My Enrolled Agent Career

Episode 24: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Yvette D. Best, EA to the podcast. Yvette comes to the show with 35+ years of experience in the tax industry. Her experience working in Corporate accounting and for a CPA firm helped shape the way that she does and doesn't do business today. During this conversation, Yvette shares:Her first introduction to the EA credentialHow she learned what not to do when representing taxpayers.Transitioning from a full-time corporate accounting job to entrepreneurshipWhy helping people prepare their taxes correctly is so importantHow a hot air balloon accident changed her lifePaying off her home in under 10 yearsHow her family works in the business with herIf you are interested in connecting with Yvette online, you can find her as Yvette Best, EA⁠. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Yvette for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 23: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Phyllisy Jo Kubey, EA , to the podcast.In addition to being an Enrolled Agent, advocating for both taxpayers and tax professionals, Phyllis Jo Kubey is a career vocalist, voice actor, tax writer/contributer, and has served as the President, Past President, and Immediate Past President of the New York Society of Enrolled Agents. She also does amazing work with the National Association of Enrolled Agent's political action committee. We are blessed to have Phyllis Jo stop by the show.During this conversation, Phyllis shares:Her first introduction to the EA credentialWhy did she decide to become an Enrolled Agent after 10 years of preparing taxes?How she decided to transition from a career in music to tax preparationInvolvement in professional organizationsTransitioning from working for someone to a solo practiceHow her business grewBuilding a solo practice that can be soldIf you are interested in connecting with Phyllis Jo online, you can connect with her on LinkedIn - Phyllis Jo Kubey, EA   or on X, formerly known as Twitter - @PKubeyEALet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Phyllis Jo for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 22: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Jeffrey Thompson, EA, USTCP⁠ , to the podcast.In addition to being an Enrolled Agent and United States Tax Court Practitioner, Jeffrey is a self-proclaimed Jeff of All Trades. He has his MBA in addition to being a psychology professor, actor, writer, producer, magician, and tax accountant. We are blessed to have him stop by the show.During this conversation, Jeffrey shares:His first introduction to the EA credentialWhy he decided the CTEC wasn't enough to support the clients he served What inspired him to sit for the United States Tax Court Practitioner examWhy taking advantage of speaking opportunities is important The exponential growth of his Enrolled Agent FirmThe balance between humanity and business.If you are interested in connecting withJeffrey online, you can connect with him on LinkedIn - Jeffrey Thompson, MBA, EA, USTCP . If you'd like more information about Jeffrey or the services he offers, you can visit his website https://www.jeffthat.com/Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Jeffrey for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 21: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Anisha Bailey, EA, to the podcast.Anisha is the founder and CEO of Taxley, an Enrolled Agent Firm that focuses on Tax Representation and coaching entrepreneurs on how to overcome tax, financial, and operational challenges. Anisha is also the founder of the only apprenticeship program for enrolled agents. She shares part of her experience working with the Department of Labor to have the Enrolled Agent added as an occupation as well. The program is called Apprent EA.During this conversation, Anisha shares:Her first introduction to the EA credentialWhy the Enrolled Agent credential was a better option for her lifestyle and goals vs. the CPA licenseStarting her business as a single mom Having the support of her husband to pass the EA examsCreating what she wanted with the EA apprenticeshipHow she has incorporated her family into her businessFor more information about the only Enrolled Agent Apprenticeship program in the country, visit https://taxley.com/apprentea/If you are interested in connecting with Anisha online, you can visit https://taxley.com or follow her on LinkedIn - Anisha Bailey, EA, MSELLet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Anisha for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 20: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Jay Shah, EA, to the podcast.Jay is a firm owner and an active member of the New York Society of Enrolled Agents and the National Association of Enrolled Agents. During his conversation with Timalyn Jay shares:How a promotion encouraged him to pursue the EA credential.Starting his own firm while working a full-time corporate accounting job.How has he acquired not 1 but 2 firms.When he decided to take the leap and run his business full-time.Thank you so much to Jay Shah for joining us for episode 20. We appreciate his perspective and insights into running an Enrolled Agent Firm. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!

