EA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference—And Which One Does Your Business Need?

As a small business owner, you already wear enough hats. When it comes to handling your finances, it’s smart to bring in help—but the options can be confusing. Should you hire a bookkeeper who’s also an Enrolled Agent (EA)? Or is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) the better choice?

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand the difference—and choose what’s right for your business.

🔍 First, What’s the Role of a Bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day financial work:

• Recording income and expenses

• Reconciling bank accounts

• Managing payroll and invoices

• Keeping your books clean and organized

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But what happens when your bookkeeper is also an EA or a CPA? That’s where things level up.

🧾 Bookkeeper + Enrolled Agent (EA): The Tax Specialist Combo

An Enrolled Agent is licensed by the IRS and specializes in tax preparation, planning, and IRS representation.

If your bookkeeper is also an EA, you get:

• Accurate monthly bookkeeping

• Expert tax prep and advice

• Help with tax strategy year-round

• Representation if the IRS ever comes calling

This is a powerful combo—one person who handles your numbers and your taxes, without passing the baton to a third party.

Best for: Sole proprietors, LLCs, service-based businesses, or anyone who wants reliable books and smart tax help from one source.

📊 Bookkeeper + CPA: The Broader Financial Advisor

A CPA is a state-licensed accountant who can:

• File taxes

• Create formal financial statements

• Handle audits

• Provide high-level financial guidance

A bookkeeper who’s also a CPA is great if you need:

• Help preparing for business loans or investors

• Financial reporting that meets banking or regulatory standards

• More strategic, CFO-style insight

Best for: Businesses looking to scale, bring on investors, or manage more complex financial needs.

✅ So, Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

You Need...	Go With an EA Bookkeeper	Go With a CPA Bookkeeper
Monthly bookkeeping + tax filing	✅ Yes	✅ Maybe (if they do taxes)
IRS representation or back tax help	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Business tax strategy (deductions, planning)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Financial statements for loans/investors	❌ No	✅ Yes
Budget-friendly tax + bookkeeping package	✅ Often best value	❌ Usually higher cost
Strategic growth + complex planning	❌ Not their focus	✅ Ideal

🧼 Keep It Simple with BasicLee Bookkeeping, LLC

At BasicLee Bookkeeping, LLC, we’re not just here to balance your books—we’re here to help you understand them. As an Enrolled Agent and experienced bookkeeper, I offer:

• Clear, accurate monthly bookkeeping

• Year-round tax planning and prep

• No drama, no surprises—just clean financials that work for you

If you're a small business owner who wants smart, reliable support without the overwhelm, we might be a perfect fit.

Let’s connect. Your first consultation is free, and there’s zero pressure—just real answers.