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 responsibility

• Why advocacy is a must for practitioners and not an optional add-on

• The real-world impact of Phyllis’ testimony before the US Senate

• How the NAEA PAC amplifies the voice of enrolled agents in policy decisions

• Why Phyllis believes the future of the profession is in good hands with younger EAs

In 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 advocacy

Notable 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 Kubey

Our Guest

Phyllis 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 Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA

• LinkedIn

• Website
  

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 Listen

• How 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 exam

• What students actually learn in VITA that textbooks can’t teach

• The biggest “pipeline gap” Al sees: human connection and client trust

• How educators and practitioners can work together to develop future EAs

In 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 Al

Notable 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 Beatty

Our Guest

Al 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 Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Al Beatty, EA

• LinkedIn
  

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
  

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 profession

• What’s driving NAEA’s strategic priorities

• Education updates, including NTPI and Tax Rep Fundamentals

• Advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels

• Why EA visibility and credential awareness matter

• How individual EAs can strengthen the profession

In 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 NAEA

Notable 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 Killian

Our Guest

Megan 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 Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Megan Killian CAE

• LinkedIn
  

In today’s increasingly digital world, protecting client data is no longer optional for tax professionals—it’s critical to your practice’s integrity and trustworthiness. In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears speaks with Jatin Narang, an authority on cybersecurity and compliance challenges unique to the tax and accounting industry.

Jatin, with over 15 years of experience in enterprise security, leads Verito, a company specializing in providing security-first IT solutions for tax professionals. He shares valuable insights into why tax firms, especially Enrolled Agents, are prime targets for cybercriminals and what you can do to prevent security breaches.

From the FTC Safeguards Rule to IRS Publication 4557, Jatin breaks down the key compliance requirements, discusses common security oversights, and highlights how cybersecurity can be a competitive advantage in the tax industry. If you haven’t given cybersecurity the attention it deserves, now is the time.

Why Listen

• Learn why cybersecurity is one of the most overlooked risks for tax firms today

• Understand the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS security requirements

• Get actionable advice on how to implement effective security protocols

• Discover how cybersecurity can become a competitive advantage for tax professionals

• Avoid common cybersecurity pitfalls that could cost you your client’s trust

In This Episode:

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

• [00:01:10] Meet Jatin Narang: 15+ years in enterprise security for tax professionals

• [00:02:01] Why tax firms are prime targets for cybercriminals

• [00:03:34] The biggest security risks EAs are underestimating as tax season approaches

• [00:06:00] Phishing, ransomware, and how hackers operate in 2023

• [00:08:43] Security requirements: FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS Publication 4557 explained

• [00:12:10] Key security measures every firm must implement to be compliant

• [00:13:50] The 3-2-1 Backup Rule and why it matters for your practice

• [00:16:00] How to protect your data and safeguard client trust

• [00:18:50] The impact of AI-driven threats on tax professionals’ security

• [00:21:30] How to create a zero-tolerance security policy for your firm

• [00:24:00] How a written information security plan (WISP) can protect your business

• [00:27:40] Best practices for evaluating cloud and private hosting providers

• [00:30:10] Why security training for staff is non-negotiable

• [00:32:00] Wrapping up: Proactive vs. reactive security

Notable Quotes

• “The attackers don’t care about the size of your firm. They care about the data you have.” — Jatin Narang

• “A data breach costs on average $300,000—and that’s just the start.” — Jatin Narang

• “Customer trust evaporates the moment a breach happens. You can’t put a price on that.” — Jatin Narang

• “Security is an ongoing process. It’s not just a checkbox you mark at the end of the year.” — Jatin Narang

Our Guest

Jatin Narang has over 15 years of experience in enterprise security, specializing in security-first IT solutions tailored for tax and accounting firms. As the leader of Verito, Jatin has helped more than 1,000 professionals meet strict regulatory requirements like the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS security guidelines. His expertise covers data protection protocols, risk assessments, encryption, and the creation of written information security plans (WISP) for tax firms.

Passionate about transforming cybersecurity into a competitive advantage, Jatin helps firms increase client trust and operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with ever-evolving mandates.

Resource and Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Jatin Narang

• LinkedIn

• Website - Verito
  

In this episode, Brandy Spears is joined by Josh Youngblood, founder of The Youngblood Group, a firm that blends technology with tax expertise to serve individuals and small businesses. With over 30 years of IT experience, Josh has leveraged his unique skills to shape a tax practice that emphasizes representation, cybersecurity, and client trust. A National Tax Practice Institute Fellow, Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, and Certified Real Estate Tax Strategist, Josh shares his passion for continuous education and why he is so committed to providing authentic and proactive tax representation.

