In this powerful episode, host Brandy Spears is joined by Ruben D. Valdes, EA, one of fewer than 250 non-attorneys admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. From preparing returns in his mother’s office to becoming a nationally recognized instructor and advocate, Ruben shares how the EA credential helped him elevate his career — and expand taxpayer access to justice.

Ruben opens up about how he passed the U.S. Tax Court exam, the stories behind high-stakes audits, and why Spanish-speaking communities are disproportionately vulnerable when facing the IRS. He also shares hard truths about burnout in representation work, and why the tax profession needs more education, more empathy, and more EAs.

This episode is part inspiration, part instruction, and a call to action for enrolled agents to step into the full power of their credential.

Why Listen

• Hear how Ruben transitioned from tax prep to full-time IRS representation

• Learn how he passed the U.S. Tax Court exam as a non-attorney

• Understand how language and education affect taxpayer rights and access

• Discover how the EA credential opens doors to high-level advocacy

• Get practical insights into tax controversy, client care, and boundaries

  
  

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] From family firm to federal tax court: Ruben’s story

• [00:06:00] Choosing the EA path over law school

• [00:08:00] What the U.S. Tax Court exam really takes

• [00:14:00] Advocacy in action: when audits go too far

• [00:22:00] The language gap: how Spanish-speaking taxpayers fall behind

• [00:30:00] Why it’s time for more EAs to step up — and show up

Notable Quotes

• “The enrolled agent credential gave me the power to protect taxpayers — and a purpose I didn’t expect.” – Ruben D. Valdes

• “Most people invite me after the party. But if they brought me in earlier, they’d save thousands.” – Ruben D. Valdes

• “Tax law is complicated in English. Now imagine reading it when English isn’t your first language.” – Ruben D. Valdes

• “I don’t write the songs — I just sing them. Don’t blame your tax pro for the law.” – Ruben D. Valdes

Our Guest

Ruben D. Valdes, EA, USTCP is the founder of National Tax Problem Solutions, where he specializes in representing clients in IRS examinations, collections, and appeals. He is one of fewer than 250 non-attorneys in the U.S. admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.

A nationally recognized tax instructor and author, Ruben has developed and taught both foundational and advanced courses in areas such as international tax, tax controversy, and strategic planning. His mission centers on educating both taxpayers and practitioners — particularly Spanish-speaking communities — about their rights and responsibilities under the tax law.

He authored Manejando Auditorías: Herramientas poderosas ante el IRS, the first Spanish-language book on handling IRS audits, and contributed to the EA Journal with his article “Tax Court Says: IRS Timely Responded, Your Offer is Not Deemed Accepted” (Dec. 2022). Ruben is a firm believer that high-level education leads to higher voluntary compliance and more equitable outcomes in tax administration.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Ruben D Valdes, EA, USTCP

• LinkedIn

• Website - National Tax Problem Solutions