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The Enrolled Agent Advocate

The Enrolled Agent Advocate

De: National Association of Enrolled Agents
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The Enrolled Agent Advocate is the go-to podcast for EAs and tax professionals looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tax industry. We elevate the EA credential, build a strong community, and showcase the value EAs bring. Each episode delivers IRS updates, regulatory changes, practice management tips, and expert insights to empower tax pros at any stage. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead with The EA Advocate.National Association of Enrolled Agents Economía
Episodios
  • Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Keisha M. Dawson Harris, EA

    Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Keisha M. Dawson Harris, EA
    Mar 2 2026

    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, Brandy Spears sits down with Keisha M. Dawson Harris, EA—better known as Agent K—founder of The Resilient Tax Group and a leader in IRS representation, collections, and taxpayer advocacy. Agent K shares the moment that sparked everything: sitting in an IRS meeting beside her husband, holding her two-year-old, feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and shut down when she tried to ask questions. At the time, she didn’t know taxpayers had the right to representation—or that someone could sit in that chair for her. Years later, that “I had no voice” experience became fuel for a career built around becoming the voice for others.

    Agent K breaks down why IRS fear is so powerful (and so common), why taxpayers toss the most important page in the envelope (Publication 1) like it’s junk mail, and how that silence and avoidance turns into bigger problems. She also calls out what gets people in trouble consistently: “street advice,” refund-chasing mindsets, and trusting flashy-sounding credentials that mean absolutely nothing. Throughout the conversation, she explains what representation really means in plain language—it’s not just forms, it’s strategy, timelines, and standing up at every phase so the taxpayer isn’t alone. She also shares how leadership shaped her, what it meant to become the first African American president of FSEA, why NTPI changed her confidence and her circle, and how strict boundaries and family-first priorities help her stay grounded in a high-stakes field that doesn’t pause after April 15.

    Why Listen

    • How one IRS meeting turned into a calling for representation and advocacy

    • Why Publication 1 gets ignored and why that’s a problem

    • The misconception Keisha hears nonstop: “the IRS can do whatever they want”

    • How to avoid bad advice, fake credentials, and refund-chasing traps

    • Why NTPI “slows it down” and helps you apply skills immediately

    In This Episode:

    • [00:00:41] Meet Agent K + the moment that changed everything

    • [00:02:47] The IRS meeting: fear, frustration, and losing her voice

    • [00:07:02] Discovering representation + why “there are levels”

    • [00:11:15] Taxpayer Bill of Rights: why it’s ignored and why it’s critical

    • [00:16:09] “I am your representation” and what that means in real life

    • [00:19:33] What repeatedly gets taxpayers into trouble (and how to avoid it)

    • [00:24:58] Leadership, identity, and being the first African American FSEA president

    • [00:32:33] NTPI: why it changed her practice, confidence, and network

    • [00:40:32] Staying grounded: boundaries, family, and stepping away when needed

    • [00:45:09] Where to connect + Fly-In in DC

    Notable Quotes

    • “When a client feels like they don't have a voice, I am that voice.” — Agent K

    • “Understand that you have rights, so don't be afraid.” — Agent K

    • “It's our job as tax professionals and as circular two 30 professionals particularly to explain that to the taxpayer.” — Agent K

    • “We need to learn how to empower our clients, empower our taxpayers.” — Agent K

    Our Guest

    Keisha M. Dawson Harris, EA, known as Agent K, is the founder of The Resilient Tax Group, specializing in IRS representation, collections, taxpayer compliance, and advocacy. She’s an Enrolled Agent licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a Certified Tax Representation Consultant, and brings over three decades of experience helping taxpayers navigate IRS challenges. She has led teams managing more than 1,400 IRS/State cases, secured millions in debt relief, launched The Tax Blueprint Academy, and has served in leadership including Past President of the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents and NAEA Board roles. She’s a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute (NAEA) and has been recognized with the NAEA Bill Payne Advocacy Award (2022) and FSEA Mentor of the Year (2023–2024).

    Resource and Links

    The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

    • The Enrolled Agent Advocate

    Brandy Spears

    • LinkedIn

    • Website - NAEA.org

    Keisha M. Dawson Harris, EA

    • Website
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    50 m
  • Tax Strategy, Leadership, and Trust in the EA Profession with Valaise Smith, EA

