It started with a letter.

In late 2019, Jon Call, EA, founder of CLAW Tax Group, opened a notice from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. At first glance, it looked procedural—but something didn’t add up. What unfolded next would become a defining chapter in the fight for Enrolled Agents’ rights in Minnesota and beyond.

This week on The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast, host Brandy Spears brings you the extraordinary story of how Jon Call—a former marketing professional turned EA and NTPI Fellow—found himself at the center of a regulatory showdown with implications for the entire profession.

Before becoming a champion for federal preemption and professional integrity, Jon built a career rooted in return on investment. His early work with nonprofits taught him the value of clarity and measurable outcomes. When a career pivot led him into the world of tax, it was a natural fit—one where the numbers spoke plainly, and the results mattered.

But nothing prepared him for the legal conflict that began when Minnesota accused him of operating as a debt settlement company without a license. The state’s laws clashed directly with federal regulations that govern the ethical standards of Enrolled Agents. States can’t override Circular 230—but that distinction wasn’t recognized. The stakes were serious—not just for Jon, but for every EA in the state.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Jon fought back—not just for himself, but for the profession.

“I couldn’t just stand by and let the state define our profession in a way that undermines what we do.”

With the support of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, Jon took the fight to the state legislature. His story is one of legal strategy, personal resilience, and the power of professional community.

Tune in to learn why this case is not just for enrolled agents in Minnesota, but for EAs across the nation.