Episodios

  • Tax Controversy Meets Wealth Strategy with Joshua Scott, EA

    Tax Controversy Meets Wealth Strategy with Joshua Scott, EA
    Mar 30 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Joshua Scott, EA, a former IRS Senior Tax Advisor who has built a career at the intersection of tax strategy, fiduciary governance, and long-term wealth design.Joshua shares how a personal journey through entrepreneurship, IRS experience, and even temporary blindness shaped his approach to leadership and planning. Today, as founder of Joshua Scott & Associates and Eden Family Wealth Group, he helps physicians, dentists, and high-income professionals align tax strategy with investment decisions and long-term wealth building.The conversation explores why the EA credential sits at the center of Joshua’s work, how tax authority strengthens boardroom decision-making, and why tax-first thinking can fundamentally change how individuals and institutions approach financial strategy.Joshua also discusses the importance of documentation, risk mitigation, and procedural discipline in an era of rapid technological change, along with how EAs can build highly specialized careers that extend well beyond traditional tax preparation.Key Takeaways:Tax expertise can serve as the foundation for broader financial strategy and advisory work.The EA credential provides critical authority in environments where regulatory compliance and fiduciary responsibility matter.Strategic planning begins with understanding a client’s goals and aligning tax, investment, and business decisions accordingly.Documentation and procedural discipline are increasingly important as technology and AI expand regulatory oversight.Building a meaningful career in tax often involves niching down and pursuing advanced expertise.In This Episode:[00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate[00:01:04] Meet Joshua Scott and his tax-first career path[00:03:07] How real estate investing led him into tax strategy[00:05:18] Joining the IRS to build hands-on tax expertise[00:07:06] Leaving the IRS and earning the EA credential[00:10:12] Launching his firm and learning entrepreneurship in real time[00:12:41] Losing his vision and continuing to push forward[00:14:06] Why healthcare professionals became his niche[00:15:34] Building a tax-first advisory model[00:20:43] Why the EA credential is the core of his work[00:26:41] Misconceptions about enrolled agents in financial spaces[00:30:08] Why tax strategy creates year-round value[00:36:34] Documentation, compliance, and risk in the AI era[00:40:03] What tax-aligned planning looks like in practice[00:46:02] Balancing business, family, and long-term legacy[00:51:11] Joshua’s perspective on planning, resilience, and impactNotable Quotes:“Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give a client is peace of mind.” — Joshua Scott, EA“The EA credential is the core of everything I do.” — Joshua Scott, EA“If you understand tax, you understand the structure behind wealth.” — Joshua Scott, EA“Documentation is your defense. If you didn’t write it down, it didn’t happen.” — Joshua Scott, EAOur GuestJoshua Scott, EA is an Enrolled Agent, former IRS Senior Tax Advisor, and National Tax Practice Institute Fellow who works at the intersection of tax strategy, fiduciary governance, and long-term wealth planning. As founder of Joshua Scott & Associates and Eden Family Wealth Group, he advises physicians, dentists, real estate investors, and high-income professionals on proactive tax strategy, retirement plan design, and tax-efficient wealth building. He also holds the WMCP®, AIF®, and Series 65, and is a graduate of the Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy, bringing together IRS experience, advanced representation training, and a deeply strategic approach to helping clients build and protect wealth.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgJoshua Scott, EALinkedIn
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    55 m
  • Magic, Movies & Tax Controversy with Jeff Thompson, EA

