option for the average tax payer as well as small business.

Lois Center-Shabazz is the author of "Let's Get Financial Savvy" and founder of Msfinancialsavvy.com, get her free Enews and a free Ecourse, "How To Make Money In Good Times And Bad" when you sign up for MsFinancialSavvy eNews at, http://www.msfinancialsavvy.com/register/ecourse7.php

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