Episode 19: In this episode, Timalyn flies solo and delivers a short training that she feels is needed by the listeners of the podcast. After 18 weeks of inspiration, she delivers 5 steps that can be taken to start an EA firm today. Timalyn starts by letting listeners know there is a prerequisite to this podcast - How to Start an EA Firm: the Prerequisites is a live training. But if you prefer to read about the prerequisites, you can do so here: 10 Keys to Establishing a Successful Enrolled Agent FirmDuring this conversation, Timalyn shares the following 5 steps that are necessary to run a successful EA Firm:Clarify WHY you want to be an EA and run a firmClarify WHO you want to serve and HOWCreate a service offeringCreate a marketing plan AND strategyJoin a communityTimalyn reminds listeners that it is okay to evolve. Her service offering has evolved as she has laser-focused on who she will serve and how.If you are looking for a community to join, Timalyn makes an invitation to join her free community - How to Start an Enrolled Agent . If you need more access and guidance from Timalyn you can join the paid community - Enrolled Agent MentorshipBefore signing off on this episode, Timalyn reminds listeners of the Enrolled Agent Firm Bootcamp, her first in-person event that she is hosting in Louisville, Ky, this October. Thursday - Meet and GreetFriday - All-day training with on steps 1-4Saturday morning - Creating a 12-week marketing plan and strategyThe price goes up on September 16th. Listeners can use the code: TIMALYN to get the $397 rate for the remainder of this week (ends September 20th at midnight!)Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!