    Magic, Movies & Tax Controversy with Jeff Thompson, EA
    Mar 16 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Jeffrey Thompson, a tax pro whose career sits at the intersection of tax, storytelling, and performance. Jeff works almost exclusively with creative artists, supporting them with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax controversy representation and he’s built a practice that grew from 30 clients to about 500.Jeff breaks down how his background in psychology and marketing shaped the way he communicates with clients, especially the ones walking in overwhelmed by IRS letters, back taxes, or pure tax season panic. Instead of leading with spreadsheets, Jeff starts with what most taxpayers are actually feeling: fear, shame, and “am I going to jail?” energy.He also shares how “spite and pettiness” (his words) pushed him into earning bigger credentials, what controversy work really looks like in real life, and why giving back through pro bono clinics sharpens your skills and your humanity. Along the way, Jeff connects performance and tax strategy in a way only a magician-tax-nerd can.Why ListenHow Jeff’s psychology background changes the way he handles overwhelmed clientsWhat actually helped him grow from ~30 to ~500 clientsWhy niche work isn’t just “industry” it’s knowing patterns and needs ahead of timeThe two extremes creatives believe about deductions: “nothing” vs “everything”Why pro bono work makes you better at controversy and better at being humanIn This Episode:[00:00:30] Meet Jeffrey Thompson and his “tax + artistry” niche[00:04:01] Why psychology didn’t become a doctorate and how tax entered the chat[00:05:20] Opening a theater, learning business the hard way, then pivoting[00:07:15] What business school actually changed about his firm strategy[00:10:15] How he fell into tax prep and built his client base[00:12:20] From 30 clients to ~500 and what drove the growth[00:14:23] His first step with anxious clients: emotion before analysis[00:18:31] Why he became an EA and what really motivated it[00:21:09] Why he pursued USTCP and what triggered that decision[00:25:34] Real world value of controversy credentials[00:28:26] Why leadership and community matter in the profession[00:31:03] Why he works almost exclusively with artists[00:32:17] Common tax myths creatives believe and why they’re risky[00:40:19] Magician logic and “telling the story” in controversy work[00:44:04] Pro bono clinic work and what it changes in private practiceNotable Quotes“Sometimes what people are saying is not what they’re trying to say.” — Jeffrey Thompson“I try to pinpoint the actual thing they’re trying to say because sometimes people don’t care about the technical stuff.” — Jeffrey Thompson“People want to hear, ‘I’m not going to jail… they’re not going to take my house.’” — Jeffrey Thompson“Legitimate deductions are legitimate deductions.” — Jeffrey Thompson“Magic taught me how to be a really good liar.” — Jeffrey Thompson“I love talking tax shop with people. It’s a great break from doing tax returns.” — Jeffrey ThompsonOur GuestJeffrey Thompson, MA, MBA, EA, USTCP is a tax professional who also works as a writer, actor, and magician (including membership at the Magic Castle). Jeff works almost exclusively with creative artists, supporting them with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax controversy needs.He serves on the NAEA board, is a co-artistic director and board member of Impro Theatre, and is the interim clinic director for the Hawai‘i Federal Tax Clinic pro bono program. Jeff has also taught psychology at Citrus College and has lectured for artists and organizations including CalArts, Cal Lawyers for the Arts, and local municipalities.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgJeffrey Thompson, MA, MBA, EA, USTCPLinkedIn
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    56 m
  • Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Kesha M. Dawson Harris, EA

    Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Kesha M. Dawson Harris, EA
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, Brandy Spears sits down with Kesha 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 ListenHow one IRS meeting turned into a calling for representation and advocacyWhy Publication 1 gets ignored and why that’s a problemThe misconception Kesha hears nonstop: “the IRS can do whatever they want”How to avoid bad advice, fake credentials, and refund-chasing trapsWhy NTPI “slows it down” and helps you apply skills immediatelyIn 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 DCNotable 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 KOur GuestKesha 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 LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgKesha M. Dawson Harris, EAWebsite
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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
  • From VITA to the Real World: What Students Learn Fast with Al Beatty, EA

