Enrolled Agent Exam Fees 2026 India & Middle East
Enrolled Agent Exam Fees 2026: Complete Cost Guide for India & Middle East
Planning to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) in 2025?: Dreaming of a remote US tax career from India or the Middle East? Becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA)—a credential awarded by the IRS—is one of the most affordable and accessible ways to do it.
The EA exam (Special Enrollment Exam or SEE) is open to international candidates and tests your expertise in US tax law. With online prep, flexible test windows, and remote client work options, this path is increasingly popular in the India–Gulf corridor.
This guide breaks down all EA exam fees for 2026, with conversions at ₹91/USD. You'll also see how Eduyush’s ₹22,000 unlimited-access EA course keeps your total investment under control, without sacrificing quality.
Enrolled Agent Exam Fees 2026 at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the Enrolled Agent exam fees in 2026, converted to Indian Rupees using a rate of ₹91 = $1:
- PTIN registration: $30.75 ≈ ₹2,800/year
- EA exam fee per part: $267 ≈ ₹24,300
- Total exam fee for all 3 parts: $801 ≈ ₹72,900
- Enrollment fee (Form 23): $140 ≈ ₹12,740
- Base cost (without study material): $971.75 ≈ ₹88,400
These fees are the same whether you’re in India, the UAE, or anywhere in the Middle East, and are payable directly to the IRS or Prometric.
🗓️ The 2026 exam window runs from May 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026.
Enrolled Agent Exam Cost Breakdown (USD & INR)
PTIN Fee for EA Candidates
To sit for the EA exam and represent taxpayers before the IRS, you need a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This is:
- $30.75/year → ~₹2,800
- Payable annually via the IRS PTIN portal
- Needed even before booking your first exam
EA Exam Fee Per Part and Total
The Enrolled Agent Exam (SEE) consists of three parts, each requiring a separate fee payment:
- $267 per part → ~₹24,300
- Total: $801 for all three → ~₹72,900
All candidates pay the same, regardless of location. Bookings go through Prometric, and reschedules or retakes cost the same as new attempts.
Enrollment Fee (Form 23)
Once you clear all three parts, you must submit Form 23 to become an IRS Enrolled Agent.
- Fee: $140 → ~₹12,740
- Must apply within 1 year of passing your final exam
- Paid directly to the IRS
Other EA Costs You Must Plan For
-
Study materials
- Range: $300–$1,000 → ₹27,300–₹91,000
- Depends on provider and access duration
-
Continuing Education (CE)
- Required after certification
- Costs: $200–$300/year → ₹18,200–₹27,300
| Item | USD | INR (₹91/USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTIN | $30.75 | ₹2,800 | Annual, required before booking exams |
| EA Exam (All 3 Parts) | $801 | ₹72,900 | $267 per part |
| Enrollment (Form 23) | $140 | ₹12,740 | Pay after clearing all 3 parts |
| Total (without prep) | $971.75 | ₹88,400 | Core fees only, no study material |
Total Cost to Become an Enrolled Agent from India & Middle East
Let’s break it down:
- PTIN: ₹2,800
- Exam Fees (3 parts): ₹72,900
- Enrollment Fee: ₹12,740
- Mid-range course: ₹40,000–₹70,000
- Total Range: ₹1,28,000 – ₹1,58,000
Add optional costs like:
- Travel to Prometric centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore): ₹2,000–₹5,000
- Rescheduling penalties if within 5 days: $35 (₹3,200)
Hidden Costs and Retake Risks
Each failed part costs:
- $267 = ₹24,300 again per re-attempt
- No discounts or bundle offers on retakes
- Delays in certification = lost income opportunities
Plan wisely, prep well, and use reliable resources to reduce this “risk cost”.
How Eduyush’s 22K Unlimited EA Plan Cuts Your Costs
What Most EA Aspirants Pay in 2026
Most candidates spend:
- $300–$1,000 → ₹27,300–₹91,000 on study materials
- Other Indian course providers charge ₹40,000–₹80,000+ for full EA training, often with limited access or per-part pricing
Eduyush 22K Unlimited-Access EA Training – Powered by Surgent Premier Pass
Eduyush offers the Surgent EA Review Premier Pass course to Indian students at a flat ₹22,000—a fraction of the U.S.retail price.
