About Debra
Debra is a US Navy Veteran who served during Desert Storm as a Hospital Corpsman. She has been happily married to James, a prior US Marine, since 1995, and together, they have 5 children. All four of their sons have served or are serving in the armed forces, and their daughter has graduated from Longwood University.
Debra and James take great pride in all of their children's accomplishments, both academically and in their military service. Debra's professional journey began in September 2005 when she started working at Leite & Surfer Tax - Bookkeeping. Initially, it was meant to be a temporary part-time job alongside her father, Mike Surfer, and his partner, Jimmy Leite. However, her dedication and strong work ethics quickly earned her a full-time position. Over the years, she gained expertise in payroll, bookkeeping, and tax matters.
In the fall of 2013, Debra made the decision to take the Enrolled Agent exams, earning her Enrolled Agent designation. This profession became her true passion, and she has excelled in it ever since. In addition to being an Enrolled Agent, Debra is also a Notary Public and offers this service to her clients free of charge. She takes her commitment to continuing education seriously, adhering to the high standards set by Circular 230. This dedication sets her apart from other tax preparers, as it enables her to represent clients, even in their absence, in front of the IRS and various state tax authorities, much like a CPA or an attorney would.
In 2016, Debra furthered her expertise by completing an intensive program offered by the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), focusing on Taxpayer Representation and Practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Her dedication and hard work in this program earned her the prestigious designation of NTPI Fellow. This accomplishment significantly enhances her ability to represent clients and effectively resolve their tax issues at both the federal and state levels. Debra's unwavering commitment to her work, combined with her extensive qualifications, makes her a highly skilled and trusted tax professional.
What is an Enrolled Agent? 
An enrolled agent (EA) is indeed a federally-licensed tax practitioner in the United States who specializes in taxation matters and holds the unique privilege of having unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here are some key points about enrolled agents: 1. Specialization in Taxation: Enrolled agents are tax experts who focus exclusively on tax-related matters. They are well-versed in federal tax laws, regulations, and tax codes. 2. Representation before the IRS: Enrolled agents have the authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS for various tax-related issues, including audits, appeals, collections, and more. This representation extends to all types of taxpayers, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. 3. Continuing Education: Enrolled agents are required to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to stay current with the ever-evolving tax code. This ensures that they have up-to-date knowledge of tax laws and regulations. 4. Code of Ethics: Enrolled agents are bound by a strict code of ethics, known as "America's Tax Experts." This code emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in their dealings with clients and the IRS. 5. Unlimited Practice Rights: Unlike other tax professionals, enrolled agents have unlimited practice rights. This means they can represent taxpayers at all levels of the IRS, including during audits, appeals, and even in federal court if necessary. 6. Versatile Expertise: Enrolled agents can assist taxpayers with various tax-related matters, including tax planning, tax preparation, resolving tax issues, and providing tax advice. Enrolled agents are a valuable resource for individuals and businesses seeking expert guidance and representation in matters related to federal taxation. Their expertise and commitment to staying current with tax laws make them a trusted choice for those facing complex tax issues.
The difference between an EA and other tax professionals:
Enrolled agents (EAs) hold the most expansive license granted by the IRS for tax professionals. They specialize exclusively in federal taxation, have broad practice rights, and can represent taxpayers in all IRS matters nationwide. Unlike CPAs and attorneys, EAs are federally licensed and have demonstrated their expertise through a challenging examination. They must also engage in ongoing education to stay updated on tax laws, making them valuable experts in the field of taxation.