The Enrolled Agent Advocate

About The Enrolled Agent Advocate

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.

Publisher

National Association of Enrolled Agents

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Feb 2025

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   EAs, AI and the Evolution of Tax Resolution with Alan Pinck, EA

   What does it take to build a lasting career as an enrolled agent, earn lifelong client trust, and adapt to decades of change in the tax profession? In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Alan Pinck, an enrolled agent, educator, speaker, and longtime moderator of Tax Talk Today. Alan shares his journey from helping his father prepare handwritten tax returns to building a respected Silicon Valley tax practice focused on representation, advisory services, and long-term client relationships. Alan reflects on what he learned from his father about earning trust, why EAs should look beyond tax preparation into planning and representation, and how the EA credential continues to provide unique opportunities for tax professionals. He explains the mindset required to represent taxpayers before the IRS, including the importance of preparation, organization, and knowing your limits. The conversation also explores the evolution of Tax Talk Today, Alan’s experience educating thousands of tax professionals, and the lessons he has learned from entrepreneurs navigating growth, failure, and business challenges. He shares his perspective on AI’s growing role in tax, why technology should enhance rather than replace professional judgment, and why human expertise will remain essential in the future of the profession. Whether you are a new EA, an experienced practitioner, or interested in the future of tax practice, this episode offers valuable insights on building expertise, serving clients, and staying ahead in a changing industry. In This Episode: ● [00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate ● [00:51] Meet Alan Pinck and his journey in the tax profession ● [02:01] How Alan discovered his passion for tax through his father’s practice ● [04:00] Building lifelong client relationships across generations ● [06:00] Why the EA credential matters in today’s tax profession ● [08:41] The importance of representation work and advocating for taxpayers ● [09:30] Alan’s approach to IRS representation and professional ethics ● [12:00] Advice for EAs handling their first IRS representation case ● [14:00] How tax professionals can uncover opportunities during audits ● [16:00] Alan’s experience hosting Tax Talk Today ● [19:00] How Tax Talk Today evolved into a trusted industry resource ● [22:00] What makes a great tax educator and speaker ● [26:00] Lessons learned from advising entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley ● [30:00] The importance of planning, goals, and persistence in business ● [33:00] Why cash flow management is critical for business success ● [36:00] Alan’s philosophy on mentoring and giving back ● [38:00] From handwritten returns to AI-powered tax tools ● [41:00] Using AI responsibly while maintaining professional judgment ● [43:00] The future role of AI in tax practice Our Guest Alan Pinck is an Enrolled Agent with over 35 years of tax preparation experience in the Silicon Valley. Alan has built a practice specializing in individual, small business tax preparation and audit representation. Alan, a nationally recognized presenter you have seen him as, the moderator of Tax Talk Today, NAEA events, The IRS National Tax Forums, Spidell as well as a variety of other presentations for tax groups and small business associations. Having represented thousands of tax returns in examination, Alan has obtained tremendous insight of the exam process as well as knowledge on a wide variety of tax issues. His real-world approach and stories bring his sessions to life! Resources and Links EA Advocate podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-enrolled-agent-advocate/id1799016166 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-enrolled-agent-advocate/id1799016166) Brandy Spears LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyspears) Alan Pinck Website: (https://rothbardgroup.com/)https://apincktax.com/ YouTube: Tax Talk Today Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pinck-ea-1b29b66/) NAEA Website: https://www.naea.org/ (https://www.naea.org/) Associate Membership (includes free Part 1 of Surgent's EA Review) Discount Code for New Members: EAONLY1 – $50 off

2. 

   7 Sept 2026

   From Venezuela to Global Tax Advisor: International Tax, EAs, and the Future of Cross-Border Practice with Javier Correa, EA

