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 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 Kesha 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

Kesha 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

Kesha M. Dawson Harris, EA

• Website