The Enrolled Agent Advocate

In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, Brandy Spears is joined by Phyllis Jo Kubey, an enrolled agent, certified financial planner, and NTPI Fellow, who’s been in the tax profession since 1986. Phyllis brings over three decades of experience navigating tax law changes, IRS reform, and representing taxpayers in complex cases. She’s also an advocate for the profession, having served on the IRS Advisory Council and testified before the US Senate Finance Committee on tax policy. Phyllis shares her journey of moving beyond tax prep to becoming a trusted voice in tax reform, breaking down barriers for practitioners, and fighting for systemic change. Phyllis also highlights the importance of ethics, judgment, and client advocacy, emphasizing that these soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise for any future enrolled agents. Why Listen: How Phyllis’ advocacy is rooted in frustration and responsibility Why advocacy is a must for practitioners and not an optional add-on The real-world impact of Phyllis’ testimony before the US Senate How the NAEA PAC amplifies the voice of enrolled agents in policy decisions Why Phyllis believes the future of the profession is in good hands with younger EAs In This Episode: [00:00:00] Welcome to The Enrolled Agent Advocate [00:01:00] Meet Phyllis Jo Kubey: Tax pro, advocate, and a voice in tax reform [00:03:10] How Phyllis transitioned from tax practice to advocacy [00:05:30] Serving on the IRS Advisory Council: Inside the IRS and the importance of practitioner feedback [00:09:30] Phyllis’ experience testifying before the US Senate Finance Committee [00:13:00] Advocating for penalty abatement automation at the IRS [00:17:00] Why strong communication between the IRS and practitioners benefits everyone [00:20:00] The role of the NAEA PAC in amplifying the voice of enrolled agents [00:23:00] The importance of getting involved in leadership roles within the profession [00:25:00] How listening, ethics, and judgment matter just as much as technical knowledge [00:27:00] Phyllis’ holistic approach to balancing tax work with personal well-being [00:30:00] The intersection of music, creativity, and tax work [00:34:00] How tax professionals can get involved in advocacy and create change [00:36:00] Phyllis’ advice for future EAs: Start with ethics and client advocacy Notable Quotes “Advocacy isn’t optional. It’s a must when you realize many client problems are actually systemic.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey “Practitioners are the last line of defense between a complex tax system and taxpayers.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey “Penalties aren’t just abstractions. Delays and ambiguity translate into penalties, anxiety, and real harm for taxpayers.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey “Policy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The IRS needs our input for it to work in real life.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey “Music taught me to listen and see the space between the notes. That’s a skill I bring to both my tax work and advocacy.” — Phyllis Jo Kubey Our Guest Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA is a certified financial planner, and NTPI Fellow with over 30 years of experience in tax preparation, planning, and representation. Phyllis has served on the IRS Advisory Council, testifying before the US Senate Finance Committee on IRS reform and tax policy. As a leader within the NAEA, Phyllis has held roles like past president of the New York State Society of Enrolled Agents and Chair of the NAEA PAC Board, advocating for the enrolled agent profession at the highest levels. She’s also known for her contributions to the tax press and active presence on tax Twitter, where she shares insights and advocates for fair tax policy. Phyllis’ unique background in music and the arts also influences her approach to tax work and advocacy, blending creativity and empathy with technical expertise. Resource and Links The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast The Enrolled Agent Advocate Brandy Spears LinkedIn Website - NAEA.org Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA LinkedIn Website