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How to become a Tax Preparer or Enrolled Agent in Maryland. Additional state registration required. Total initial fees: $70-$679 (PTIN + state registration; upper range includes EA/SEE exam). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tax Preparer / Enrolled Agent — EA
Most information on this page has been verified.
89% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Required
State Registration
$30.75
PTIN Fee
$609
EA Exam Total
Required
State Exam
16 hours/year
CE Hours
$70-$679 (PTIN + state registration; upper range includes EA/SEE exam)
Total Initial Fees
All paid tax preparers must comply with these federal requirements regardless of state
VerifiedPTIN Required
Yes — All Paid Preparers
Annual fee: $30.75
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Voluntary Designation
Earned by passing 3-part SEE exam; grants right to represent taxpayers before IRS
SEE Exam
3 Parts — $609 total
Total for all 3 parts: Part 1 (Individuals), Part 2 (Businesses), Part 3 (Representation, Practices & Procedures)
EA Continuing Education
72 hrs / 3-year cycle
72 hours per 3-year enrollment cycle (minimum 16 hours/year, including 2 hours ethics/year)
Annual Filing Season Program
18 hours CE
Voluntary IRS program for non-credentialed preparers
Federal Education Req.
None
No federal education requirement to obtain a PTIN and prepare tax returns
Tax preparation is primarily regulated at the federal level by the IRS. All paid preparers must obtain a PTIN ($19.75/year). The Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is voluntary but highly valued — it requires passing the 3-part Special Enrollment Examination ($203/part) and maintaining 72 hours of CE per 3-year cycle. The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) offers a voluntary credential for non-EA preparers through 18 hours of annual CE.
Additional state registration required for paid tax preparers
VerifiedState Registration
Required
Maryland Department of Labor
VerifiedState Exam
Required
VerifiedQualifying Education
80 Hours
Registration Fee
$50
State CE Hours
16 hours/year
Registration Details
Maryland requires Individual Tax Preparers to register with the Maryland Department of Labor. Must complete 80 hours of qualifying education from an approved provider and pass a state exam. Registration fee is $50. Must complete 16 hours of CE per year to maintain registration.
Maryland is one of a small number of states that require additional registration for paid tax preparers beyond the federal PTIN. CPAs, attorneys, and Enrolled Agents are typically exempt from state-specific registration requirements.
Education, Exams & Professional Development
VerifiedFederal Education Required
No
No federal education requirement to obtain a PTIN
State Qualifying Education
80 hours of qualifying education required by Maryland Department of Labor
Special Enrollment Examination (SEE)
The Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) is a 3-part exam administered by Prometric on behalf of the IRS. Part 1 covers Individuals, Part 2 covers Businesses, and Part 3 covers Representation, Practices & Procedures. Each part has 100 questions with a 3.5-hour time limit. A score of 105 out of 130 scaled points is needed to pass.
Recommended Training
Tax preparation courses from accredited providers, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, EA exam prep courses, and continuing education from NATP, NAEA, or NSA are all recommended.
There is no federal education requirement to become a paid tax preparer — only a PTIN is needed. However, the Enrolled Agent designation requires passing the 3-part SEE exam, and some states (CA, OR, MD) require qualifying education hours. Professional development through organizations like NATP, NAEA, and NSA is recommended for all preparers.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
PTIN Fee (Annual) Annual PTIN fee (initial and renewal) — required for all paid federal tax return preparers. Set by IRS (2025 rate). | $30.75 |
SEE Exam Total (EA Path) $203 per part x 3 parts — required only for EA designation (voluntary) | $609 |
State Registration Fee Maryland Department of Labor fee | $50 |
State Exam Fee Exam fee included in registration | Included |
CE Course Costs (Annual Est.) Approximate annual cost for continuing education courses (varies by provider and hours needed) | $50-$300 |
Total Initial Fees Range reflects PTIN-only path to full EA designation with state requirements. Actual costs depend on career path chosen. | $70-$679 (PTIN + state registration; upper range includes EA/SEE exam) |
Renewal Requirements & Continuing Education
VerifiedPTIN Renewal
Annual — $30.75/year renewal fee, must renew before January 1
EA Enrollment Cycle
3-year enrollment cycle — 72 hours CE required (minimum 16 hours/year, 2 hours ethics/year)
State Renewal
Maryland Department of Labor renewal with 16 hours/year continuing education
State CE Details
16 hours/year
Regulatory Board
PTIN renewal is required annually ($19.75) before January 1. Enrolled Agents must complete 72 hours of CE per 3-year enrollment cycle (minimum 16 hours/year, including 2 hours of ethics/year). States with additional registration have their own CE requirements on top of federal obligations. The AFSP requires 18 hours of CE annually for non-credentialed preparers who wish to participate.
Maryland is one of 5 states requiring additional tax preparer registration. The state requires 80 hours of qualifying education, a state exam, and ongoing CE to protect consumers from unqualified preparers.
All paid tax return preparers must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, regardless of state. The annual PTIN fee is $30.75.
Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is voluntary but provides the right to represent taxpayers before the IRS. It requires passing a 3-part SEE exam ($203 per part, $609 total) and 72 hours of CE per 3-year enrollment cycle.
The IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary program for non-credentialed preparers. Completing 18 hours of CE earns an AFSP Record of Completion.
Maryland requires additional state registration for paid tax preparers through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Maryland requires 80 hours of qualifying education before registration.
Continuing education requirement: 16 hours/year.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#8 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Tax Preparers (SOC 13-2082)
Entry Level
N/A
25th percentile
Median
$54,200
+11% vs. national avg ($48,780)Experienced
N/A
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Source: BLS OEWS - Tax Preparers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2022-2032
Projected Growth
+4%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
N/A
over 10 years
Annual Openings
N/A
per year (avg.)
N/A currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032 (September 2023)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1-16 weeks (depending on education/exam requirements)
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE).
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Maryland requires additional state registration for paid tax preparers. Maryland requires Individual Tax Preparers to register with the Maryland Department of Labor. Must complete 80 hours of qualifying education from an approved provider and pass a state exam. Registration fee is $50. Must complete 16 hours of CE per year to maintain registration. All paid tax preparers must obtain a PTIN from the IRS ($19.75/year). The Enrolled Agent designation is optional but provides full IRS representation rights.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with the IRS and your state licensing authority.