ABOUT MY FIRM
Fairbanks Tax Service is a Limited Liability Company that provides a professional service to small businesses, corporations, and individuals with tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, quarterlies, and any QuickBook file problems. I enjoy assisting new and existing businesses properly set up and utilize QuickBooks. I strive to ensure that each person will feel welcome, appreciated, and receives the close attention they deserve.
I have experience providing bookkeeping to clients in the following industries: construction and contractors, real estate/property management, retail, non-profit, auto sales/service, restaurants, health care providers, trucking, and mining businesses.
I have earned the Enrolled Agent and QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certificates and hold a Bachelor degree in Accounting from University of Alaska Fairbanks. I am a member of the Alaskan Society of Independent Accountants.
My hard work, dedication, attention to detail, high standards, and work ethic are the reasons my client base returns. Developing and maintaining a close working relationship with each individual is my goal. Whether you are a current or prospective client, you can be rest assured that each individual and business that chooses Fairbanks Tax Service LLC will receive competent service, timely advice, and a reasonable rate.
Lilia Wingerter
WHAT IS AN ENROLLED AGENT?
Enrolled agents (EAs) are America’s Tax Experts. EAs are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and also have unlimited rights to 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 U.S. Treasury Department.
WHAT DOES THE TERM “ENROLLED AGENT” MEAN?
“Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “Agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only enrolled agents, attorneys, and CPAs have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
PRIVILEGE AND THE ENROLLED AGENT
The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 allow federally authorized practitioners (those bound by the Department of Treasurys Circular 230 regulations) a limited client privilege. This privilege allows confidentiality between the taxpayer and the enrolled agent under certain conditions. The privilege applies to situations in which 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. This privilege does not apply to state tax matters, although a number of states have an accountant-client privilege.
ARE ENROLLED AGENTS REQUIRED TO TAKE CONTINUING EDUCATION?
In addition to the stringent testing and application process, the IRS requires enrolled agents to complete 72 hours of continuing education, reported every three years, to maintain their enrolled agent status. NAEA members are obligated to complete 30 hours per year (for a total of 90 hours per three year period). Because of the expertise necessary to become an enrolled agent and the requirements to maintain the license, there are only about 46,000 practicing enrolled agents.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENROLLED AGENTS AND OTHER TAX PROFESSIONALS?
Only enrolled agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in all areas of taxation, representation and ethics before they are given unlimited representation rights before IRS. Unlike attorneys and CPAs, who are state licensed and who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, all enrolled agents specialize in taxation. Registered tax return preparers have passed a minimal competence test on tax forms for individuals, and have only limited representation rights.
ARE ENROLLED AGENTS BOUND BY ANY ETHICAL STANDARDS?
Enrolled agents are required to abide by the provisions of the Department of Treasury’s Circular 230, which provides the regulations governing the practice of enrolled agents before the IRS. NAEA members are also bound by a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE AN ENROLLED AGENT WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ENROLLED AGENTS (NAEA)?
The principal concern of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the governmental agencies. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS required minimum. In addition, NAEA members adhere to a stringent Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association, as well as the Treasury Department’s Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members belong to a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to make the tax code fair and reasonably enforced.