    From VITA to the Real World: What Students Learn Fast with Al Beatty, EA
    Jan 19 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears speaks with Al Beatty, an Enrolled Agent, longtime practitioner, and assistant professor of accounting at Tryon University. Al teaches tax and accounting courses while also running a VITA site where students earn college credit by helping low-to-moderate income taxpayers—meaning they don’t just “learn tax,” they actually do tax.Al shares what he’s seeing in today’s accounting students: where they’re excited, where they’re anxious (hello, AI), and what finally clicks when students sit face-to-face with taxpayers for the first time. He also breaks down why the EA credential deserves a bigger spotlight in academic programs, especially for students who want to focus on tax and representation work without being pulled into everything else required by other licenses.They also dig into the tax profession’s pipeline problem, the soft skills tax pros are missing in an automation-heavy world, and why in-person networking and continuing education still matter—even when it’s tempting to stay behind the screen.Why ListenHow real client work makes tax education more practical (and more honest)Why Al believes the EA exam goes deeper than the tax portion of the CPA examWhat students actually learn in VITA that textbooks can’t teachThe biggest “pipeline gap” Al sees: human connection and client trustHow educators and practitioners can work together to develop future EAsIn This Episode:[00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate[00:00:45] Meet Al Beatty: professor, practitioner, and VITA site leader[00:02:25] How active client work changes how Al teaches tax[00:03:28] Explaining the EA vs CPA path in a way students understand[00:03:37] A CPA hires an EA and students are shocked[00:04:24] Why Al brings the EA path into the classroom[00:07:29] VITA growth: more students, more impact[00:09:17] How VITA kills misconceptions about “boring” accounting[00:12:33] The biggest gap in today’s tax industry: the personal touch[00:16:47] Why live seminars still matter (networking, internships, real learning)[00:18:21] What the next 5–10 years of tax practice will demand[00:20:00] Al’s advice: read constantly (EA Journal included)[00:21:09] AI in the classroom: Blue books, real writing, real thinking[00:23:26] Advice for future EAs: “get your hands dirty”[00:24:49] Free academic associate membership at NAEA[00:26:33] The class Al created: “Scoundrels, Scandals, and Economic Collapses”[00:28:54] How to connect with AlNotable Quotes“Textbooks are artificial. Real clients bring scenarios you can’t find in a book.” — Al Beatty“The tax portion of the CPA exam was nothing like the EA exam. If you want tax, that’s the path.” — Al Beatty“Students think accounting is just plugging numbers into Excel—until they sit with a taxpayer.” — Al Beatty“The personal touch is getting missed. People feel like they’re being run through a mill.” — Al Beatty“I feel like I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology doing taxes.” — Al BeattyOur GuestAl Beatty, EA is an assistant professor of accounting at Trine University, where he teaches managerial and tax accounting, accounting information systems, and professional license topics. He also runs a VITA site that allows students to earn college credit while serving low-to-moderate income taxpayers through real-world tax preparation.Outside the classroom, Al owns and operates a tax practice with over 20 years of hands-on experience across individual and small business taxation, IRS representation, estate and gift tax, and tax resolution. He has also served as a technical reviewer for the EA Journal, helping uphold accuracy and quality in tax education. Al sits at a rare intersection—training the next generation of practitioners while continuing to serve taxpayers directly.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgAl Beatty, EALinkedIn
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    33 m
  • Global Clients, U.S. Rules: International Taxing with Julie Harvey, EA

    Global Clients, U.S. Rules: International Taxing with Julie Harvey, EA
    Jan 5 2026

    What does it take to build a tax practice that spans borders, tax systems, and cultures—and why is the Enrolled Agent credential uniquely suited for that work?

    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears speaks with Julie Harvey, EA, NTPI Fellow, and Certified Acceptance Agent, founder of My US Tax Advisor LLC. Julie’s practice focuses exclusively on international and cross-border tax compliance, serving globally mobile individuals and businesses navigating some of the most complex areas of the U.S. tax code.

    Julie shares why she chose the EA credential for its federal scope and flexibility, how NTPI reshaped the way she approaches representation and compliance, and why specialization—not generalization—is critical in today’s tax environment. The conversation explores expatriation, ITIN facilitation, treaty interpretation, foreign pensions, and the mindset required to work effectively with international clients. Julie also explains where practitioners most often stumble in cross-border cases and how asking better questions can change outcomes for taxpayers.

    This episode highlights why education, cultural awareness, and technical depth are essential for EAs serving an increasingly global taxpayer base—and why the EA profession is more relevant than ever.


    Why Listen

    • Why international tax issues are showing up more often in everyday EA practices

    • How the EA credential enables global practice and deep specialization

    • Common mistakes practitioners make when identifying foreign tax exposure

    • How NTPI training sharpens judgment in complex cross-border cases

    • What cultural awareness adds to effective international tax representation


    In This Episode:

    • [00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate

    • [00:01:00] Meet Julie Harvey and her international-only practice

    • [00:02:11] Why federal licensure drew Julie to the EA credential

    • [00:02:37] Freedom, mobility, and avoiding unnecessary barriers

    • [00:04:58] NTPI Fellowship and U.S. Tax Court preparation

    • [00:09:32] Education and mindset in cross-border work

    • [00:10:47] Common mistakes in international tax cases

    • [00:13:21] Solving complex international tax “puzzles”

