Tax Preparer · Head-to-head
Surgent (EA Review / Income Tax School) vs Tax IQ Academy
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Surgent (EA Review / Income Tax School) | Tax IQ Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum (25%) | 8.9/10 ✓ | 8.4/10 |
| Credibility (25%) | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Value (20%) | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 ✓ |
| Flexibility (15%) | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 ✓ |
| Support (15%) | 8.4/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Overall | 8.7/10 | 8.7/10 |
Key facts side by side
| Surgent (EA Review / Income Tax School) | Tax IQ Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| Program | Surgent EA Review | Tax IQ Academy IRS and CTEC Approved CE Courses |
| Price | $299 – $699 | $29.99 – $79.99 |
| Payment plans | Surgent advertises payment plans for its exam review courses. | — |
| Duration | — | Self-paced online courses; live webinars also available |
| Format | Self-paced | Self-paced |
| Accreditation | — | IRS Approved CE Provider; CTEC approved (California) |
| Certificate | — | Instant certificate of completion; weekly reporting to the IRS and CTEC |
| Free trial | Free trial offered (sign-up on the Surgent site). | — |
| Refund policy | Pass guarantee: pass the first time or get your money back (conditions apply). | Separate refund policy page on the site |
Highlighted cells mark the better value for that row (higher score, lower starting price). “—” means not published or not yet checked. Data checked from October 5, 2026.
Our verdict
Choose Surgent (EA Review / Income Tax School) if…
Tax preparers preparing for the IRS Enrolled Agent exam who want adaptive, AI-personalized study plans.
It scores higher on curriculum and support.
Choose Tax IQ Academy if…
Tax preparers and EAs who need IRS or CTEC continuing education, AFSP hours or a beginner course at low per-course prices.
It scores higher on value and flexibility.
Its lowest published price is lower ($29.99 – $79.99).