As an authorized reseller of Surgent, Eduyush brings one of the most advanced EA prep platforms to Indian learners with localized INR pricing and unlimited access until you pass.
What’s included in the ₹22K plan:
- Full access to all 3 parts of the EA exam (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
- SmartAdapt™ AI learning system that creates a personalized study path
- Over 1,800+ MCQs, full-length mock exams, and IRS-aligned content
- Printed books shipped within India
- Progress tracking and ReadySCORE™, so you know exactly when you're ready
Why Surgent stands out:
- 96% pass rate among candidates who complete the course
- 73% faster preparation using adaptive learning vs traditional study
- Fully updated for the latest IRS exam blueprint
With Eduyush, you get official Surgent content, delivered at India-friendly pricing, and no expiry—you retain access until you pass, even if it takes multiple attempts
Learn more or purchase:
Surgent EA Review via Eduyush – ₹22K Plan
No monthly fees. No upsells. No per-part charges.
Your Savings with Eduyush
| Scenario | Course Cost | Total EA Cost (with IRS fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Route | ₹50K–₹80K | ₹1,38,400–₹1,68,400+ |
| Eduyush (22K) | ₹22,000 | ~₹1,10,400 |
Plus: You don’t need to repurchase the course if you retake any part. Most providers don’t offer this.
Eduyush = High ROI
Enrolled Agent Continuing Education Costs
Becoming an EA is just the beginning. Ongoing continuing education (CE) requirements include:
CE Requirements:
- 72 hours every 3 years (24 hours annually average)
- Minimum 16 hours per year
- 2 hours annual ethics training (mandatory)
- IRS-approved providers only
Average CE Costs:
- Budget Option: $200-$300 annually. Eduyush Offers courses which are IRS approved and students can get certified by AICPA additionally.
- Standard Quality: $300-$500 annually
- Premium Programs: $500-$800 annually
CE Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Bundle purchases: Buy 3-year packages for discounts
- Early bird pricing: Register early for conference discounts
- NAEA membership: Access to member-only pricing
- Online vs. live: Online courses typically cost 30-50% less
ROI Calculator: Is the EA Investment Worth It?
Simple ROI Formula:
Total Investment ÷ Annual Income Increase = Payback Period
Example Calculations:
Scenario 1: Tax Preparer to EA
- Investment: $1,500 total
- Income increase: $15,000 annually
- Payback period: 1.2 months ✅
Scenario 2: Accountant Adding EA
- Investment: $1,500 total
- Income increase: $8,000 annually
- Payback period: 2.3 months ✅
Scenario 3: Career Changer
- Investment: $2,000 total
- New career income: $55,000 vs. $35,000 previous
- Additional income: $20,000 annually
- Payback period: 1.2 months ✅
Conclusion: EA certification typically pays for itself within 2-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About EA Exam Fees
Q: Can I pay exam fees in installments?
A: No, the IRS requires full payment at the time of scheduling each exam part.
Q: Are exam fees tax deductible?
A: Yes, EA exam fees are generally deductible as business or education expenses.
Q: What happens if I fail an exam part?
A: You must pay the full $267 fee again to retake that part.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can't take the exam?
A: No, all exam fees are non-refundable regardless of circumstances.
Q: Do fees differ by testing location?
A: No, exam fees are the same at all domestic and international locations.
Q: How long do I have to use passed exam scores?
A: Passed scores are valid for 3 years from the date you passed each part.
Q: Are there additional fees for score reports?
A: No, official score reports are included in your exam fee.
Q: Can I use employer corporate credit cards?
A: Yes, business credit cards are accepted for payment.
Q: What if exchange rates change for international payments?
A: You pay the USD amount; your bank handles currency conversion. Alternatively you can use Wise for extremely low conversion rates
Q: Are there group discounts for multiple candidates?
A: No, exam fees are per individual candidate only.
Conclusion: Smart Investment in Your Tax Career
The Enrolled Agent exam fees for 2026 represent a significant but worthwhile investment in your professional future. With total costs ranging from $1,200-$2,000 for most candidates, the EA credential typically pays for itself within 2-6 months through increased earning potential.
For comprehensive EA exam preparation courses with proven high pass rates, visit Eduyush.com and start your journey to becoming an Enrolled Agent today.
Become an Enrolled Agent
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2️⃣Unlimited Course Access Until You Pass
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Questions? Answers.
How do I become an Enrolled Agent?
