Greg McRay, EA
Founder and CEO
An Enrolled Agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.
Enrolled Agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before. Learn more about Enrolled Agents in Treasury Department Circular 230 (PDF).
You probably wouldn’t hire an unlicensed contractor to build your home. Nor would you go to a doctor who doesn’t have a license to practice medicine. The same consideration should be made when looking to hire a professional to help you start a nonprofit.
There’s a reason why nearly all non-CPA/non-attorney firms that work in the nonprofit space have a disclaimer that says they do not provide legal or tax advice, including our 2 biggest competitors: Harbor Compliance and LegalZoom.
They don’t advise you because they CAN’T advise you! Their marketing material may sound great, but make no mistake…you’re on your own. If you need guidance with state or IRS compliance, you’ll have to find that somewhere else. Their fine-print makes it perfectly clear…
Harbor Compliance:
We do not and will not provide you with any legal, tax, or financial advice of any nature whatsoever.
LegalZoom:
We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
Why risk using a document services company that admits up-front that it cannot advise you on what matters most?
Tax compliance concerns are at the very heart of starting and operating a nonprofit. It’s serious business that requires competent counsel.
Foundation Group’s Compliance team includes multiple Enrolled Agents and CPAs, including our CEO, Greg McRay, providing best-in-class tax and compliance services for nonprofits. That’s what we do. Not only do we provide you with the level of tax expertise you need, and represent your organization before the IRS, we’re legally liable to provide you with the best tax counsel for your particular situation.
Never choose expedience over expertise…There is no substitute for the services of a qualified, licensed professional!