It’s rarely good news when a letter from the Internal Revenue Service lands in your mailbox. That’s when it’s best to have an enrolled agent on your side. Despite the James Bond-sounding title, an enrolled agent is a licensed professional who is empowered to represent taxpayers in front of the IRS. Enrolled agents like John Warren of Medford Tax often toil in obscurity, but these tax specialists often have knowledge beyond CPAs and attorneys. They not only can prepare returns but also represent clients in audits, collections, and appeals. Globe correspondent Cindy Atoji Keene spoke with Warren about handling tax matters.

“People call me in a state of panic. Maybe it’s someone who hasn’t filed their taxes in 10 years or a self-employed businessman who is being audited. They get a letter from the IRS or Mass. Department of Revenue and it’s dense and difficult to understand. These are not problems that can be resolved in a week or two; sometimes it can take six months or more to get affairs in order.

“The IRS really wants to work with taxpayers — I don’t feel that Big Bad Agency image is warranted. I represent taxpayers who want to do the right thing. I can work with taxpayers to ensure tax returns are filed accurately.

“Even though the enrolled agent is a designation that most people haven’t heard of, we have been around for over a century. Being an enrolled agent is actually the highest tax credential in the US; we need to pass a rigorous test and background check to earn our certification.

“Taxpayers need to remember, on the other hand, that the tax preparation industry is largely unregulated; for $50, anyone can get a tax number and start preparing taxes. I do prepare taxes, of course, and I do get some strange questions. For example, some people ask if they can claim an exemption for their dog — but they usually have a smile on their face.’’

Cindy Atoji Keene can be reached at cindy@cindyatoji.com.