To become an Enrolled Agent, you must:
- Pass the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE), which is a three-part exam covering:
- Alternatively, if you have experience working for the IRS (at least five years in a relevant tax position), you may qualify without the exam.
- Apply for enrollment by submitting Form 23, “Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS,” and undergo a background check to ensure you comply with tax laws.
What is the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE)?
The SEE is a three-part exam that tests your knowledge of tax laws and your ability to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Each part of the exam focuses on different aspects of U.S. tax law:
- Part 1: Individual Taxation
- Part 2: Business Taxation
- Part 3: Representation, Practices, and Procedures
You must pass all three parts within a two-year period. The exam is administered by Prometric and is available year-round.
How do I renew my Enrolled Agent status?
To renew your EA status, you need to:
- Complete Form 8554, “Application for Renewal of Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS,” and submit it before the expiration of your current enrollment cycle.
- Confirm you have met your CPE requirements for the three-year period.
- Pay the renewal fee (currently $140 as of 2024).
Your renewal period is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number:
- 0, 1, 2, 3: Renew by January 31 of years divisible by 3 (e.g., 2026, 2029).
- 4, 5, 6: Renew by January 31 of the year following those divisible by 3.
- 7, 8, 9: Renew by January 31 two years after the year divisible by 3.
Can I lose my Enrolled Agent status?
Yes, an EA can lose their status for various reasons, including:
- Failure to meet CPE requirements.
- Failure to renew your enrollment by submitting Form 8554.
- Unethical behavior or violations of IRS regulations (e.g., tax fraud, negligence).
If you lose your status, you will need to reapply and, in some cases, retake the SEE to regain your credentials.
How can I track my CPE hours?
It’s important to track your CPE hours to ensure you meet the requirements. Many IRS-approved providersautomatically track your hours and issue certificates for each course. You should:
- Keep a record of completion certificates from each CPE course.
- Use a spreadsheet or online tracking tool to log your hours and ensure you meet the yearly 16-hour minimum.
Some CPE providers offer dashboards that allow you to track your completed courses and hours in real time.
What is the difference between an EA and a CPA?
While both EAs and CPAs can represent clients before the IRS, there are key differences:
- EAs specialize in tax and have unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters.
- CPAs can offer a broader range of services, including auditing, accounting, and financial planning. However, their ability to represent clients before the IRS in tax matters is typically limited to those for whom they have prepared tax returns or provided other services.
EAs are generally seen as tax experts, while CPAs have a more generalized accounting background.
What is Form 23, and when do I need to file it?
Form 23 is the “Application for Enrollment to Practice Before the IRS.” You file this form:
- After you pass all three parts of the SEE, or
- If you qualify based on prior IRS work experience (at least five years in a relevant position).
Filing Form 23 is the final step in becoming an Enrolled Agent. You must also pass a background check and pay the initial enrollment fee.
How long does the EA enrollment process take?
- After passing the SEE, you must submit Form 23.
- The IRS will conduct a background check to ensure you have complied with U.S. tax laws.
- The approval process typically takes 60-90 days, depending on the completeness of your application and the IRS's review workload.
Where can i read detailed guidelines for specific areas?
We have addressed most of the EA questions in our blogs. Refer to these blogs
Resources to pass the EA Exams
Here are all the relevant resources you can use to pass the exams
- Enrolled Agent CPE Requirements: Complete Guide for EAs
- Enrolled agent diagnostic report: How to use it
- Enrolled Agent Exam Centers in India: Complete Guide
- Enrolled Agent Exam Cost: A Complete Breakdown
- Enrolled agent exam retakes: Study strategies
- Enrolled Agent Exam Sample Questions: Part 1 Individuals
- Enrolled Agent Exam Scores: Everything You Need to Know
- Enrolled agent exam time management
- Enrolled Agent Exam: Your Complete Guide to Success
- Enrolled Agent Renewal: Complete Guide to Renew Your EA Status
- Enrolled Agent Salary in India: A Complete Overview
- Enrolled Agent Study Plan Strategies
- Enrolled Agent Syllabus: Complete Breakdown for 2024
- Enrolled agent test preparation
- Enrolled Agent: Your Guide to Becoming an EA
- How to Fill Form 8554 for Enrolled Agent Renewal
- How to get a PTIN: Step by Step guide
- PTIN Renewal Deadlines: What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- Enrolled agent course
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