What the licenses actually allow
An Enrolled Agent is licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the IRS on examinations, collections, and appeals—unlimited as to the type of tax. A CPA is licensed by a state board of accountancy. Many CPAs also have unlimited IRS representation rights. A tax attorney is a third path, often for litigation or legal privilege.
Neither credential guarantees skill in offers in compromise or levy work. The IRS does not assign those files to the person with the longest title. Practice focus does.
When an EA is the practical choice
If the problem is an IRS notice, a levy, unfiled returns blocking relief, or a payment plan, you want someone whose week is tax controversy—not a generalist who prepares returns in March and rarely calls Collections. Matthew Wright is an IRS Enrolled Agent and NTPI Fellow. The NTPI Fellow designation means completion of a three-level National Tax Practice Institute program in representing clients before the IRS.
When a CPA still belongs in the room
Complex entity accounting, audited financials, or a long-standing CPA relationship for books and planning can sit alongside EA representation. The credentials are not rivals in every case. For nationwide tax relief from North Texas, Advanced Tax Services is built around the EA role: speak to the IRS, file what is missing, and pursue the relief that the facts support.