Just like that, the 2025 NAEA Tax Summit has come to a close. It’s now a wrap, but what a week it was. From powerful education to unforgettable experiences, this year’s Summit was a great success.

To everyone who joined us in Salt Lake City: thank you. We know you have many conferences to choose from, and we’re incredibly grateful you chose to spend your time with NAEA. Your presence made this this year’s event vibrant and exciting and rewarding for all!

 

A Warm Welcome & Strong Start

We kicked things off on Sunday evening with a new member social hour, where new members were welcomed by NAEA leadership, board members, and longtime attendees. It was a fantastic turnout and the perfect way to break the ice and build connections.

Monday morning, we got right to business with breakfast in the courtyard, followed by a candid and thought-provoking conversation between NAEA President Jennifer MacMillan, EA, and IRS Commissioner Billy Long.

This was Commissioner Long’s first appearance in front of a tax practitioner audience since taking office, and he made a strong impression—sharing his vision for the IRS, his confidence in implementing sweeping tax changes, and his perspective on the future of the profession.

Highlights from Commissioner Long’s Remarks

Commissioner Long offered a clear message: the IRS is ready to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, which he jokingly referred to as the “One Bill Beautiful Billy Act.” He emphasized a practical, segmented approach and a strong internal team focused on getting it right.

Key takeaways included:

  • OBBBA Implementation: The IRS is collaborating closely with Treasury leadership to break the law into manageable pieces for rollout.
  • Audit Modernization: Long emphasized improved transparency and technology, stating, “I don’t care about Direct File. I care about direct audit.”
  • Technology Improvements: After decades of delay, Long is optimistic about real modernization and better experiences for both taxpayers and practitioners.

One attendee summed it up as “encouraging to hear from a Commissioner who wants to make the IRS a better place to work for and a better organization to work with.” They also noted, “time will tell us whether or not the Billy Long of this year and the years to come is the idealized Commissioner that we met today or the Congressman that we knew previously.”

NAEA is actively seeking clarification on many of these points to help ensure EAs are well-informed and well-prepared for what’s ahead.

 

Exhibitor Hall & Welcome Reception

We were thrilled to welcome a strong lineup of sponsors and exhibitors this year, and attendees appreciated the time to connect, ask questions, and explore the tools and services designed to support their work. The Exhibit Hall officially opened Monday evening during our Welcome Reception, sponsored by Paychex, and stayed lively throughout the week.

 

Laughter, Music & Cocktails

Monday night brought a perfect mix of fun and connection. Attendees gathered for a special cocktail hour sponsored by Gallagher Affinity, followed by an unforgettable performance by Scotty Scarano. He brought the house down with a dedicated Enrolled Agent song and then surprised everyone with a hilarious, tax professional-themed rendition of DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.”

One attended laughed, “I wish I recorded that to share with my clients!” It was the kind of moment that makes Tax Summit truly unique where education meets personality, and community shines.

 

 

Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration

Tuesday’s programming featured one of our most meaningful events—the NAEA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. With support from Surgent, we celebrated with ice cream and recognition for this year’s award winners, members who’ve gone above and beyond in their service to the profession.

2025 Award Winners:

  • Founders Award: Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA & Twila Midwood, EA
  • Excellence in Education Award: Tynisa Gaines, EA,
  • Excellence in Public Awareness Award: Dr. Hrishikesh Desai, EA & Robin Rae Huntley, EA
  • EA Mentor of the Year Award: Tina Stark, EA
  • Outstanding Volunteer Award: John “Jack” Wood, EA
  • Outstanding Supporter of EAs Award: Richard Furlong
  • Bill Payne Advocacy Award: Roger Harris, EA
  • Emerging Leader Award: DeShawn King, EA

These individuals have made a meaningful difference in our profession and your nominations helped shine a light on their impact. If you haven’t already, give them a shout-out on social media or in your local chapter. They’ve earned it.

During the annual meeting, NAEA leaders shared that NAEA as an organization is strong financially, growing in membership, and has had record levels of engagement among member and the EA community over the past year. Advocacy, awareness, and member connections were key priorities, and will continue to be in the coming year. With important legislative work in Oregon, expanded advertising and awareness campaigns, and making sure that the IRS engages with their partners at NAEA, we have a busy and exciting year ahead.

 

NTPI Fellows Take the Stage

To close out the week, we proudly honored this year’s NTPI® graduates during our traditional NTPI graduation ceremony.

The National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI®) is NAEA’s flagship education program—designed exclusively for Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys. Graduates earn the NTPI Fellow® designation after completing a rigorous, three-level curriculum that prepares them to represent clients before all administrative levels of the IRS.

From in-depth coursework to real-world scenarios, NTPI Fellows are equipped with the knowledge and experience to navigate examinations, audits, collections, appeals, and more with confidence and integrity. This designation reflects a commitment to excellence that sets them apart.

Again, if you are part of their network on LinkedIn or any social platform, congratulate them on earning their NTPI Fellow Certificate!

 

Looking Ahead

To our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers—thank you for making the 2025 Tax Summit such a success. Whether it was your first time or your fifteenth, we’re honored to be part of your professional journey.

We’re already looking forward to next year. Mark your calendars: the 2026 NAEA Tax Summit is heading to New Orleans July 27 – July 29, 2026!

Until then, thank you for being part of our community and for everything you do to move the Enrolled Agent profession forward.