Enrolled Agent Advocacy
NAEA represents enrolled agents and taxpayers before Congress, the IRS, and state and federal policymakers—advocating for fair tax policy, a modern tax administration system, and practical solutions for tax professionals and taxpayers.
A key purpose of NAEA is advocacy for effective tax administration and fair tax policies. We work with Congress, the IRS, and state and federal regulators to solve real problems facing taxpayers and the enrolled agent community.
NAEA has long advocated for creating an efficient tax administration system that leverages the expertise of tax professionals and improves service at the IRS. For many years, the IRS has struggled with outdated technology and subpar service to taxpayers. Congress has an opportunity to provide both legislative solutions and oversight to help bring about thoughtful and positive changes to our tax administration system.
NAEA supports several legislative proposals aimed at improving the IRS and tax administration that have been brought forward this Congress. We also strongly advocate for modernizing the agency, improving taxpayer services, restoring enforcement credibility, and creating more robust digital tools for tax professionals. We firmly believe that a firm and fair tax collection system is essential for our country.
Earlier this year, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) released a bipartisan discussion draft of legislation that proposes a range of fixes to IRS procedures and administration. The discussion draft, titled the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, has 68 provisions and includes policies that would improve “math error” notices, streamline review of offers-in-compromise, simplify FBAR compliance, extend the “mailbox rule” to electronic submissions, and increase digital tools for taxpayers and tax professionals. NAEA commends the bipartisan effort and strongly endorses the draft legislation.
Additionally, NAEA supports several tax administration bills that recently passed the House of Representatives:
NAEA believes each of these bills provides practical improvements needed at the IRS and encourages the Senate to continue advancing them.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined three priorities for the IRS: collections, privacy, and customer service.
NAEA supports these priorities and believes the IRS can leverage enrolled agents to help achieve them. With pandemic-era processing challenges receding, it’s time to refocus on taxpayer compliance with practitioner-integrated tools that help taxpayers meet obligations. Fair enforcement improves voluntary compliance; Congress should ensure the IRS has the tools and metrics to create a compliance-focused environment.
With Congressional oversight, the IRS should prioritize modernization and become a taxpayer-friendly agency with robust digital tools for taxpayers and professionals. Success requires strategic changes, sustained investment in technology and customer service, and a well-trained workforce capable of meeting service demands.
A major challenge in tax administration is the number of unqualified preparers operating with little oversight. Currently, anyone can be a paid federal tax return preparer without training or a background check because the IRS lacks authority to enforce minimum standards.
This leaves taxpayers vulnerable to errors, penalties, and lost refunds, and contributes to backlogs and delays. NAEA supports legislation granting Treasury and the IRS authority to establish minimum competency standards, including continuing education and background checks.
NAEA endorses bipartisan language in the Crapo-Wyden Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act draft and recognizes Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) for his ongoing leadership on this issue.
We submit formal comments on proposed rules to make policy changes practical, effective, and fair.
We partner with state affiliates to address tax policy issues locally and to educate legislators and regulators on the value of enrolled agents.
NAEA provides testimony before Congress and agencies, ensuring EA expertise informs policymaking.
In‑depth policy analyses and recommendations to improve tax administration and taxpayer outcomes.
March 2024
In a letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel last October, NAEA offered the enrolled agents perspective on the agency’s significant cutback to compliance initiatives and requested IRS start sending reminder notices immediately to non-filers and those with balances due in excess of $10,000.
November 2023
ANAEA asserted the $600 threshold is too low and will lead to taxpayer confusion around which transactions are taxable income and which are more personal and non-taxable. The $600 threshold creates a high compliance burden for small businesses and taxpayers. As a result, IRS plans for a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 to phase in implementation.
August 2023
The announcement comes as the IRS has been under pressure from NAEA and other stakeholders to show progress in their efforts to modernize the agency and improve customer service with the influx of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The paperless processing initiative gives taxpayers the option to go paperless for IRS correspondence by the 2024 tax season and allowing the agency to achieve paperless processing for all returns by the 2025 tax season.