Episode 18: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Katrina Martin, EA, aka Katrina the Advisor, to the podcast.Katrina is a Detroit native who brings her experience as an Air Force Veteran, Mother, and Advertising Executive to the tax industry. She has owned WOW Tax & Advisory Service for a decade and served taxpayers and business owners in different capacities as their tax expert. During this conversation, Katrina shares:Her first introduction to the EA credentialTransitioning from an Advertising Executive to an EAWhen she decided to take the leap and run her tax firm full-timePutting herself out there for successTest-taking strategies for passing the EA examDistracting stories in the EA exam questionsBeing a co-founder of the EA Leadership AcademyFor more information or to register for the EA Leadership Academy's bootcamp this upcoming October, you can visit www.ealeadershipacademy.comIf you are interested in connecting with Katrina online, you can subscribe to her YouTube Channel - Katrina the Advisor.Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Katrina for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 17: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Desmond Hudson, EA, to the podcast. Desmond does taxes very well.Desmond comes to the show with almost 30 years of experience in the tax industry. His involvement with organizations like the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) helped fuel his passion for giving back to others in the form of tax preparation and then starting his own firm. Desmond also serves on the board of the award-winning National Association of Enrolled Agents EA Journal and is a contributor. During this conversation, Desmond shares:His first introduction to the EA credentialHow NABA introduced him to the tax industryThe impact that VITA has had on him and why he continues to partner with the organizationWhy helping people prepare their taxes correctly is so importantHis decision to start Hudson Tax ServiceHis journey with pricingHe decided to step away from his W-2 job to run his tax firm full-time.Why this upcoming tax season is a big opportunity for tax professionalsIf you are interested in connecting with Desmond online, you can find him on TikTok @MrIdotaxes and Instagram as @Hudsontaxservices.Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Desmond for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 16: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes her North Carolina tax sister, Karitsa Kerns, EA., to the podcast.Karitsa studied accounting and then life happened but she eventually found her way back to the CPA exam. During her journey, she became a realtor, tax professional, Enrolled Agent, and firm owner. She shares all of that and more with us in this episode.During this conversation, Karitsa shares:Her first introduction to the EA credentialHow she balanced growing a business with being a parentThings to consider before taking the leap from being employed to running your own businessWhy she decided to go back and sit for the CPA examIf you are interested in connecting with Karitsa online, you can find her on LinkedIn as ⁠Karitsa Kerns, EA , NTPIF, and on Instagram as ⁠@karitsak_ea⁠. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Karitsa for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 15: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes the North Carolina Tax Guy, Joshua Scott, EA, to the podcast.Joshua was a real estate investor who decided to go work for the IRS. So how did he become an Enrolled Agent? He shares that and more in this episode.During this conversation, Joshua shares:His first introduction to the EA credentialHow being a Real Estate investor inspired him to work for the IRSBalancing multiple businesses and having a familyBuilding a business with his family as he and his wife build their family legacy.If you are interested in connecting with Joshua online, you can find him on LinkedIn as Joshua Scott and on Instagram as @NCtaxguy. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Joshua for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 14: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes the tax therapist to marketing agencies, Michael Eckstein, EA to the podcast.Michael grew up with a father who is a CPA, so how did he end up being an Enrolled Agent instead of a CPA? He shares that and more in this episode.During this conversation, Michael shares:His first introduction to the EA credentialWho, surprisingly, encouraged him to become an Enrolled AgentThe transition to working for his Dad, to working with his Dad, to building his firmHow he built a name for himself using LinkedInBuilding a business without doing in-person eventsHow he came about naming his firm Resting Business Face #RBFHis experience with finding an online community of tax professionals.If you are interested in connecting with Michael online, you can find him as Michael Eckstein, EA on LinkedIn. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to Michael for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 13: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes her tax sister and fellow Enrolled Agent, LuSundra Everett, EA to the podcast.LuSundra is THE HomeBiz Tax Lady, the owner of ETS Tax Relief and ETS Tax Institute. In addition to that, she is a past President of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents and an active leader within the National Association of Enrolled Agents. During this conversation, LuSundra shares:Her first introduction to being an Enrolled AgentBeing a military spouse and being an Enrolled AgentBuilding a brand online for your businessWhy continuing education is so important to herThe importance of building community as a tax professionalHow she is providing quality education and the opportunity for new speakers to present on her educational platform ETS Tax Institute.Check out LuSundra's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3A) Review for CE on the ETS Tax Institute platform.If you are interested in connecting with LuSundra online, you can find her as @HomeBizTaxLady across all social media platforms. Be sure to subscribe to LuSundra's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HomeBizTaxLadyLet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments!Special thanks to LuSundra for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 12: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Jeremy Wells, EA, CPA, to the podcast.Jeremy is a Poli Sci professor turned Enrolled Agent then Certified Public Accountant. Why would anyone put themselves through getting both the Enrolled Agent and CPA credentials? Jeremy shares his "why" in this episode.Jeremy also serves as the chair of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) social media committee and is an active member in his state with the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents. During this conversation, Jeremy shares:His first introduction to being an Enrolled AgentWhat fueled his decision to leave academia and become an Enrolled Agent Why he decided to start his own firm and pursue the CPA licenseThe importance of building community as a tax professionalWhy staying educated is so important as a tax professionalHow he is helping tax professionals stay educated through his new podcast - Tax in Action. The podcast is eligible for CE for Enrolled Agents and CPE for CPAs through Earmark.If you are interested in connecting with Jeremy online, you can find him as @JWellstax across all social media platforms. Let us know your favorite part of the episode and if you plan to check out the Tax in Action podcast. Special thanks to Jeremy for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 11: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Tony Frezza, EA to the podcast.Tony is a Pharmacist turned CFP and Enrolled Agent. He is currently the Principle of ATI Professional Services.Tony also serves as a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) board of directors, a member of the NAEA political action committee (PAC), and serves at the state and local levels in Florida. During this conversation, Tony shares:His first introduction to being an Enrolled AgentHow he transitioned from being a career pharmacist to working in the tax industry and what inspired thatHow he decided to become an Enrolled Agent firm ownerHis involvement in NAEA's political action committeeThe importance of community and meeting people in personDefining success and opening a second physical locationLet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below! If you are interested in connecting with Tony, he very graciously shared his e-mail address during the episode. But you can also find him online as Tony Frezza.Special thanks to Tony for sharing his story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 10: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Kenya Harris, EA, to the show.Kenya is an Enrolled Agent and the owner of the Tax Relief Experts. During this conversation, Kenya shares:Her first introduction to being an Enrolled AgentHow she decided to make the leap to going into business full-timeShe has a high success rate with doing resolution workThe importance of community and having the right mentorGaining the confidence to do tax resolution workLet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below!If you are interested in doing a VIP day with Kenya, be sure to follow her on social media so you don't miss when she drops the dates. As a pre-requisite, you can find an Offer in Compromise class that she taught for the ETS Tax Institute here - Offer in Compromise FundamentalsYou can find her on IG as @taxreliefwithkenya and on LinkedIn and Facebook as Kenya Sheard,EA Special thanks to Kenya for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 9: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes Agent K, Kesha Dawson Harris, EA to the show.Kesha is a business owner, 2x former president of the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents, and she just finished a term as a director on the National Association of Enrolled Agents Board. During this conversation, Kesha shares:Her first introduction to being an Enrolled AgentHow she got her experience doing tax representation workHer motivation for starting her own firmThe power that Enrolled Agents possess but don't fully walk in that authorityWhy all members of NAEA should participate in the Fly-InLet us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below!If you'd like to connect with Kesha, you can find her on Facebook and LinkedIn as Kesha Dawson Harris. You can find her on IG as @MyagentK.Special thanks to Kesha for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 8: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes a Gen Z EA, Dannie Lynn Murphy. Dannie Lynn is a 7-time published author, serial entrepreneur, and speaker. We are delighted that she made time in her schedule to speak with us. During this conversation, Dannie Lynn shares:Her first introduction to the tax industryHow the desire for promotion attracted her to the EA designationHer role as an EA - she doesn't own her own firmGen Z and Millennial taxpayers are experiencing more complex tax situations earlier in their lives than previous generationsNavigating the multigenerational tax industry as a Gen Z/MillenialLiving an integrated life vs. a balanced lifeDannie Lynn also shares how D.E.I.A. (Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility) work is a part of who she is and is intertwined in everything she does. She shares her talents with the Enrolled Agent world by serving on the board of directors for the National Association of Enrolled Agents.Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below!If you'd like to connect with Dannie Lynn or follow her work, you can find her on IG, TikTok, and LinkedIn as @dannielynnfountain Special thanks to Dannie Lynn for sharing her story and insights with us in this episode.

