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