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The Enrolled Agent Advocate

The Enrolled Agent Advocate

By: National Association of Enrolled Agents
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The Enrolled Agent Advocate is the go-to podcast for EAs and tax professionals looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tax industry. We elevate the EA credential, build a strong community, and showcase the value EAs bring. Each episode delivers IRS updates, regulatory changes, practice management tips, and expert insights to empower tax pros at any stage. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead with The EA Advocate.National Association of Enrolled Agents Economics
Episodes
  • Magic, Movies & Tax Controversy with Jeff Thompson, EA

    Magic, Movies & Tax Controversy with Jeff Thompson, EA
    Mar 16 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Jeffrey Thompson, a tax pro whose career sits at the intersection of tax, storytelling, and performance. Jeff works almost exclusively with creative artists, supporting them with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax controversy representation and he’s built a practice that grew from 30 clients to about 500.Jeff breaks down how his background in psychology and marketing shaped the way he communicates with clients, especially the ones walking in overwhelmed by IRS letters, back taxes, or pure tax season panic. Instead of leading with spreadsheets, Jeff starts with what most taxpayers are actually feeling: fear, shame, and “am I going to jail?” energy.He also shares how “spite and pettiness” (his words) pushed him into earning bigger credentials, what controversy work really looks like in real life, and why giving back through pro bono clinics sharpens your skills and your humanity. Along the way, Jeff connects performance and tax strategy in a way only a magician-tax-nerd can.Why ListenHow Jeff’s psychology background changes the way he handles overwhelmed clientsWhat actually helped him grow from ~30 to ~500 clientsWhy niche work isn’t just “industry” it’s knowing patterns and needs ahead of timeThe two extremes creatives believe about deductions: “nothing” vs “everything”Why pro bono work makes you better at controversy and better at being humanIn This Episode:[00:00:30] Meet Jeffrey Thompson and his “tax + artistry” niche[00:04:01] Why psychology didn’t become a doctorate and how tax entered the chat[00:05:20] Opening a theater, learning business the hard way, then pivoting[00:07:15] What business school actually changed about his firm strategy[00:10:15] How he fell into tax prep and built his client base[00:12:20] From 30 clients to ~500 and what drove the growth[00:14:23] His first step with anxious clients: emotion before analysis[00:18:31] Why he became an EA and what really motivated it[00:21:09] Why he pursued USTCP and what triggered that decision[00:25:34] Real world value of controversy credentials[00:28:26] Why leadership and community matter in the profession[00:31:03] Why he works almost exclusively with artists[00:32:17] Common tax myths creatives believe and why they’re risky[00:40:19] Magician logic and “telling the story” in controversy work[00:44:04] Pro bono clinic work and what it changes in private practiceNotable Quotes“Sometimes what people are saying is not what they’re trying to say.” — Jeffrey Thompson“I try to pinpoint the actual thing they’re trying to say because sometimes people don’t care about the technical stuff.” — Jeffrey Thompson“People want to hear, ‘I’m not going to jail… they’re not going to take my house.’” — Jeffrey Thompson“Legitimate deductions are legitimate deductions.” — Jeffrey Thompson“Magic taught me how to be a really good liar.” — Jeffrey Thompson“I love talking tax shop with people. It’s a great break from doing tax returns.” — Jeffrey ThompsonOur GuestJeffrey Thompson, MA, MBA, EA, USTCP is a tax professional who also works as a writer, actor, and magician (including membership at the Magic Castle). Jeff works almost exclusively with creative artists, supporting them with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax controversy needs.He serves on the NAEA board, is a co-artistic director and board member of Impro Theatre, and is the interim clinic director for the Hawai‘i Federal Tax Clinic pro bono program. Jeff has also taught psychology at Citrus College and has lectured for artists and organizations including CalArts, Cal Lawyers for the Arts, and local municipalities.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgJeffrey Thompson, MA, MBA, EA, USTCPLinkedIn
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    56 mins
  • Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Kesha M. Dawson Harris, EA