    • [00:15:00] Why NTPI changes how practitioners think

    • [00:24:40] Practitioner insight shaping tax policy

    • [00:28:19] Why EA visibility matters globally

    • [00:31:05] Advice for EAs considering specialization

    • [00:35:13] How to connect with Julie


    Notable Quotes

    • “The EA credential gave me freedom—from geography, student loans, and state-based limitations.” — Julie Harvey

    • “International tax requires education, but it also requires a state of mind.” — Julie Harvey

    • “Most mistakes happen because practitioners don’t ask the right questions.” — Julie Harvey

    • “NTPI teaches you how the IRS actually works, not just how the law reads.” — Julie Harvey


    Our Guest

    Julie Harvey, EA, CAA, NTPI Fellow is the founder of My US Tax Advisor LLC, where she focuses exclusively on international and cross-border tax compliance. She works with clients who hold foreign accounts, pensions, investments, or business interests abroad and advocates for clearer, more accessible international tax reporting through her policy and public awareness work with the National Association of Enrolled Agents.


    Resource and Links

    The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

    • The Enrolled Agent Advocate

    Brandy Spears

    • LinkedIn

    • Website - NAEA.org

    Julie Harvey, EA

    • LinkedIn
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    38 m
  • What's New and What's Next at NAEA with EVP Meg Killian

    What's New and What's Next at NAEA with EVP Meg Killian
    Dec 31 2025
    The Enrolled Agent profession is growing—and the momentum is real.In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Megan Killian, Executive Vice President of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, to talk about what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s next for enrolled agents.Meg shares a wide-angle view of the profession at a pivotal moment. With new federal tax legislation, shifting IRS operations, staffing challenges, and increased demand for qualified tax professionals, enrolled agents are stepping into a more visible and influential role. The data backs it up—the EA population has grown significantly over the past year, signaling increased awareness and demand for the credential.The conversation dives into how NAEA is responding to these changes through expanded education, stronger advocacy, and a renewed focus on accessibility and community. From updates to NTPI and Tax Rep Fundamentals to scholarships, pipeline development, and member-driven programming, NAEA is working to support EAs at every stage of their careers.Meg also outlines key advocacy priorities, including minimum standards for tax preparers, IRS funding and modernization, state-level licensing challenges, and bipartisan legislation aimed at improving tax administration. She explains how individual enrolled agents can play a role—by using their credential proudly, engaging locally with legislators, and staying involved with the association.This episode is a reminder that enrolled agents are not just keeping up with change—they’re helping shape the future of the tax profession.What You’ll Learn:Growth trends in the EA professionWhat’s driving NAEA’s strategic prioritiesEducation updates, including NTPI and Tax Rep FundamentalsAdvocacy efforts at the federal and state levelsWhy EA visibility and credential awareness matterHow individual EAs can strengthen the professionIn This Episode:[00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate[00:01:43] Meet Megan Killian, EVP of NAEA[00:03:00] New data reveals EA growth across the U.S.[00:04:35] Practitioner challenges shaping NAEA priorities[00:05:36] IRS staffing, funding, and tax law uncertainty[00:06:27] Expanding education beyond compliance[00:07:42] Building the EA pipeline through access and training[00:09:22] NTPI at 40: The future of representation education[00:13:23] Raising public awareness of the EA credential[00:14:58] Why using “EA” publicly matters[00:16:44] Holding partners accountable to recognize EAs[00:18:24] Why NAEA is the only organization solely for EAs[00:22:29] Legislative wins and ongoing policy efforts[00:27:17] How individual EAs can get involved[00:30:27] Helping EAs thrive—not just survive[00:31:42] Where NAEA and the profession are headed[00:34:07] Final thoughts and how to engage with NAEANotable Quotes“The EA profession has grown 7% in the last year. That kind of growth tells us something important is happening.” — Megan Killian“Education isn’t just about compliance. It’s about competence, confidence, and practice growth.” — Megan Killian“Every enrolled agent has a role to play in raising awareness of the credential.” — Megan Killian“NAEA is the only organization exclusively working for enrolled agents.” — Megan KillianOur GuestMegan Killian, CAE is the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in membership organizations, she brings deep expertise in strategic development, change management, and community building. Prior to joining NAEA, Meg led member relations at the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a long-time advocate for inclusion, professional growth, and sustainable pipelines in the tax profession.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgMegan Killian CAELinkedIn
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    36 m