The EA’s Role in Fighting Misinformation About Taxes

I recently had a conversation with a reporter who was asking about the latest tax credit scam being promoted on social media. She wanted to know why this was happening and how it could be fixed. While the second question is tougher to answer, we all know why this is happening. This is the same snake oil salesman concept that has been around for centuries, but it’s certainly feeling more amplified in the digital age.

Tax and other financial scams are particularly rampant. I know several people who have been the victims of online financial fraud. We may not all have been convinced that Nigerian princes were real in the ‘90s, but even the most savvy or cynical can fall victim to these new and very sophisticated scams.

So, how can we fix this? It’s probably not completely fixable. However, the enrolled agent (EA) community can do more to protect the taxpayer and, by doing so, also elevate the enrolled agent credential. As we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and into 2025, National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) members are well-positioned to take the lead in fighting misinformation. By advocating for taxpayer protection, being the source of reliable tax information, and providing trustworthy tax preparation and representation services, our members can elevate the profile of enrolled agents as trusted tax advisors.

We are all exposed to misinformation from what we see and hear online. Influenced, so to speak, by those who present themselves as experts or trustworthy sources. One way to counter that is by sharing better and more accurate information from actual experts. Alas, this is easier said than done when we’re up against sophisticated algorithms and big advertising budgets. But by working together we can make an impact. In addition to online campaigns, media pitches, and other public relations and advocacy initiatives, each member can also support these efforts.

In this journal issue, the focus is on taxpayer representation. And, no doubt, many of our members who do representation work will be cleaning up this mess of fraudulent tax claims in the years to come. But every client, whether he or she is are there for tax preparation, tax planning, or tax representation, is an opportunity to demonstrate the expertise, professionalism, and trustworthiness of enrolled agents. Doing so grows the reputation that enrolled agents are America’s Tax Experts®.