In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Jon Call, Enrolled Agent and founder of CLAW Tax Group. John shares his journey from a marketing professional to a respected EA and discusses the challenges he faced while defending his practice against the Minnesota Commerce Department. His battle against the state’s debt settlement classification of EAs led to significant legislative changes and a precedent for defending the rights of federally authorized tax practitioners.

Jon's story is not just about overcoming legal challenges but also about his commitment to advocacy for EAs nationwide. He sheds light on how the NAEA's support played a crucial role in his fight, and shares valuable insights for EAs dealing with state-level legal challenges.

Why Listen

• Learn how one EA's battle changed state policy, impacting all tax practitioners.

• Understand how federal preemption protects enrolled agents from state overreach.

• Discover practical tips on handling unexpected state regulatory challenges.

• Gain insight into the importance of advocacy within the EA community.

  
  

In This Episode:

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

• [00:00:23] Meet Jon Call: From marketing to tax representation

• [00:01:10] Jon’s journey to becoming an EA and advocate

• [00:02:06] How marketing skills shaped his tax career

• [00:06:08] Founding Claw Tax Group: Overcoming early challenges

• [00:07:58] Earning NTPI Fellow: Building expertise in representation

• [00:10:20] The Minnesota ordeal: Debt settlement conflict

• [00:13:42] Facing state vs. federal regulation conflicts

• [00:16:14] Navigating the legal battle: Federal supremacy clause

• [00:18:21] NAEA support: Legal and emotional impact

• [00:21:43] Legislative wins: Exempting EAs from debt settlement rules

• [00:24:56] Testifying before the Minnesota Tax Committee

• [00:28:17] Advice for EAs on maintaining balance during crises

• [00:32:30] Jon’s vision for the EA profession moving forward

• [00:37:10] Final thoughts: Staying resilient and advocating for change

Notable Quotes:

• "If we want people to comply, we need to make it easy for people to comply." — Jon Call

• "Circular 230 is federal authority—states can't override it." — Jon Call

• "I couldn't just stand by and let the state define our profession in a way that undermines what we do." — Jon Call

• "Advocacy means standing up, even when the odds are against you." — John Call

• "With the support of NAEA, I knew I wasn’t fighting alone." — Jon Call

Our Guest

Jon Call is the founder of CLAW Tax Group, a Minnesota-based firm focused on representing taxpayers in disputes with the IRS and state tax authorities. After a career pivot inspired by a desire to help people navigate overwhelming tax problems, Jon became an Enrolled Agent in 2012 and earned his NTPI Fellow designation in 2018. Known for resolving complex IRS collection and exam issues, he also advocates for taxpayer rights and contributes to national policy reform as part of the Government Relations Committee of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). When not working, Jon enjoys playing pickleball with his wife and coaching his sons' baseball teams.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

Jon Call, EA

• TaxCure

• Website - CLAW Tax Group
  

In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears (NAEA) speaks with Tynisa Gaines, EA, a project manager at TokenTax, and an influential thought leader in the world of cryptocurrency taxation. Tynisa shares her fascinating journey from military spouse to becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA), expanding into the emerging field of crypto tax reporting, and offering valuable insights on how tax professionals can adapt to the changing tax landscape. Ty also discusses her work as Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal, where she curates the latest trends in tax law and practice management, and her passion for educating other professionals in the industry.

Whether you're a tax professional looking to specialize in crypto tax or just curious about the latest developments in tax law and EA education, this episode is packed with useful information you won’t want to miss.

Why Listen

• Learn how Tynisa Gaines transitioned from traditional tax preparation to become a thought leader in cryptocurrency tax.

• Gain insights on how emerging technologies like crypto are influencing tax preparation and reporting.

• Discover the role of Enrolled Agents (EAs) in the modern tax landscape, especially in niche areas like digital asset taxation.

• Get valuable tips on navigating the complexities of tax law updates, including changes in digital assets and tax reporting.

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

• [00:02:39] Tynisa’s Tax Journey: From Military Spouse to Enrolled Agent

• [00:05:00] The Shift to Crypto Taxation: A New Niche in the Tax World

• [00:09:00] The Evolution of Crypto Tax Reporting

• [00:12:00] Behind the EA Journal: Expanding Thought Leadership in Tax

• [00:15:00] The Role of Education: Teaching Tax, Crypto, and More

• [00:18:00] Overcoming Challenges: Finding Diversity and New Voices in Tax

• [00:22:00] Future Trends: What to Expect in Tax and Crypto in 2025

• [00:25:00] Tynisa’s Advice for Aspiring Tax Educators and Thought Leaders

• [00:30:00] Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Notable Quotes

• “I want people to understand that you don’t have to turn away crypto clients if you understand the basics.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “The journal is a great platform for tax professionals to showcase their expertise and get published.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “Do not rely on AI to do your research. Perfect your craft and be the expert in your field.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “You cannot spell great without EA!” — Brandy Spears

Our Guest

Tynisa Gaines, EA,  known as Ty, is a project manager and expert writer at TokenTax with more than 20 years of experience as a tax professional. She has worked in various settings, including retail offices and private EA/CPA firms. Licensed in both tax preparation and audit representation, Ty has been quoted and published in well-known publications such as Reuters, The Hill, and Accounting Today. She has also written two tax e-books and a scholarly article on cryptocurrency taxation in the National Income Tax Book.