Josh opens up about his journey into the world of tax and tech, discussing his personal motivation to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) and his role in shaping tax policy and practice. He also highlights his experiences in working with same-sex couples on tax matters, how technology has evolved the industry, and why client education continues to be at the forefront of his approach to tax services.

Why Listen

• Discover how Josh's IT background enhanced his tax practice

• Learn why cybersecurity is critical for modern tax professionals

• Josh's journey from corporate IT to owning a tax firm

• The importance of client education in building trust and long-term relationships

• How same-sex couples face unique tax challenges—and how Josh addresses them

• The role of representation in diffusing IRS anxiety and supporting clients

• Insights on AI and tech tools and their role in enhancing client service without replacing the human touch

In This Episode:

• [00:01:00] Josh’s path to becoming an Enrolled Agent and how he combines IT and tax expertise

• [00:02:00] The importance of continuing education for EAs, with a focus on NTPI

• [00:05:00] The critical role of representation in diffusing IRS anxiety for clients

• [00:07:00] Josh’s approach to helping same-sex couples with unique tax considerations

• [00:10:00] Why technology is both a gift and a challenge for the tax industry

• [00:13:00] Josh’s take on AI and its role in tax work—trust but verify

• [00:16:00] Practical advice for tech adoption in tax firms without overwhelming clients

• [00:19:00] Cybersecurity tips every tax pro should implement today

• [00:22:00] Embracing authenticity in tax work—how it builds trust with clients

• [00:24:00] The challenges Josh faced in his career and the importance of mentorship

• [00:27:00] Josh’s work-life balance—how he decompresses during tax season

Notable Quotes

• “You can’t just rely on technology to do all the work for you. Tech is a tool to help, but it’s the human connection that makes the difference.” – Josh Youngblood

• “Same-sex couples still face tax issues that many preparers overlook—it’s about being aware of their unique needs and ensuring they’re not treated differently.” – Josh Youngblood

• “Authenticity in tax work is crucial. Clients want to know that they’re working with someone who understands them and is truly invested in their financial well-being.” – Josh Youngblood

Our Guest

Josh Youngblood, EA, is the founder of The Youngblood Group, a firm that blends his 30 years of IT expertise with tax services to provide solutions for individuals and small businesses. An Enrolled Agent, Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS), Certified Real Estate Tax Strategist (CRETS), and National Tax Practice Institute Fellow (NTPI), Josh specializes in tax representation and is deeply committed to client education. Through his newsletter, Josh & Taxes, and contributions to Think Outside the Tax Box, he shares his insights on the intersection of tax, tech, and cybersecurity. Josh is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the profession, working to ensure that all taxpayers receive fair, respectful, and knowledgeable representation.

Resource and Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

Mentioned

• NAEA Client Challenge - use discount code: EAONLY1

In this episode, host Brandy Spears is joined by Jay Shah, founder of Hell’s Kitchen Tax in New York City. Jay's career is a testament to how passion and dedication to both tax expertise and client education can fuel business growth. From his early days volunteering with VITA to becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA), earning a Master's in Tax Law from NYU, and ultimately acquiring two tax practices, Jay has mastered the art of building trust with clients and growing a successful firm.

Jay shares his journey, including the lessons he's learned from acquiring a practice, how he built lasting relationships with clients, and why specialization in industries like performing arts and entertainment has fueled his firm’s growth. He also dives into how the EA credential allowed him to expand his services and how education and advocacy continue to shape his practice today.

Why Listen

• Discover how Jay acquired and grew his tax practice by acquiring other firms

• Learn the importance of building client trust during the practice transition

• Explore how specializing in a niche can differentiate your practice

• Get Jay’s advice on starting or acquiring a tax firm

• Learn how to prioritize client education and increase retention

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Jay’s early experiences with VITA and discovering tax

• [00:02:00] The moment Jay realized he needed the EA credential

• [00:04:00] Earning his Master’s in Tax Law and applying it to complex corporate deals

• [00:07:00] The decision to acquire a practice vs. starting from scratch

• [00:10:00] Lessons learned from the first practice acquisition

• [00:12:00] How Jay specializes in the performing arts and entertainment industries

• [00:15:00] Jay’s advice for EAs thinking about acquiring a practice

• [00:18:00] The importance of client education and maintaining relationships

• [00:22:00] How Jay handles IRS audits and advocates for his clients

• [00:25:00] Embracing technology and AI in tax practice

• [00:29:00] How to succeed as an EA by integrating tax and financial planning

• [00:32:00] Jay’s approach to client retention through year-round engagement

Notable Quotes

• “The best advice I can give is: Don’t wait—if you want to do it, do it. You’ve got to start somewhere.” – Jay Shah