Episode 7: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes cybersecurity expert and Enrolled Agent, Brad D. Messner, MBA, CBSA, EA, to the podcast.Brad is the founder of Financial Guardian, a resource hub designed to help tax professionals elevate their practices through tech, security, and ongoing education. In this conversation, Brad opens up about his journey from feeling isolated early in his EA career to becoming a trusted industry voice for digital security and compliance.Timalyn and Brad discuss the real-world challenges tax professionals face—from feeling overwhelmed by compliance requirements to navigating complicated vendor relationships. Brad also shares how Financial Guardian is helping practitioners stay ahead of evolving FTC safeguards through services like Guardian Mail and Guardian Trust.If you're a tax professional looking to improve your security practices, build confidence, or just feel less alone on your journey, this episode is packed with insight and actionable takeaways.You can connect with Brad and explore his resources at https://brad.tax or https://cybersecurity.tax.Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments below!Special thanks to Brad for joining Timalyn and sharing his knowledge and experience with our listeners.

Episode 6: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes a veteran in the EA world, Mark Dombrowski, EA.Mark is a well-known figure in the EA community—featured in the Journal, a national speaker, and a two-time CNBC guest. He's received the NAEA President's Award and the Excellence in Education Award.In this candid conversation, Mark shares:How he first discovered the EA designation through early jobs with former IRS agentsHis rapid ascent into tax representation, being on stage lecturing just four weeks after startingThe transition from working in a national firm to building his own practice and navigating industry pivotsThe power of networking, mentorship, and continuing to speak—even when things slowed downReal-life wins: saving marriages, helping clients keep their homes, and bringing people peace of mindHis story is packed with valuable lessons—from resilience and reinvention to the importance of staying visible and connected in your career. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration.Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below!If you'd like to connect with Mark or follow his work, find him on Facebook and LinkedIn at Mark J. Dombrowski, EA.Special thanks to Mark for sharing his wisdom and authenticity.

