[sokoloff]

Your contact info isn't in your profile; if you're in the New England area, I'd be happy to introduce you to my tax preparer, who is an enrolled agent (though not ex-IRS). No connection, other than extremely satisfied and trusting client.

[samstave]

I'm in San Francisco, does that matter for whom he can assist?

[sokoloff]

No, not at all, but it's often most convenient to be able to sit down in the office and explain your situation, look over documents together, etc. (I can give you his contact info anyway; it's just easier if you were local.)

The ability to practice as an EA in front of the IRS is nationwide, I'm pretty sure.