• “Client trust doesn’t happen overnight, but by making personal connections, you can build lasting relationships.” – Jay Shah

• “Tax work is about communication—how you explain things and help clients understand their situation is key to building confidence.” – Jay Shah

• “Acquiring a practice gives you a head start, but you still have to work to gain clients’ trust and prove you’re the right choice.” – Jay Shah

• “Specialization can make all the difference. I went from doing everything to specializing in the performing arts and entertainment industries, and it’s made my practice thrive.” – Jay Shah

Our Guest

Jay Shah, EA is the founder of Hell’s Kitchen Tax in New York City, a firm specializing in tax preparation and advocacy for individuals, small businesses, and the performing arts and entertainment industries. Jay began his career in tax by volunteering for the VITA program and went on to earn his Master's in Tax Law from NYU.

An Enrolled Agent since 2014, Jay has acquired two practices and transitioned into specializing in niche markets. He is passionate about client education and building long-term relationships, always striving to make complex tax concepts understandable and actionable.

Resource and Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Jay Shah, EA

• Website - Hell’s Kitchen Tax

• LinkedIn

Mentioned

• https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-vita-grant-program
  

In this episode, host Brandy Spears sits down with Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA, a seasoned financial professional who’s spent his career bridging the gap between tax expertise and wealth management.

As the founder of Ryan Financial Group, Ed has built a thriving practice that serves more than 1,200 individuals and 100 small businesses, helping clients achieve financial confidence through an integrated approach to tax planning, accounting, insurance, and investment strategy. His journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship is one of continual evolution—driven by a desire to serve clients in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Ed shares how the EA credential empowered him to expand beyond compliance work, how tax pros can confidently step into the world of financial advising, and why creating year-round relationships is the key to long-term client value.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to add wealth management services to your EA practice

• Understand why tax strategy and financial planning are inseparable

• Discover how to build year-round relationships that increase client loyalty

• Hear how to balance compliance, advisory, and growth as your firm scales

• Get insight into the mindset shift needed to move from tax preparer to trusted advisor

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] From insurance and corporate accounting to entrepreneurship

• [00:03:20] Launching Ryan Financial and discovering a passion for helping people

• [00:05:00] How tax expertise drives better financial advice

• [00:07:56] Why Ed chose the EA credential over CPA licensing

• [00:09:43] The EA advantage: integrating tax impact into wealth management

• [00:12:28] The mindset shift from compliance work to proactive advising

• [00:17:31] Balancing client service, team growth, and business expansion

• [00:20:38] Real client stories: 1031 exchanges, estate planning, and generational trust

• [00:26:17] Coaching other advisors through Avantax’s Rise to Elite program

• [00:29:39] Advice for EAs ready to enter the wealth management field

• [00:33:23] Creating lasting client value beyond tax season

Notable Quotes

• “If you want to give advice—not just prepare taxes—then wealth management is the natural next step.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “EAs are trained in taxes. That makes us the most qualified to integrate tax strategy into financial planning.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “When your clients call you more than once a year, that’s when you’ve created real value.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “You can’t just say you do both tax and wealth management—you have to be competent at both.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

• “Adding wealth management isn’t about selling—it’s about serving clients better.” – Edward J. Ryan, Jr.

Our Guest

Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA is the founder of Ryan Financial Group, a full-service tax and wealth management firm serving clients across New Jersey and New York. An Enrolled Agent since 1996, Ed combines decades of tax expertise with financial planning through Avantax Wealth Management, helping families and small businesses achieve long-term success.

Recognized as one of HD Vest’s Top 75 Advisors, Ed is a coach for Avantax’s Rise to Elite Program and serves as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair for the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). He’s also an active member of the New Jersey Society of Enrolled Agents and a dedicated community leader in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he lives with his wife, Lisa.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Edward J. Ryan, Jr., EA

• Website - Ryan Financial Group
  

In this episode, host Brandy Spears sits down with Terry Lemons, former Chief of Communications and Liaison at the IRS, to explore what really happens behind the scenes at one of the most complex federal agencies in the U.S. For more than 25 years, Terry helped shape how the IRS communicated with the public, Congress, and the tax professional community—serving under six commissioners and leading the agency’s response to major legislative changes.

From launching the Dirty Dozen tax scams to modernizing digital outreach, Terry has seen it all. Now, he offers his insight into what’s ahead for the IRS, how budget cuts and workforce reductions could impact the 2026 tax season, and why enrolled agents are more vital than ever in combating misinformation, shaping policy, and advocating for taxpayers.

(Note: This episode was recorded prior to the government shutdown. Information and perspectives shared reflect the circumstances at that time.)