Episode 5: In this episode, Timalyn welcomes her first guest to the podcast, Jessica Smith, EA. Jessica is no stranger to sharing the screen with Timalyn. In 2024, Jessica joined Timalyn on her YouTube channel. You can check out some tips that Jessica and her business partner, Jamie Gruol, shared in a 2024 interview - Mastering Tax Season: Automated TaxDome Workflows for Enrolled Agents. During this conversation, Jessica candidly shares her story about how she learned of the EA designation and decided to take the exam. Her career took her straight to tax representation as she joined a law firm after college. Her journey from working in a law firm to becoming a serial entrepreneur who works with taxpayers and tax professionals is not one that you will want to miss. Let us know your favorite part of the episode in the comments down below!If you're interested in connecting with Jessica or working with her, you can find out what she's up to next by visiting https://jessica.tax. Special thanks to Jessica for joining Timalyn in this episode. If you are interested in starting your own EA firm, join Timalyn's e-mail list at www.AmericasFavoriteEA.com

Episode 4: In this episode, Timalyn shares tips for studying for the special enrollment exam to become an Enrolled Agent.1 - Find out what is on the exam. Timalyn shared the information that will be covered on the exam in a YouTube video. In that video, she shows you how to go to the Prometric website and get a copy of it for yourself. You can check the video out here. What's on the 2025 EA Exam?2 - Identify your learning/study style3 - Choose an EA Review System4- Create a study schedule5 - Let your support system support you as you study.Next week, Timalyn will have a special guest, Jessica Smith EA, join to share her journey as an Enrolled Agent. Tune in at 8 p.m. EST on 6/8 to catch the episode when it goes live.

Episode 3: In this episode, Timalyn talks about the special enrollment exam to become an Enrolled Agent. She explains the 3 exams and the 85-question multiple-choice format. On her YouTube channel, she will be sharing what is covered on each part of the exam. You can catch it on Tuesday, May 20th at 7 p.m. EST - What is on the EA Exam in 2025?Next episode, Timalyn will be sharing study tips for the exam, as well as EA review systems that she recommends.

Episode 2: In this episode, Timalyn talks about her journey to having a passion for accounting and the importance it plays in organizations. It all began in 1996 with Deacon John E. Johnson. Timalyn shares how she realized what Deacon Johnson had been teaching her when she took her first accounting high school. Deacon Johnson continued to support Timalyn, even when she went to college, until his transition from Earth. Little did Timalyn know that the things that Deacon Johnson taught her would also carry over into the tax world. Keeping the flame lit to tell the story of people who are in tax trouble with the IRS. This is Timalyn's story of finding the Enrolled Agent designation, from the beginning.

Are you interested in becoming an Enrolled Agent? If so, you are in the right place!Episode 1: In its debut episode, Timalyn kicks off with what people interested in the tax industry ask when they first hear of her credentials...what is an Enrolled Agent?An Enrolled Agent license is the highest credential awarded to a tax professional by the IRS. It gives the professional unlimited tax representation privileges before the IRS. This means that an Enrolled Agent can step in on behalf of a taxpayer and handle any tax problem in any IRS tax office across the United States. Only an Enrolled Agent, CPA, and Tax Attorney has these rights. If you are interested in learning more about being an Enrolled Agent or starting your own Enrolled Agent Firm, Timalyn invites listeners to join her e-mail list at www.AmericasFavoriteEA.com

The podcast is officially launching on April 8th!Timalyn invites listeners to subscribe and join her as she shares her journey of becoming an Enrolled Agent and brings on guests to share their journeys. Being an Enrolled Agent isn't a cookie-cutter career, so you'll want to tune in to see what opportunities are available to you if you decide to take this path. You can join Timalyn's e-mail list here - https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/enrolledagentfirm