The Fight Continues Today and Every Day

The success in Minnesota was a big win for enrolled agents (EAs). For two years, the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) worked with various state agencies, lobbyists, attorneys, and other stakeholders to reverse a mistake that would have been detrimental to the profession.

This fight is over, but we will continue to advocate for our members and the enrolled agent profession whenever and wherever a threat exists. No state or local government should be able to infringe on the rights of EAs to practice their profession no matter where they reside.

While the Minnesota campaign was a more visible mission, every day there are quieter things that are happening behind the scenes that can make a big difference in the lives of our members. The NAEA exists as a source of support, community, and safeguards that will protect the right to practice.

Victories like the one in Minnesota are an example of what we can accomplish together—as a community, as an association. But there are many things that an enrolled agent can do to support advocacy efforts:

• Become an NAEA member.
• Meet with your legislators to make sure they know about enrolled agents and the knowledge and expertise they can offer regarding tax administration and taxpayer services.
• Share the updated white paper that outlines NAEA’s recommendations on IRS reforms with your legislators and professional network.
• Contribute to the political action committee (PAC) which helps the NAEA stay in front of key decision makers in Congress.
• Contribute to the NAEA legal fund to support future state-level campaigns to protect the credential.
• Alert the NAEA about any issues in your state that would infringe on the practice rights of enrolled agents.
• Recruit potential enrolled agents by sharing your career journey with students and the community.
• Raise awareness of the enrolled agent credential by including it in all your professional correspondence and marketing.

The adage, “Strength in numbers,” still rings true. Without the membership, the financial support, and the dedication of our leaders and committees, the NAEA would not be nearly as powerful and effective in its advocacy work.