Alice Stern Burnett CPA EA in Baltimore: Individual and Small-Business Tax Preparation by an Enrolled Agent

Alice Stern Burnett is an Enrolled Agent (EA) licensed by the IRS to represent clients in tax matters, offering tax preparation and planning for individuals and small business owners across the Baltimore area. As an EA rather than a CPA, Burnett's scope is narrower than full accounting practice but her federal tax credential carries the same IRS authority as a CPA for representation before the agency.

What an Enrolled Agent does

Enrolled Agents have passed a rigorous IRS examination covering individual income tax, business income tax, and payroll tax, or held a prior IRS position in tax matters. They can represent taxpayers before the IRS for audits, appeals, and tax disputes, and they prepare returns. An EA's limitation relative to a CPA is that an EA cannot provide non-tax accounting services such as bookkeeping, audit, or business consulting. For tax preparation and IRS representation alone, the credential is sufficient and often costs clients less than a CPA firm.

Services and pricing

Burnett handles individual income tax returns (Form 1040), small business returns (Schedule C sole proprietorships, S-corporations, partnerships), and estimated tax planning. She also addresses back taxes and amended returns.

Specific pricing is available by request from her office, and rates typically depend on return complexity (W-2 income versus self-employment, number of deductions, business entity structure). Baltimore-area tax preparers using a complexity-based model generally charge between $150 and $400 for a simple individual return and $350 to $1,000 for a small business return, though Burnett's actual fee should be confirmed directly. Many EAs also offer a discount or bundled fee for clients who retain them for ongoing estimated-tax planning throughout the year, which can reduce the per-return cost if returns are filed quarterly.

How Enrolled Agents compare to other Baltimore tax-preparation options

A solo EA like Burnett differs from a multi-person CPA firm (such as larger Baltimore accounting practices), a national tax preparation franchise, and a DIY software platform in meaningful ways.

Versus a local CPA firm: A CPA firm can offer bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial statement preparation, and general business advisory. Burnett's scope is narrower; choose her if you need tax preparation and IRS representation only and do not require ongoing accounting support. If you run a growing business and anticipate needing quarterly bookkeeping or a detailed P&L, a CPA firm is more appropriate.

Versus a national franchise (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt): These franchises charge lower flat fees for simple returns ($100–$200 for W-2 income) but may not offer business returns or IRS representation. Burnett suits business owners and people with complex situations; franchises suit very simple returns and cash-flow-conscious customers.

Versus tax software (TurboTax, TaxAct): Software is cheapest for straightforward situations ($0–$150 depending on features) and allows you to file on your own schedule. You lose human advice and IRS representation. Burnett's value is in judgment calls (tax planning, documentation, audit strategy) and the legal authority to represent you if the IRS questions your return.

Who Burnett suits and who it does not

Choose Burnett if you are self-employed, own a small business, file a business return, want to minimize taxes through planning, or have received an IRS notice and need representation. She also serves individuals with complex income (rental property, investment gains, multiple jobs) or those amending prior-year returns.

Burnett is less suited to someone who wants full-service accounting (bookkeeping, monthly financial statements, payroll management) or someone with very simple W-2 income and standard deductions who can file confidently using low-cost software.

First visit and what to prepare

An initial consultation with Burnett will establish the scope of your return and her fee. Bring prior-year returns if this is a new relationship, and if you are self-employed or own a business, bring income statements or bank statements covering the tax year. If you have received an IRS notice and need representation, bring the notice. Most EAs offer a short preliminary call at no charge to assess fit.

Hours, location, and logistics

Verify current hours and location directly with Burnett's office by phone or email; tax preparers' availability often shifts seasonally during filing season (January through April) and may not hold stated office hours year-round. Parking logistics depend on her specific Baltimore office location; confirm this when you call.

Alice Stern Burnett's EA credential and focus on small-business taxation make her a practical choice for Baltimore entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who need tax strategy without paying for a full CPA firm.