You drive impact
Join fellow Enrolled Agents in shaping smarter tax policy and better service for taxpayers.
The NAEA Capitol Hill Fly-In is a two-day event where Enrolled Agents travel to Washington, D.C. to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff. It’s part education, part advocacy.On the first day, participants get briefed on the latest tax policy issues by congressional staff, Treasury officials, journalists, and other experts so they’re prepared to speak confidently on the Hill. On the second day, they fan out across Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with lawmakers to explain what Enrolled Agents do, share real-world insights from working with taxpayers, and discuss ways to improve tax administration.The goal is simple: make sure the people writing and influencing tax laws understand the value of Enrolled Agents and the needs of the taxpayers they serve.
There are countless ways to support and protect the Enrolled Agent profession. Get involved locally with your state chapter or affiliate, contribute your expertise on a committee, or take on a leadership role by serving on the board. However you choose to step up, your involvement makes an impact.
Support pro‑taxpayer, pro‑EA candidates. Your contribution amplifies the profession’s voice in Washington, D.C.
Enrolled agents are America’s tax experts—and their voice matters. Your contribution empowers NAEA to defend the right to practice, elevate the profession’s visibility, and advance opportunities for the next generation of EAs. Together, we keep enrolled agents strong, respected, and trusted by taxpayers nationwide.
You drive impact
Join fellow Enrolled Agents in shaping smarter tax policy and better service for taxpayers.
The NAEA Capitol Hill Fly-In is a two-day event in Washington, D.C., where Enrolled Agents meet directly with lawmakers and their staff. Day one provides policy briefings from experts; day two takes EAs to Capitol Hill to share real-world insights, highlight the value of the profession, and advocate for smarter tax administration.
There are countless ways to support and protect the Enrolled Agent profession. Get involved locally with your state chapter or affiliate, contribute your expertise on a committee, or take on a leadership role by serving on the board. However you choose to step up, your involvement makes an impact.
Support pro‑taxpayer, pro‑EA candidates. Your contribution amplifies the profession’s voice in Washington, D.C.
Enrolled agents are America’s tax experts—and their voice matters. Your contribution empowers NAEA to defend the right to practice, elevate the profession’s visibility, and advance opportunities for the next generation of EAs. Together, we keep enrolled agents strong, respected, and trusted by taxpayers nationwide.
The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast gives Enrolled Agents a powerful voice by sharing real stories, breaking down new tax laws, and showcasing NAEA’s work on Capitol Hill. Each episode keeps you informed, highlights advocacy in action, and inspires you to get involved.
Advocacy ensures that lawmakers and regulators understand the unique role of enrolled agents as federally licensed tax experts. By elevating the voice of EAs, we help shape policies that protect taxpayers, improve IRS service, and strengthen the profession.
NAEA represents enrolled agents and taxpayers before Congress, the IRS, and state and federal policymakers. We advocate for fair tax policy, modern tax administration, and practical solutions that strengthen both the profession and taxpayer outcomes.
NAEA’s key advocacy priorities include:
We engage in multiple ways, including:
Enrolled agents can:
The NAEA Political Action Committee amplifies the voice of enrolled agents by supporting candidates who promote fair tax policies and effective tax administration. Contributions help ensure taxpayer interests are represented at the highest levels of government.
The Fly-In is a two-day event in Washington, D.C. where EAs meet with members of Congress and their staff. Participants receive policy briefings, then engage directly with lawmakers to explain the EA role and advocate for better tax administration.
The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast is NAEA’s platform for giving Enrolled Agents a powerful voice. Each episode breaks down new tax laws, highlights NAEA’s work on Capitol Hill, and shares real-world stories from EAs in practice. It’s designed to keep you informed, showcase advocacy in action, and inspire you to get involved in shaping the future of the profession.
