Growing the Profession

Over the last few years, it seemed that the enrolled agent (EA) credential was moving from a quiet constant in the tax profession to a rapidly growing force shaping its future. As tax law grows more complex and demand for specialized, year-round expertise increases, more professionals are recognizing the unique value of the EA designation.

We finally now have some data to support this sentiment. The EA profession has grown by 7 percent over the past year. That’s a remarkable increase, and the biggest we have seen in the past four years. Now, I should acknowledge that an increased number of EAs overseas is part of the growth, but even stateside, the number of EAs here in the United States grew by 6 percent since the fall of 2024.

This growth isn’t just about the numbers; it reflects a broader shift in how taxpayers, employers, and policymakers view trusted tax representation and the critical role EAs play within it. It’s about more awareness of the credential among future tax professionals, more firms and employers supporting the EA profession and hiring and promoting enrolled agents, outreach into the community so more taxpayers hire EAs, and having a prominent seat at the table with stakeholder groups and regulatory agencies to ensure that EAs have influence and involvement in the decisions and laws that impact the tax administration system.

It’s also about National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) members and other enrolled agents who gallantly serve their clients and the tax administration system, who continue to demonstrate the highest level of service and professionalism. All these things are helping to elevate awareness of and respect for the enrolled agent credential.

So how do we keep this momentum going? Of course, we continue to do the things above, but we also will expand on these efforts through outreach to more schools and colleges to reach future EAs, creating more employer relationships to drive job opportunities, engaging more with international EAs, working with legislators and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to establish professional standards for all tax preparers, and elevating the voice of EAs as subject matter experts.

As the only organization dedicated to enrolled agents, the NAEA’s activities are designed to keep the profession growing and strong. Members bring their expertise and voices to support advocacy efforts at the annual NAEA Capitol Hill Fly-In, where they engage with national policymakers. The Schuldiner Smollen Leadership Academy (SSLA) helps members build leadership skills – further strengthening the profession from within. The National Tax Practice Institute™ (NTPI®) provides comprehensive and practical education on tax representation.

Through these and other programs, the NAEA ensures that EAs are not merely represented – but recognized, respected, and prepared to advance the profession.