Enrolled Agent (EA) Exam Part 1: Individuals - Syllabus
EA Exam Part 1: Individuals - Syllabus
1. Preliminary Work and Taxpayer Data (16%)
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Personal Information & Filing Status
- Identifying the taxpayer
- Filing status determination
- Dependent qualifications
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Income Sources & Documentation
- W-2, 1099s, and other tax documents
- Self-employment and gig economy income
- Rental income and other earnings
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Recordkeeping Requirements
- Retaining tax records and substantiating deductions
2. Income and Assets (20%)
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Types of Income
- Wages, salaries, and tips
- Interest, dividends, and capital gains
- Retirement distributions (IRA, pensions, Social Security)
- Rental, royalty, and business income
- Foreign income considerations
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Capital Gains and Losses
- Short-term vs. long-term gains
- Basis calculations and sale of assets
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Taxable and Nontaxable Income
- Gifts, inheritances, life insurance, and scholarships
3. Deductions and Credits (18%)
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Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
- Mortgage interest, medical expenses, state/local taxes, and charitable contributions
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Common Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) & Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Education credits (AOTC, Lifetime Learning)
- Energy-efficient home credits
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Adjustments to Income
- Student loan interest, IRA contributions, educator expenses
4. Taxation and Tax Returns (19%)
- Tax Computation & Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
- Self-Employment Tax and Estimated Payments
- Tax Withholding & Refundable/Non-Refundable Credits
- Tax Return Due Dates and Extensions
5. Specialized Returns for Individuals (13%)
- Sole Proprietorships (Schedule C)
- Rental and Royalty Income (Schedule E)
- Farm Income and Expenses (Schedule F)
- K-1 Reporting for Partnerships & S-Corporations
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Retirement Plans, and Distributions
6. Advising the Individual Taxpayer (14%)
- Taxpayer Penalties and Compliance
- IRS Correspondence, Audits, and Appeals
- Identity Theft, Fraud, and Data Protection