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Zacharia Eracleous, Accountant & Auditor
Zacharias Eracleous started his career as an accountant in 1977. Working for two years, of his growing career, as "The Chief Accountant" at the International Company of COCA-COLA Located in Nikosia-Cyprus. Since 1979 he has been practicing accounting in New York State and has served many clients for various needs. Since then, Zacharias Eracleous Accounting has established to become one of the most respected accounting and consulting firms in Astoria, NY.
We are a member of the NSA and its affiliates represent more than 30,000 independent practitioners who provide accounting, tax, auditing, financial and estate planning, and management services to 19 million individuals and businesses. Most members are sole practitioners or partners in small -to- medium-size accounting firms. NSA protects its members' right to practice and protects the public by requiring its members to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.
LEONIDAS ERACLEOUS, EA & Public Notary
ENROLLED AGENT
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS
Enrolled Agents: The Tax Professionals
- What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is an individual who has demonstrated technical competence in the field of taxation. Enrolled Agents, or EAs, can represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service.
- What does the term "Enrolled Agent" mean?
"Enrolled" means EAs are licensed by the federal government. "Agent" means EAs are authorized to appear in place of the taxpayer at the Internal Revenue Service. Only EAs, attorneys and CPAs may represent taxpayers before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent profession dates back to 1884 when, after questionable claims had been presented for Civil War losses, Congress acted to regulate persons who represented citizens in their dealings with the Treasury Department.
- How can an Enrolled Agent help me?
EAs advise, represent and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. EAs prepare millions of tax returns each year. EAs' expertise in the continually changing field of tax law enables them to effectively represent taxpayers audited by the IRS.
- What are the differences between EAs and other tax professionals?
Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the Internal Revenue Service their competence in matters of taxation before they may represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all EAs specialize in taxation. EAs are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice from the United States government. (CPAs and attorneys are licensed by the states.)
- How does one become an Enrolled Agent?
The EA designation is earned in one of two ways: (1) an individual must pass a difficult two-day examination administered by the IRS which covers taxation of individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts, procedures and ethics. The pass rate is 30%. Next, successful candidates are subjected to a rigorous back ground check conducted by the Internal Revenue Service; or (2) an individual may become an EA based on employment at the Internal Revenue Service for a minimum of five years in a job where he/she regularly applied and interpreted the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations.
- Are EAs required to take continuing professional education?
In addition to the stringent testing and application process, EAs are required to complete 72 hours of continuing professional education, reported every three years, to maintain their status. Because of the difficulty in becoming an Enrolled Agent and keeping up the required credentials, there are fewer than 35,000 active EAs in the United States.
- Are Enrolled Agents bound by any ethical standards?
EAs are required to abide by the provisions of U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230. EAs found to be in violation of the provisions contained in Circular 230 may be suspended or disbarred.
- Why should I choose an EA who is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)?
NAEA is the organization of and for Enrolled Agents. The principal concern of the Association and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before governmental agencies. Members of NAEA are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional education each year in the interpretation, application and administration of federal and state tax laws in order to maintain membership in the organization. This requirement surpasses the IRS' required minimum of 16 hours per year.
- Privilege and the Enrolled Agent
The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allows federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the previously mentioned Circular 230) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the Enrolled Agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations where the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collection matters. It is not applicable to the preparation and filing of a tax return. The new privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.
Tax laws are subject to change at any time.
NOTARY PUBLIC
Leonidas Eracleous, EA is also a notary public. A Notary Public is an official commissioned by the Secretary of State to administer oaths and affirmations, witness signatures, and perform other duties as permitted by state law. Notaries are most commonly called upon to act as the official, unbiased witness to the identity and signature of the person who comes before the notary for a specific purpose.
Member of:
- NYSCPA
- National Association of Public Accountants
- National Association of Enrolled Agents
- NYS Society of Enrolled Agent
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| Accounting Definitions |
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Credit: An entry on the right side of an account - decreases assets or increases liabilities. |
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