
Taking Advocacy Beyond D.C.
NAEA’s annual Capitol Hill Fly-In proves what’s possible when enrolled agents speak directly with lawmakers about the issues affecting taxpayers and tax professionals. But advocacy doesn’t begin, or end, in Washington. The most powerful conversations often happen at home: in district offices, at local events, and in everyday moments where you educate, clarify, and elevate the value of the EA credential.
That’s the purpose behind Enrolled Agent Advocacy Week Across the Nation. Instead of meeting lawmakers in D.C., this initiative brings advocacy to their districts. This is where you work, serve, and see taxpayer challenges firsthand.
This year, hundreds of EAs across 32 states stepped up, scheduling meetings with their U.S. Senators and Representatives to raise awareness of the EA credential, share real-world taxpayer issues, and build relationships that influence smarter tax policy.
“We Are Stronger When We Stand Together”
Throughout the week, EAs across the country shared their experiences on LinkedIn and directly with NAEA, one powerful reflection came from Kris Thiessen, CFA, CAIA, EA, MST, Senior Small Business Partner at Block Advisors and IRS Advisory Council member.
Kris wrote:
“During the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) Enrolled Agent Advocacy Week Across the Nation, I am reminded of the impact we have on Capitol Hill.
This week, enrolled agents (EAs) are meeting with their members of Congress in their local district offices to explain what EAs do, brief lawmakers on real-world taxpayer issues from their communities, and help shape smarter tax policy.
We are stronger when we stand together.
Enrolled Agents: please share what you do, explain what an Enrolled Agent is, highlight why EAs stand out, post a photo and tag
#EnrolledAgent and #EnrolledAgentAdvocacyWeek.”
Kris’s message reflects exactly what this week represents: visibility, unity, and the collective strength of the EA community.
Highlights From Across the Nation
As EAs met with lawmakers and staff, stories came in showcasing the professionalism, clarity, and heart you bring to this work. Here are just a few examples from this week’s meetings:
Lisa Bierlein, EA (Beacon Tax and Estate Services Inc.) met with Juliet Hashbarger, North Central PA Regional Manager for U.S. Senator David McCormick, to raise awareness of the EA credential and spotlight local taxpayer issues.- Rawad Abou Hassan, EA met with Akaash, Regional Manager for Oakland County from Senator Slotkin’s office, for an engaging conversation focused on NAEA’s mission and the needs of small businesses and tax practitioners.
“Akaash was very approachable and genuinely curious about the work Enrolled Agents do. I left feeling encouraged about building an ongoing relationship with Senator Slotkin’s team.” — Rawad Abou Hassan, EA
- Kenny Tse, EA met with Joey Apodaca, Deputy District Director – Casework and Senior Field Representative for Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), to introduce NAEA, explain the EA credential, and discuss opportunities to collaborate on constituent tax issues.

- Susie DiMaggio, EA met with Connor Kelly, Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), emphasizing the importance of the EA credential, sharing taxpayer challenges, and reinforcing the critical role EAs play in keeping families and businesses compliant.
- Janet Sienicki, EA, ABA shared on LinkedIn that as part of Enrolled Agent Advocacy Week she met with Kelly Anthony, JD, MBA, the NWI Regional Director for U.S. Senator Todd Young, for a thoughtful discussion about the critical role of enrolled agents in assisting taxpayers and protecting their rights.
Each of these conversations demonstrates the power of local advocacy grounded in expertise and real-world experience.
Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
Tax professionals serve a rapidly changing landscape. Demand for tax expertise continues to rise, yet fewer new professionals enter the field. Meanwhile, the number of Enrolled Agents continues to grow — climbing to 63,705 in 2025.
Both federal and state lawmakers need to understand who you are, what you do, and why your federal license matters.
This is especially important as NAEA continues advocating in states where EA rights and recognition are being challenged, such as Oregon and Minnesota. Your visits during Advocacy Week reinforce this message:
Enrolled Agents are ethical, federally regulated tax experts who serve taxpayers nationwide.
And when you meet with lawmakers in your own community, you transform that message into lasting relationships.
Keep the Advocacy Momentum Going
If you participated this week, thank you. If you didn’t have the chance, you can still make an impact:
- Share what you do and why it matters
- Use #EnrolledAgent and #EnrolledAgentAdvocacyWeek
- Tag your representatives and local officials
- Connect with NAEA’s Advocacy resources to stay involved
You advocate every time you:
- Sign an email or letter with “Enrolled Agent” at the end of your name
- Explain what an enrolled agent is
- Share NAEA content
- Correct a misunderstanding about tax practice
- Highlight taxpayer challenges in your community
- Speak with local officials
- Post about your work on social platforms
- Support the NAEA PAC
- Mentor emerging tax professionals
Your voice strengthens the profession and helps ensure EAs remain recognized, respected, and understood nationwide. Advocacy is everyday. It happens when you speak up in your community, in your practice, and in the everyday conversations that shape how the world understands enrolled agents.
Upcoming Advocacy and Government Relation Events
We have some pertinent events coming up that you should attend as NAEA members, but especially as Enrolled Agents.
A Conversation with Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) & Government Relations Update Webinar
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM EST
The NAEA PAC will host an all-member virtual event, “A Conversation with Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)”. Congresswoman Sewell is the Ranking Member on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight — a key voice on IRS accountability, modernization, and enforcement. Don’t miss this chance to hear her insights on the issues that shape your work.
NAEA’s September Government Relations Update will follow. This session will provide insights on:
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- The aftermath of the government shutdown and preparation for filing season at the IRS
- Congressional actions around FY26 funding for the IRS
- Year-end and first quarter legislative priorities for Congress
- The implementation of key tax provisions in OBBBA – key guidance and regulations
- Leadership at the IRS
- Upcoming 2026 congressional elections – retirements and the current state of the race
Capitol Hill Fly-In 2026 in Washington, DC
May 5 – 6, 2026
NAEA’s Capitol Hill Fly-In brings enrolled agents from across the country to Washington, D.C. to speak directly with lawmakers about the issues shaping tax administration, taxpayer service, and the future of the profession. Over two days, members meet with Congressional offices, share real-world challenges from your community, and help guide policy conversations that impact millions of taxpayers.
If you are an NAEA member, consider participating in the 2026 Capitol Hill Fly-In.




“During the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) Enrolled Agent Advocacy Week Across the Nation, I am reminded of the impact we have on Capitol Hill.