Like Father, Like Son

My first tax season was in 2000 (the 1999 filing season). Three tax seasons later in September 2002 at 24 years old I became an enrolled agent. My father has been an enrolled agent for more than 40 years, so that is what started my interest in becoming an enrolled agent.

When I decided to take the Special Enrolled Examination (SEE), I sought out a preparation course that would help me prepare for the exam since I only had three tax filings seasons of experience. Christopher Bird, EA, was offering an enrolled agent preparation course in St. Louis, Missouri. I attended the course, and it helped me be prepared to pass the exam. I was fortunate to pass on my first attempt. Learning with others in a classroom setting and being isolated in the asphalt jungle (with nothing to do) of the part of St. Louis where the course was held was ideal for me.

I am now in the middle of my 23rd tax season and am grateful that I became an enrolled agent. I have been licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since May 2003, have 15 years of IRS and state representation experience, and 20 years of tax preparation experience. After joining the National Association of Enrolled Agents, I became a National Tax Practice Institute® (NTPI) fellow in 2009.

I have had the opportunity to help many taxpayers through Internal Revenue Service audits since I became an enrolled agent. It is a challenging profession that is constantly changing, and the past two tax seasons have been especially challenging with all of the COVID-19-related legislation. However, if you are preparing taxes, enjoy helping people, and are interested in tax law, I highly recommend taking the SEE. You won’t regret it.