Our History

The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is the nation’s leading community for anyone—from students and those beginning their tax professional journey to veterans with decades of experience. With an emphasis on education and community, NAEA is essential to success in any tax-based career.

We have the tools and connections to help you succeed and the advocacy and clarity to support you every step of the way.

If you’re a tax pro (or an aspiring tax pro) looking to connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to the industry and believe in making the most of every opportunity, you’ve found the right place.

NAEA was founded as the Association of Enrolled Agents (AEA) in 1972 in Hawthorne, California. With dues set at $15, five enrolled agents (including our first three presidents) established the association with 35 members. Our founders realized that for the association to grow, they needed to create opportunities for enrolled agents to meet. And grow we did. By the time of our first convention in 1973, four California AEA chapters were joined by chapters in Arizona, New York. Texas, and Florida.

In 1981, we moved our headquarters to Washington, DC, to strengthen our advocacy and government relations activities on Capitol Hill. Today, we have over 8,000 members in all fifty states and countries around the world representing the entire tax professional spectrum. If you’re interested in learning more about our history, take a look at The First 20 Years: 1972-1992 by Bess Messmer, EA, and The Second 20 Years: 1993-2013 by Ann Shroll, EA.

Learn more about how NAEA is celebrating its 50th year.