Guides and study notes
VantageEA Blog
Expert guides, study strategies, and insights to help you pass the Enrolled Agent exam and advance your tax career.
Like-Kind ExchangeSection 1031Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges: EA Exam Part 2 (2026)
Section 1031 like-kind exchanges for EA Exam Part 2: boot and recognized gain, mortgage netting, replacement basis, the 45 and 180 day rules. Practice free.
Qualifying ChildQualifying RelativeQualifying Child vs Qualifying Relative: EA Part 1 (2026)
Qualifying child vs qualifying relative for EA Exam Part 1: the age, residency, support and gross income tests, tiebreakers, and Form 8332. Practice free.
Statute of LimitationsCollection StatuteIRS Statute of Limitations: EA Exam Part 3 Guide (2026)
IRS statute of limitations for EA Exam Part 3: the 3-year assessment rule, 6-year and fraud exceptions, refund lookback, and the 10-year CSED. Practice free.
EA Exam NumbersEA Exam Study StrategyEA Exam Numbers to Memorize for 2026: 2025 Tax Figures
The EA exam numbers to memorize for 2026: 2025 standard deductions, OBBBA limits, retirement caps, and Part 3 deadlines, sorted by exam part. Practice free.
Depreciation RecaptureSection 1231Section 1231, 1245, 1250 Recapture: EA Exam Part 2 (2026)
Section 1231, 1245 and 1250 recapture for EA Exam Part 2: how a gain splits, the 25% building rate, the 5-year lookback, and common traps. Practice free.
Gift BasisInherited Property BasisGift vs Inherited Property Basis: EA Exam Part 1 (2026)
Gift vs inherited property basis for EA Exam Part 1: the dual basis rule, stepped-up basis, holding periods, and the traps that cost points. Practice free.
Form 2848Form 8821Form 2848 vs Form 8821: EA Exam Part 3 Guide for 2026
Form 2848 vs Form 8821 for EA Exam Part 3: who can be named, what each form allows, CAF rules, revocation, and the traps that cost points. Practice free.
EA Exam DifficultyEA Exam Pass RatesIs the EA Exam Hard? Pass Rates by Part (2026)
Is the EA exam hard? Not really. Pass rates run 58 to 71% across the three parts, higher than the CPA. Here is what actually trips people up.
PSI ProctoringEA Exam 2026Can You Talk During the EA Exam? PSI Proctoring Rules 2026
PSI can flag or end your EA exam for talking, reading aloud, or leaving the webcam. Here are the 2026 proctoring rules and how to avoid getting flagged.
Enrolled Agent SalaryEA CareerHow Much Do Enrolled Agents Make? EA Salary in 2026
Reported EA salaries vary widely by source in 2026, from about $68k to $127k. See what drives the range and how to earn more as an Enrolled Agent.
EA Worth ItEA vs CPAIs Becoming an Enrolled Agent Worth It in 2026? ROI & Careers
Is the EA worth it in 2026? Weigh the cost, time, IRS representation rights, and pay against the CPA path, and see who the credential fits best.
EA Exam DayPSI TestingEA Exam Day Under PSI 2026: Remote vs Test Center Rules
What to expect on EA exam day under PSI in 2026: test center vs remote proctoring, what to bring, breaks, and the rules that keep your results valid.
- EA Exam 2026PSI Testing
EA Exam Changes 2026: Prometric to PSI Switch Explained
The EA exam moved from Prometric to PSI in 2026. Learn the $317 fee, the March to June testing gap, the July 1 restart, and how to prepare with VantageEA.
- OBBBA2026 Tax Law Changes
OBBBA on the EA Exam: 2026 Tax Law Changes to Know
OBBBA is now testable on the 2026 EA exam. Learn the raised SALT cap, the Child Tax Credit, and the tip and overtime deductions, then practice each with VantageEA.
EA Exam RetakeFailed EA ExamFailed an EA Exam Part? 2026 Retake Rules & Comeback Plan
Failed an EA exam part? Learn the 2026 retake rules, the four attempts per testing window, the $317 fee, the three-year carryover, and a comeback study plan.
EA Exam OrderWhich Part FirstWhich EA Exam Part Should You Take First? 2026 Guide
Which EA exam part should you take first? Compare Part 1, 2, and 3 by pass rate and study hours, then plan your order with VantageEA practice tests.
- Surgent EA ReviewEA Course Comparison
VantageEA vs Surgent EA Review: Which Is Better in 2026?
Compare VantageEA vs Surgent EA Review for 2026: pricing, adaptive learning, ReadySCORE, practice questions, and pass rates. Find the right EA prep course for you.
- Gleim EA ReviewEA Course Comparison
VantageEA vs Gleim EA Review: Full Comparison for 2026
Compare VantageEA vs Gleim EA Review for 2026: pricing, 3,800+ question bank, SmartAdapt, personal counselor, and access policies. Find your ideal EA prep platform.
- Fast Forward Academy EAEA Course Comparison
VantageEA vs Fast Forward Academy: EA Prep Comparison 2026
Compare VantageEA vs Fast Forward Academy for EA exam prep in 2026: pricing, adaptive learning, community features, analytics, and study tools. Choose the right course.
- Lambers EA ReviewEA Course Comparison
VantageEA vs Lambers EA Review: Which Should You Choose?
Compare VantageEA vs Lambers EA Review for 2026: pricing, 60+ hours of video, No Pass No Pay guarantee, flashcards, and practice questions. Find the right EA prep approach.
- EA Exam GuideEnrolled Agent Certification
How to Become an Enrolled Agent in 2026: Complete EA Exam Guide
Master the EA exam with our 2026 guide covering all 3 parts, registration, study tips, costs, and career paths. Start your Enrolled Agent journey today with VantageEA.
EA vs CPATax CareerEA vs CPA: Which Tax Certification Is Right for You?
Compare EA vs CPA certification: costs, requirements, exam difficulty, and career paths. Discover which credential fits your tax career goals in 2026.
EA Exam FormatSEE Exam QuestionsHow Many Questions Are on the EA Exam? Complete 2026 Guide
Discover exactly how many questions are on each part of the EA exam, question types, time limits, and scoring. Get exam-ready with expert tips and practice tests.
EA Exam Pass RatesSEE Pass RatesEA Exam Pass Rates 2026: Part 1 58%, Part 2 71%, Part 3 70%
The EA exam pass rate is about 66% overall. See each part's pass rate from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025, why Part 1 is hardest and the Part 1 topics mock takers miss most.
Study ScheduleEA Exam PrepEA Exam Study Schedule: Week-by-Week Plan (2026)
Follow this proven EA exam study schedule to pass all three parts. Get week-by-week plans, daily routines, and time-tested strategies that help candidates score 80%+.
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