    Finding Your Voice Before the IRS with Kesha M. Dawson Harris, EA
    Mar 2 2026
    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 ListenHow one IRS meeting turned into a calling for representation and advocacyWhy Publication 1 gets ignored and why that’s a problemThe misconception Kesha hears nonstop: “the IRS can do whatever they want”How to avoid bad advice, fake credentials, and refund-chasing trapsWhy NTPI “slows it down” and helps you apply skills immediatelyIn 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 DCNotable 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 KOur GuestKesha 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 LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgKesha M. Dawson Harris, EAWebsite
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    50 mins
  • Tax Strategy, Leadership, and Trust in the EA Profession with Valaise Smith, EA

    Tax Strategy, Leadership, and Trust in the EA Profession with Valaise Smith, EA
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, we join Brandy Spears as she interviews Valaise Smith, a purpose-driven financial leader with over 25 years of experience in tax strategy, compliance, and executive leadership. Valaise shares her inspiring journey of becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) and how her background in finance and C-suite leadership shaped her approach to tax and financial guidance.In this episode, Valaise talks about the deep connection between leadership and compassion in the tax field. She discusses her experience transitioning from corporate finance to serving entrepreneurs, the importance of balancing technical expertise with empathy, and the role of trust in building lasting relationships with clients.Learn how Valaise uses her EA credential to empower small business owners, guide them through complex tax strategies, and advocate for their financial well-being.Key TakeawaysThe impact of EA credentials on career growth and confidence.Valaise's journey from C-suite leadership to tax professional.How trust and empathy drive Valaise’s client relationships.Why leadership rooted in service leads to lasting impact.How the EA profession offers diverse career opportunities beyond tax preparation.In This Episode:[00:01:10] Valaise’s background and the start of her professional journey[00:03:15] How C-suite experience shaped her approach to tax and leadership[00:05:45] What it means to be a purpose-driven financial leader[00:10:25] Building trust with clients: From financial stress to confidence[00:13:50] The power of empathy and transparency in tax and financial services[00:16:00] The intersection of personal values, leadership, and tax expertise[00:21:05] How becoming an EA strengthened Valaise’s credibility and authority[00:24:10] Navigating complex tax law with care and clarity[00:27:40] Valaise’s advice for aspiring EAs: Trust the process and start with integrity[00:30:25] The role of the EA credential in positioning professionals for success[00:33:40] Leading with heart: The human aspect of financial services[00:36:00] Reflections on leadership, client trust, and professional growthNotable Quotes“Being a purpose-driven leader means using my expertise not just to crunch numbers, but to create clarity, confidence, and dignity for my clients.” — Valaise Smith“Trust is the foundation of effective financial guidance. Without it, you can’t truly help people make informed decisions.” — Valaise Smith“The EA credential gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles and serve my clients at the highest level.” — Valaise Smith“Advocacy in the tax profession isn’t optional. It’s about ensuring our clients are represented fairly and effectively.” — Valaise Smith“We are people first, tax professionals second. Leading with compassion and integrity is what truly makes a difference.” — Valaise SmithOur GuestValaise Smith, EA is a seasoned tax professional with over 25 years of experience in accounting, tax strategy, and compliance. As an Enrolled Agent, Valaise has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small business owners to large corporations, helping them navigate complex tax systems and make informed financial decisions.She is also a leader in the EA community, serving as a mentor, advocate, and participant in initiatives that support the professional growth of enrolled agents. Valaise’s work goes beyond tax preparation—she is passionate about empowering clients through clear communication, trust-building, and purpose-driven leadership.Valaise’s unique blend of technical expertise, compassion, and advocacy has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor who helps clients transition from confusion to clarity, from fear to confidence, and from overwhelmed to empowered.Resource and LinksThe Enrolled Agent Advocate PodcastThe Enrolled Agent AdvocateBrandy SpearsLinkedInWebsite - NAEA.orgValaise Smith, EALinkedInWebsite
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    50 mins
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This podcast has an amazing knack for asking the right people the right questions! The dialogue is light, conversational and informative. It’s enlightening to hear about the divergent areas people have branched into with tax at the core!

Timely conversations for the tax community!

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