Behind the Curtain at the IRS: What Tax Pros Need to Know with Terry Lemons

In this episode, host Brandy Spears sits down with Terry Lemons, former Chief of Communications and Liaison at the IRS, to explore what really happens behind the scenes at one of the most complex federal agencies in the U.S. For more than 25 years, Terry helped shape how the IRS communicated with the public, Congress, and the tax professional community—serving under six commissioners and leading the agency’s response to major legislative changes.

From launching the Dirty Dozen tax scams to modernizing digital outreach, Terry has seen it all. Now, he offers his insight into what’s ahead for the IRS, how budget cuts and workforce reductions could impact the 2026 tax season, and why enrolled agents are more vital than ever in combating misinformation, shaping policy, and advocating for taxpayers.

(Note: This episode was recorded prior to the government shutdown. Information and perspectives shared reflect the circumstances at that time.)

Why Listen

• Go behind the curtain of IRS communications, staffing, and legislative rollout

• Learn how misinformation and AI are shaping the agency’s biggest risks

• Understand why the IRS budget directly affects tax pros and client service

• Hear how EAs can build trust and influence policy at both local and national levels

• Get tips on advocacy, visibility, and what to watch for ahead of 2026

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Terry’s journey from journalist to IRS leadership

• [00:04:00] Building trust in an age of AI and information overload

• [00:07:00] Storytelling, scams, and the power of public communication

• [00:12:00] Budget cuts, burnout, and the fragility of implementation

• [00:15:00] Red flags for the 2026 filing season and the EA’s frontline role

• [00:20:00] Talking to Congress: Why EAs must speak up locally

• [00:24:00] Modernization, visibility, and two-way communication with the IRS

• [00:27:00] What Terry would put at the top of today’s Dirty Dozen list

Notable Quotes

• “Crisis creates opportunity—and enrolled agents are uniquely positioned to lead through both.” – Terry Lemons

• “You can’t run the tax system without enrolled agents. Period.” – Terry Lemons

• “Congress gives big legislation to the IRS because they know we deliver—quietly, under pressure, and with limited resources.” – Terry Lemons

• “EAs don’t need to wait for May fly-ins to speak up. Talk to your local reps now.” – Terry Lemons

Our Guest

Terry Lemons is a communications strategist and former Chief of Communications and Liaison at the IRS, where he served for over 26 years. He oversaw the IRS’s public affairs, crisis communications, and congressional relations, advising six IRS commissioners along the way. Terry was the mastermind behind high-profile initiatives like the Dirty Dozen tax scam list and played a pivotal role in modernizing the IRS’s social media presence.

Before joining the IRS, Terry was an award-winning journalist, covering the White House and Congress for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette during the 1990s. He has since used his expertise to help the IRS navigate some of the most complex communications challenges, including tax-related identity theft, the introduction of major tax reforms, and ongoing public outreach efforts.

Terry’s career is a testament to his ability to simplify complex subjects, build public trust, and guide key players through some of the toughest times in government communications.

Resource & Links

The Enrolled Agent Advocate Podcast

• The Enrolled Agent Advocate

Brandy Spears

• LinkedIn

• Website - NAEA.org

Terry Lemons

• LinkedIn