    Tax Strategy, Leadership, and Trust in the EA Profession with Valaise Smith, EA
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, we join Brandy Spears as she interviews Valaise Smith, a purpose-driven financial leader with over 25 years of experience in tax strategy, compliance, and executive leadership. Valaise shares her inspiring journey of becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) and how her background in finance and C-suite leadership shaped her approach to tax and financial guidance.In this episode, Valaise talks about the deep connection between leadership and compassion in the tax field. She discusses her experience transitioning from corporate finance to serving entrepreneurs, the importance of balancing technical expertise with empathy, and the role of trust in building lasting relationships with clients.Learn how Valaise uses her EA credential to empower small business owners, guide them through complex tax strategies, and advocate for their financial well-being.Key TakeawaysThe impact of EA credentials on career growth and confidence.Valaise's journey from C-suite leadership to tax professional.How trust and empathy drive Valaise’s client relationships.Why leadership rooted in service leads to lasting impact.How the EA profession offers diverse career opportunities beyond tax preparation.In This Episode:[00:01:10] Valaise’s background and the start of her professional journey[00:03:15] How C-suite experience shaped her approach to tax and leadership[00:05:45] What it means to be a purpose-driven financial leader[00:10:25] Building trust with clients: From financial stress to confidence[00:13:50] The power of empathy and transparency in tax and financial services[00:16:00] The intersection of personal values, leadership, and tax expertise[00:21:05] How becoming an EA strengthened Valaise’s credibility and authority[00:24:10] Navigating complex tax law with care and clarity[00:27:40] Valaise’s advice for aspiring EAs: Trust the process and start with integrity[00:30:25] The role of the EA credential in positioning professionals for success[00:33:40] Leading with heart: The human aspect of financial services[00:36:00] Reflections on leadership, client trust, and professional growthNotable Quotes“Being a purpose-driven leader means using my expertise not just to crunch numbers, but to create clarity, confidence, and dignity for my clients.” — Valaise Smith“Trust is the foundation of effective financial guidance. Without it, you can’t truly help people make informed decisions.” — Valaise Smith“The EA credential gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles and serve my clients at the highest level.” — Valaise Smith“Advocacy in the tax profession isn’t optional. It’s about ensuring our clients are represented fairly and effectively.” — Valaise Smith“We are people first, tax professionals second. Leading with compassion and integrity is what truly makes a difference.” — Valaise SmithOur GuestValaise Smith, EA is a seasoned tax professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting, tax strategy, and compliance. As an Enrolled Agent, Valaise has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small business owners to large corporations, helping them navigate complex tax systems and make informed financial decisions.She is also a leader in the EA community, serving as a mentor, advocate, and participant in initiatives that support the professional growth of enrolled agents. Valaise’s work goes beyond tax preparation—she is passionate about empowering clients through clear communication, trust-building, and purpose-driven leadership.Valaise’s unique blend of technical expertise, compassion, and advocacy has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor who helps clients transition from confusion to clarity, from fear to confidence, and from overwhelmed to empowered.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgValaise Smith, EALinkedInWebsite
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    50 m
  • Advocating for Change in Tax Policy with Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA

    Advocating for Change in Tax Policy with Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA
    Feb 2 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, Brandy Spears is joined by Phyllis Jo Kubey, an enrolled agent, certified financial planner, and NTPI Fellow, who’s been in the tax profession since 1986. Phyllis brings over three decades of experience navigating tax law changes, IRS reform, and representing taxpayers in complex cases.She’s also an advocate for the profession, having served on the IRS Advisory Council and testified before the US Senate Finance Committee on tax policy. Phyllis shares her journey of moving beyond tax prep to becoming a trusted voice in tax reform, breaking down barriers for practitioners, and fighting for systemic change.Phyllis also highlights the importance of ethics, judgment, and client advocacy, emphasizing that these soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise for any future enrolled agents.Why Listen:How Phyllis’ advocacy is rooted in frustration and responsibilityWhy advocacy is a must for practitioners and not an optional add-onThe real-world impact of Phyllis’ testimony before the US SenateHow the NAEA PAC amplifies the voice of enrolled agents in policy decisionsWhy Phyllis believes the future of the profession is in good hands with younger EAsIn This Episode:[00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate[00:01:00] Meet Phyllis Jo Kubey: Tax pro, advocate, and a voice in tax reform[00:03:10] How Phyllis transitioned from tax practice to advocacy[00:05:30] Serving on the IRS Advisory Council: Inside the IRS and the importance of practitioner feedback[00:09:30] Phyllis’ experience testifying before the US Senate Finance Committee[00:13:00] Advocating for penalty abatement automation at the IRS[00:17:00] Why strong communication between the IRS and practitioners benefits everyone[00:20:00] The role of the NAEA PAC in amplifying the voice of enrolled agents[00:23:00] The importance of getting involved in leadership roles within the profession[00:25:00] How listening, ethics, and judgment matter just as much as technical knowledge[00:27:00] Phyllis’ holistic approach to balancing tax work with personal well-being[00:30:00] The intersection of music, creativity, and tax work[00:34:00] How tax professionals can get involved in advocacy and create change[00:36:00] Phyllis’ advice for future EAs: Start with ethics and client advocacyNotable Quotes“Advocacy isn’t optional. It’s a must when you realize many client problems are actually systemic.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey“Practitioners are the last line of defense between a complex tax system and taxpayers.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey“Penalties aren’t just abstractions. Delays and ambiguity translate into penalties, anxiety, and real harm for taxpayers.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey“Policy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The IRS needs our input for it to work in real life.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey“Music taught me to listen and see the space between the notes. That’s a skill I bring to both my tax work and advocacy.” — Phyllis Jo KubeyOur GuestPhyllis Jo Kubey, EA is a certified financial planner, and NTPI Fellow with over 30 years of experience in tax preparation, planning, and representation. Phyllis has served on the IRS Advisory Council, testifying before the US Senate Finance Committee on IRS reform and tax policy.As a leader within the NAEA, Phyllis has held roles like past president of the New York State Society of Enrolled Agents and Chair of the NAEA PAC Board, advocating for the enrolled agent profession at the highest levels. She’s also known for her contributions to the tax press and active presence on tax Twitter, where she shares insights and advocates for fair tax policy.Phyllis’ unique background in music and the arts also influences her approach to tax work and advocacy, blending creativity and empathy with technical expertise.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgPhyllis Jo Kubey, EALinkedInWebsite
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    52 m
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This podcast has an amazing knack for asking the right people the right questions! The dialogue is light, conversational and informative. It’s enlightening to hear about the divergent areas people have branched into with tax at the core!

Timely conversations for the tax community!

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