   What does it take to build a global tax practice, and why is international taxation becoming one of the biggest opportunities for enrolled agents? In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears sits down with Javier Correa, an enrolled agent, international tax advisor, and founder of Rothbard Group. Born and raised in Venezuela, Javier’s interest in international finance began at an unusually young age, opening his first offshore bank account at 18 and forming his first offshore company before turning 21. Javier shares how growing up in Venezuela during a period of economic uncertainty shaped his understanding of global finance, diversification, and the importance of understanding how different tax systems work around the world. He explains how his legal background and early focus on international tax eventually led him to pursue the EA credential, allowing him to advise clients on U.S. tax matters while building a truly global practice. In This Episode: [00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate [00:51] Meet Javier Correa and his global tax background [02:01] Growing up in Venezuela and learning business from his mother [03:19] Why necessity pushed Javier into international finance at a young age [04:53] Discovering international tax as a career opportunity [06:20] Understanding tax stability agreements and global tax policy [08:41] Why Javier chose the enrolled agent credential [10:55] How the EA credential helped him build a global business model [12:00] Helping entrepreneurs navigate international tax complexity [14:00] The biggest myths about international taxation [16:55] Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when expanding globally [19:41] U.S. citizenship-based taxation vs. international residency-based systems [21:20] Comparing U.S. and Venezuelan tax systems [22:44] The compliance requirements that surprise international clients [25:00] The future of international tax enforcement and global competition [27:00] How AI will transform the tax profession [29:00] Building an AI-enhanced tax practice while keeping humans in control [30:00] How EAs can start building an international tax specialty [32:00] Advising foreign clients doing business in the United States [33:20] Javier’s journey from Venezuela to building a global firm [35:00] Why international tax opportunities will continue growing [36:12] Javier’s advice for EAs: move beyond preparation into planning [38:00] Building long-term client relationships through advisory services [39:00] How to connect with Javier and Rothbard Group [40:00] Closing thoughts and listener takeaways Our Guest Javier CorreaOrigins Born and raised in Venezuela. Opened his first offshore bank account at 18 and formed his first offshore company before turning 21, an early instinct for multi-jurisdictional architecture. Academic foundation Javier holds a law degree from Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, where he graduated salutatorian of his class. His thesis, on Tax Stability Agreements, was awarded with honor. The faculty was drawn from the ranks of the top international and Venezuelan corporate law firms, and the training foreshadowed a career devoted to the architecture of durable, cross-border tax structures. He holds the designation of Enrolled Agent, the highest credential the Internal Revenue Service bestows on a tax practitioner. Granted exclusively by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the EA license authorizes him to provide U.S. tax advisory and to represent clients before the IRS at every level, without restriction. Resources and Links EA Advocate podcast Link Brandy Spears LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyspears) Javier Correa Rothbard Group Website: https://rothbardgroup.com (https://rothbardgroup.com/) YouTube: Rothbard Group Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/javier-andres-ruge-correa-69a77510a/?locale=en) Rothbard Group Website: https://rothbardgroup.com (https://rothbardgroup.com/) Focus: Cross-border tax, global mobility, international banking, and global business planning NAEA Website: https://www.naea.org/ (https://www.naea.org/) Associate Membership (includes free Part 1 of Surgent's EA Review)

3. 

   25 Aug 2026

   AI, Advocacy, and the Global EA Boom: Megan Killian on the Future of the Profession

   The tax profession is at a pivotal crossroads. Artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows, global demand for U.S. tax expertise is surging, and enrolled agents are stepping into a new era of opportunity. 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 (NAEA), to explore where the profession is headed and what EAs need to do today to prepare for tomorrow. Megan and Brandy discuss how the EA profession is evolving from a seasonal side hustle into a full-fledged career path for entrepreneurs and year-round practitioners. They examine the explosive growth of EAs in India, the shift to remote testing through PSI, and what these developments mean for U.S.-based professionals. They also tackle the role of AI, not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a powerful tool that can level the playing field for solo practitioners and small firms. Most importantly, they explore why the human elements of trust, judgment, and relationship-building will only grow in value as technology automates routine tasks. Megan shares NAEA's efforts to raise public awareness, strengthen education, advocate in Washington, and support a global community of EAs while preserving the high ethical standards that define the credential. Whether you're a seasoned EA, considering the credential, or simply curious about the future of tax practice, this episode is packed with forward-looking insight and practical guidance. Let’s dive in! In This Episode: [00:00] The Enrolled Agent Advocate introduction [01:55] The changing EA profession [03:17] AI and the future of tax work [04:55] AI as an equalizer for smaller firms [08:30] The future of the Special Enrollment Exam [09:53] The growth of EAs in India [12:59] Attracting the next generation [14:19] Building a career without sacrificing work-life balance [17:36] Why EA advocacy matters [19:49] Raising awareness of the EA credential [23:04] Preparing EAs for the future [26:26] Navigating technology without becoming overwhelmed [28:42] The growing importance of advisory services [29:43] Why relationships keep EAs relevant [32:09] Megan's challenge: Stay curious [33:19] Building the future together Notable Quotes Clients are looking for judgment. They're looking for strategy." — Megan Killian "AI is a great tool for creating efficiencies in your practice... but it's not going to replace that one-on-one conversation." — Megan Killian "Enrolled agents are the ones that are actually executing the tax administration system. They're the front lines." — Megan Killian "Enrolled agents are in the relationship business, and that's a personal relationship between a practitioner and their client. And that is not going to change." — Megan Killian "Stay curious and be open to new things because that's how you're going to learn from others." — Megan Killian "The future of the profession isn't something that simply happens. It's something that we build together." — Brandy Spears Our Guest 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.   . Resources and Links EA Advocate podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-enrolled-agent-advocate/id1799016166 Brandy Spears LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyspears) Megan Killian Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megkillian) NAEA Website (https://www.naea.org/) Associate Membership (includes free Part 1 of Surgent's EA Review) Discount Code for New Members: EAONLY1 – $50 off

Who has been a guest on The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Julie Harvey
• Megan Killian
• Jatin Narang
• Josh Youngblood
• Jay Shah

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

261,514

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

15 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51