Ty is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal and has taught tax courses for EAs, CPAs, and at institutions like Northern Virginia Community College and the Virginia Tech Income Tax School. Her expertise has been featured in interviews with MarketWatch, and she has made appearances on Barron’s Live and The Newscast with Wolf Blitzer.

Ty holds a B.S. in Industrial Psychology from the University of Illinois and an MPA in Public Personnel Management from Troy University.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Tynisa Gaines, EA

• LinkedIn

• Website - TokenTax

• Website - EA Journal
  

In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears (NAEA) engages in a compelling discussion with Megan Killian, Executive Vice President of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), and Thad Inge, Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA). Together, they delve into the intricacies of tax policy, the role of Enrolled Agents in advocacy, and the collaborative efforts shaping tax legislation in Washington, D.C.

Why Listen

• Gain insights into the intersection of tax policy and real-world advocacy.

• Learn how Enrolled Agents play a key role in influencing legislation that impacts tax professionals and their clients.

• Understand the importance of strategic collaboration between NAEA and policy experts like Van Scoyoc Associates.

• Stay informed about the latest challenges and opportunities in tax reform and how they may affect the profession.

In this Episode:

• [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

• [00:02:15] Megan Killian's Journey to NAEA

• [00:05:30] Thad Inge's Role at Van Scoyoc Associates

• [00:08:45] The Intersection of Tax Policy and Advocacy

• [00:12:00] Challenges and Opportunities in Tax Legislation

• [00:15:30] The Importance of Enrolled Agents in Policy Discussions

• [00:18:00] Collaborative Initiatives Between NAEA and VSA

• [00:21:30] Looking Ahead: Future of Tax Policy and EA Involvement

• [00:25:00] Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Notable Quotes

• “Our mission is to inform, empower, and connect tax professionals.” — Megan Killian

• “Enrolled Agents are at the forefront of tax advocacy, bridging the gap between policy and practice.” — Thad Inge

• “Collaboration between organizations like NAEA and VSA is crucial for effective tax reform.” — Brandy Spears

Our Guests

Megan Killian, CAE is the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in membership organizations, she brings deep expertise in strategic development, change management, and team building. Prior to joining NAEA, Meg led member relations at the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the profession.

Thad Inge is the Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA), where he helps clients navigate legislative and regulatory issues, specializing in tax, small business, benefits, fintech, and payments. Before VSA, Thad led government relations at Paychex, Inc., and held roles at the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. He holds a degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

Megan Killian

• LinkedIn

Thad Inge

• LinkedIn
  

In the inaugural episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears (NAEA) welcomes tax attorney and Forbes contributor Kelly Phillips Erb, known widely as Tax Girl. They explore Kelly’s journey from tax blogger to national voice for taxpayer rights—and dive into her recent experience in remote Alaskan villages, where she joined a team providing free tax services to communities with no internet, no mail, and no real IRS access.

Together, they discuss the importance of programs like VITA and LITC, the struggles of taxpayers who want to comply but are cut off from the system, and how tax professionals can be part of the solution.

Why Listen

• Hear firsthand what tax outreach looks like in the most underserved areas of the U.S.

• Learn how voluntary compliance depends on access and trust

• Understand the impact of IRS mail backlogs and broken systems

• Get inspired to support or volunteer for tax assistance programs

  
  

In This Episode:

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

• [00:00:30] Meet Kelly Phillips Erb: Tax Girl origin story

• [00:02:00] From tax blogging to Forbes contributor

• [00:03:40] Making tax law accessible to everyday readers

• [00:06:17] Flying into the Alaskan wilderness to help taxpayers

• [00:09:45] What it’s like serving clients off the grid

• [00:14:50] Explaining taxes to people with no internet or roads

• [00:19:53] “They want to comply”: The determination of taxpayers

• [00:20:44] When filing is nearly impossible

• [00:22:43] Why VITA and LITC matter more than ever

• [00:24:52] Volunteering for free tax assistance

• [00:27:21] Tax changes ahead: What pros should watch

• [00:30:51] The IRS mail backlog and its real-life fallout

• [00:34:09] Final thoughts, fun facts, and closing

Notable Quotes

• Scared taxpayers are immobile taxpayers. They don’t do what they need to get help." — Kelly

• "If we want people to comply, we need to make it easy for people to comply." — Kelly

• "We explained how they could file, qualify for refunds, and meet their obligations." — Kelly

• "Blame Congress. It drives me crazy how many taxpayers blame IRS or tax pros." — Kelly

Our Guest

Kelly Phillips Erb is a tax attorney and educator who makes complex tax issues understandable. With a JD and LLM in Tax from Temple University, she writes for Forbes, appears on CNN and NPR, and advocates for taxpayer rights. Known online as Tax Girl, she specializes in tax controversy, international tax, estate planning, and compliance.

Resources and Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

Kelly Phillips Erb

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Instagram
  

The Enrolled Agent Advocate is the go-to podcast for EAs and tax professionals looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tax industry. Each episode brings you into conversations with experienced EAs and trusted voices in the tax space, offering an inside look at what’s happening in the field, how practitioners are navigating challenges, and where the profession is headed. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead with The Enrolled Agent Advocate.