About
Michelle Jaimes, EA
Michelle spent 15+ years in corporate tax accounting before founding Oak Roots, bringing that same level of rigor to individuals and small to mid-size businesses in Los Angeles and beyond, at prices that make sense for them. She's not interested in being the biggest firm in the city. She's interested in being the one you actually call back. Clients stay because she genuinely cares and they know they can trust her: she handles their finances ethically, explains things in plain language, goes above and beyond to support them in the best way possible and remains available to you long after the invoice is paid.
Enrolled Agent · Accounting Consultant · Owner of Oak Roots Accounting & Tax Services
How Oak Roots Started
Oak Roots didn't start with a business plan. It started with referrals. While working full-time in corporate tax accounting, Michelle began helping a few clients on the side, and each one told someone else. Before long, word of mouth had built a practice, and she made it official.
She named it Oak Roots because strong things grow from solid ground. Whether a client is sorting out years of messy books or planning their next big move, Michelle's work is about building that foundation so they can grow with confidence.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michelle knows what it takes to build something from the ground up, and she brings that understanding to every business owner she works with. Outside the office, you'll find her at the beach, on a hiking trail, or on the dance floor.
Credentials explained
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An Enrolled Agent is a tax professional licensed by the federal government. It is the only tax credential issued directly by the IRS, and it exists specifically for tax matters and taxpayer representation.
How the Credential Is Earned
There are two routes. Most Enrolled Agents, including Michelle, pass the Special Enrollment Examination, a three-part exam covering individual taxation, business taxation, and representation, practice and procedure. The alternative route is qualifying former IRS employment. Either way the credential must then be maintained with continuing education every year, and holders are bound by the practice standards in IRS Circular 230.
What Unlimited Representation Rights Mean
Three categories of professional can represent any taxpayer before the IRS on any matter: Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys. This is what 'unlimited representation rights' refers to. It means Michelle can act on your behalf with the IRS, including on matters she did not prepare the original return for. Most tax preparers do not have this. A preparer without credentials generally can only discuss a return they personally prepared, and only in limited circumstances.
Enrolled Agent and CPA, Compared
Both are credentialed professionals, and neither is a lesser version of the other. They are different licenses with different scopes.
| Comparison | Enrolled Agent | CPA |
|---|---|---|
| Who licenses it | The federal government, through the IRS | An individual state board of accountancy |
| Scope of training | Taxation and taxpayer representation | Accounting, auditing, financial reporting and taxation |
| Where it is valid | All fifty states, because the license is federal | The licensing state, with reciprocity arrangements |
| IRS representation rights | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Can perform financial audits | No | Yes |
| Typical best fit | Tax preparation, planning and IRS matters | Audits, assurance, and broader financial reporting |
If you need an audited financial statement, you need a CPA. If your need is tax preparation, tax planning, or dealing with the IRS, an Enrolled Agent is licensed and trained specifically for that. Michelle is an Enrolled Agent and is not a CPA.
Still deciding if Oak Roots is the right fit?
Your initial conversation costs you nothing, and commits you to nothing. Michelle will tell you honestly whether she's the right person for your situation.
Credentials
Why You Can Rely on Oak Roots
Enrolled Agent
Federally licensed to practice before the IRS, with unlimited representation rights.
CTEC Certified
Registered with the California Tax Education Council.
15+ Years of Experience
Much of it in corporate tax accounting, now applied to individuals and smaller businesses.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Intuit ProAdvisor, Gold Tier certified.
Listed in the IRS Directory
Findable in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
Bilingual
Full service in English and Spanish.
Availability
Reachable Tax Support Whenever You Need It
Most tax offices near you close for the summer or keep part-time hours. Oak Roots works with clients Monday through Friday, year-round.
Phone, text, or email
During business hours
We come to you
Mobile appointments across Northeast and East Los Angeles
Virtual appointments
Video or phone, anywhere in the U.S.
Year-round service
Not just February through April
Service Area
- El Sereno
- City Terrace
- Lincoln Heights
- Boyle Heights
- East Los Angeles
- Highland Park
- Pasadena
- South Pasadena
Virtual appointments available anywhere in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions
An Enrolled Agent is licensed by the federal government specifically for tax, and holds unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. A CPA is licensed by a state board and trained more broadly across accounting, auditing and financial reporting, and also holds unlimited representation rights. The practical difference is scope: an Enrolled Agent's license is federal and entirely tax-focused, while a CPA's covers a wider field including audit work that an Enrolled Agent cannot perform.
For tax matters, yes. Both hold unlimited representation rights before the IRS. The Enrolled Agent examination is specifically and entirely about taxation and representation. For work outside tax, such as an audited financial statement, you need a CPA.
No. Michelle is an Enrolled Agent and CTEC certified. She does not hold and does not claim a CPA license.
Enrolled Agents can be verified in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers, and CTEC registration can be checked through the California Tax Education Council. You are welcome to do both.
Over fifteen years of accounting experience, much of it in corporate roles, before formally launching Oak Roots.
Let's Talk Today!
Ready to take accounting off your to-do list? Tell us what you need help with, and we'll work out the right next step together.
michelle@oakrootsaccounting.com