Why Listen

• Go behind the curtain of IRS communications, staffing, and legislative rollout

• Learn how misinformation and AI are shaping the agency’s biggest risks

• Understand why the IRS budget directly affects tax pros and client service

• Hear how EAs can build trust and influence policy at both local and national levels

• Get tips on advocacy, visibility, and what to watch for ahead of 2026

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Terry’s journey from journalist to IRS leadership

• [00:04:00] Building trust in an age of AI and information overload

• [00:07:00] Storytelling, scams, and the power of public communication

• [00:12:00] Budget cuts, burnout, and the fragility of implementation

• [00:15:00] Red flags for the 2026 filing season and the EA’s frontline role

• [00:20:00] Talking to Congress: Why EAs must speak up locally

• [00:24:00] Modernization, visibility, and two-way communication with the IRS

• [00:27:00] What Terry would put at the top of today’s Dirty Dozen list

Notable Quotes

• “Crisis creates opportunity—and enrolled agents are uniquely positioned to lead through both.” – Terry Lemons

• “You can’t run the tax system without enrolled agents. Period.” – Terry Lemons

• “Congress gives big legislation to the IRS because they know we deliver—quietly, under pressure, and with limited resources.” – Terry Lemons

• “EAs don’t need to wait for May fly-ins to speak up. Talk to your local reps now.” – Terry Lemons

Our Guest

Terry Lemons is a communications strategist and former Chief of Communications and Liaison at the IRS, where he served for over 26 years. He oversaw the IRS’s public affairs, crisis communications, and congressional relations, advising six IRS commissioners along the way. Terry was the mastermind behind high-profile initiatives like the Dirty Dozen tax scam list and played a pivotal role in modernizing the IRS’s social media presence.

Before joining the IRS, Terry was an award-winning journalist, covering the White House and Congress for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette during the 1990s. He has since used his expertise to help the IRS navigate some of the most complex communications challenges, including tax-related identity theft, the introduction of major tax reforms, and ongoing public outreach efforts.

Terry’s career is a testament to his ability to simplify complex subjects, build public trust, and guide key players through some of the toughest times in government communications.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Terry Lemons

• LinkedIn
  

In this episode, host Brandy Spears is joined by Jeremy Wells, an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant, and the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal. Jeremy shares his journey from teaching political science to becoming a tax professional and how his unique path has shaped his approach to tax law, client service, and leadership in the profession.

Jeremy talks about his decision to pursue the EA credential first, his transition to becoming a CPA, and why mentoring has been key to his growth. He also shares his experience as the new editor of the EA Journal, his vision for the journal, and how he plans to elevate the voices of EAs across the profession.

Why Listen

• Hear how Jeremy navigated his transition from academia to tax

• Learn why starting with the EA credential can be a game-changer

• Discover how mentorship and networking played pivotal roles in his career

• Get an insider’s look at the future of the EA Journal under Jeremy’s leadership

• Understand how cross-platform content creation is shaping the future of tax practice

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] From Political Science to Tax — Jeremy’s unexpected career shift

• [00:06:00] How mentoring shaped Jeremy’s path to the EA credential

• [00:12:00] The value of starting with the EA before pursuing the CPA

• [00:14:00] How Jeremy uses mentorship and networking to enhance client service

• [00:20:00] Becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal

• [00:24:00] The importance of authentic content creation for tax professionals

• [00:30:00] Vision for the EA Journal: Elevating EAs and supporting new talent

• [00:34:00] The next generation of EAs and why they need a different approach

• [00:40:00] Advice for new tax professionals: Don’t wait to start, just dive in

Notable Quotes

• “The best thing I did was start with the EA credential. It gave me the power to help clients right away.” – Jeremy Wells

• “Mentorship is key — I wouldn’t have been able to make this leap without the right guidance.” – Jeremy Wells

• “We need to help new tax professionals find their voice, not just in tax law but in shaping their own businesses.” – Jeremy Wells

• “As the Editor-in-Chief, my goal is to give EAs the platform they deserve — and help them lead the conversation.” – Jeremy Wells

Our Guest

Jeremy Wells is an Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal. He is the COO and Head of Tax at Steadfast Bookkeeping and the founder of J. Wells Tax, a platform that provides educational content for tax professionals. Jeremy earned his EA credential in 2018 and his CPA license in 2022, building his career by focusing on tax services for freelancers, small business owners, and individuals.

A passionate mentor and advocate for innovation in the tax profession, Jeremy works to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern approaches to tax law and business operations. He is an active member of several tax organizations, including NAEA and AICPA, and uses his position to raise awareness for the profession and foster education in the field.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Jeremey Wells

• LinkedIn