News

As enrolled agents assisting clients with federal and state tax matters, staying informed on the latest IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) developments is crucial. Below is a curated summary of press releases and news items from the past week, including key highlights relevant to your practice, along with direct links to the source materials.

IRS News Releases

Here are the key IRS updates from September 30 to October 6, 2025, with summaries tailored for Enrolled Agents focusing on tax compliance, preparation, and client advisory implications:

• IR-2025-101 (October 6, 2025): IRS names Jarod Koopman as Acting Chief Tax Compliance Officer, overseeing enforcement divisions. This leadership change could influence IRS enforcement approaches, requiring EAs to adapt client compliance strategies and prepare for potential shifts in audit and collection interactions. Source
• IR-2025-98 (October 1, 2025): IRS seeks volunteers for VITA and TCE programs. EAs can leverage this for community involvement, potentially enhancing client outreach and supporting low-income tax preparation services. Source
• IR-2025-99 (October 1, 2025): IRS seeks feedback on draft Instructions for Form 6765 and extends reporting dates for the research credit. This affects EAs advising on R&D tax credits, streamlining compliance and allowing more time for accurate claim preparations. Source
• IR-2025-100 (October 1, 2025): IRS Independent Office of Appeals launches a pilot for Post Appeals Mediation. EAs handling client disputes may benefit from this faster resolution option, improving outcomes in tax controversy cases. Source
• IR-2025-97 (September 30, 2025): IRS provides tax relief for those affected by the conflict in Israel, postponing deadlines to September 30, 2026. EAs should inform qualifying clients about extended filing and payment options to ensure compliance without penalties. Source
• IR-2025-96 (September 30, 2025): Treasury and IRS issue guidance on Qualified Opportunity Zone investments in rural areas. This is key for EAs guiding clients on tax-advantaged investments, impacting deferral strategies and rural development planning. Source

Oklahoma Tax Commission News

Recent OTC developments from September 30 to October 6, 2025, including official releases and social media updates relevant to state tax practice:

• Oklahoma Tax Commission Announces Tax Relief for Disaster-Affected Counties (September 30, 2025): OTC provides tax relief for counties hit by disasters, potentially including deadline extensions or adjustments. EAs should review client eligibility in affected areas to manage state tax obligations effectively. Source
• Customer Service Week Announcement (October 6, 2025): OTC celebrates Customer Service Week, emphasizing transparency and friendly service. EAs can use this as a reminder to direct clients to OTC resources for smoother state tax inquiries. Source
• Tax Extension Reminder (October 3, 2025): If clients filed a federal extension, their Oklahoma return is due by October 15, 2025. EAs should advise clients to prepare documents early to avoid delays in state filings. Source
• Financial Planning Month Promotion (October 1, 2025): OTC highlights October as Financial Planning Month, promoting OkTAP for tax management. EAs can recommend OkTAP to clients for efficient state tax planning and payments. Source

Additionally, the Oklahoma State Treasurer reported a rebound in September 2025 revenues, driven by income tax (up 8.4% year-over-year) and gross production tax gains, which may signal positive trends for state tax collections and client planning. Source

Upcoming OSEA Events

Blurb on events for the next week (October 7-14, 2025) and up to 14 days forward (through October 21, 2025), based on the OSEA events page. Note: No events are listed for October 7-14, but the following are scheduled within the 14-day window:

• OSEA Education Committee Meeting (October 10, 2025, 9:00 AM): Open to all members for planning 2025 educational events. Join via Zoom to contribute ideas. Register/Event Page
• OSEA Central Oklahoma Chapter Event - Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 2 (October 17, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM): 1-hour CE presentation on IRS tools, appeals, audits, and relief options. No cost (meal on own). Location: The Big Biscuit, 6406 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Register/Event Page

Major Annual OSEA Seminars

OSEA hosts two major annual seminars for professional development and CE credits:

• Northeast Oklahoma Annual Seminar: Typically held in late October (e.g., October 30-31, 2025). Focuses on tax education and networking for EAs in the region. More Info/Register
• Oklahoma City Annual Seminar: Typically in mid-November (e.g., November 13-14, 2025). Provides in-depth CE sessions on federal and state tax topics. More Info/Register

The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is a professional organization dedicated to representing and supporting enrolled agents in Oklahoma through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Visit us at EAOK.org for more information and resources.

As enrolled agents assisting clients with federal and state tax matters, staying informed on the latest IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) developments is crucial. Below is a curated summary of press releases and news items from the past week, including key highlights relevant to your practice, along with direct links to the source materials.

IRS News Releases

IR-2025-95 (Sept. 29, 2025): The Treasury and IRS have issued interim final regulations and a proposed rulemaking to reduce the PTIN user fee for tax professionals to $10 effective for the renewal cycle starting October 16, 2025, which brings the total cost including the $8.75 processing fee to $18.75. This change will lower costs for enrolled agents renewing their PTIN, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently in their practices. Full release

IR-2025-94 (Sept. 23, 2025): The IRS and Treasury announced the phase-out of paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers starting September 30, 2025, in line with Executive Order 14247, to promote efficiency and security. Enrolled agents should advise clients to switch to direct deposit or other electronic methods to avoid delays in receiving refunds and ensure compliance with the new policy. Full release

Oklahoma Tax Commission News

From X (@oktaxcommission), Sept. 29, 2025: The OTC encourages taxpayers to opt in for paperless 1099-G tax documents via OkTAP for a quick, easy, and secure process. Enrolled agents can guide clients through this option to streamline document receipt and reduce mailing risks, enhancing efficiency in tax preparation. View post on X

Disaster Tax Relief Updates

Oklahoma Wildfire and Straight-Line Winds Disaster Extensions Date Announced: September 23, 2025 (on EAOK.org News) Summary: The IRS provides automatic tax relief for individuals and businesses in disaster-designated Oklahoma counties (Oklahoma, Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Pawnee, and Payne) affected by wildfires and straight-line winds, postponing filing and payment deadlines falling on or after March 14, 2025, and before November 3, 2025, to November 3, 2025. This covers income, payroll, excise taxes, quarterly estimated payments, and retirement contributions (FEMA-4866-DR). The OTC has aligned with this relief via an August 26, 2025, order, requiring no special forms for eligible taxpayers—though penalties can be abated upon request, and affected taxpayers outside designated areas may qualify by contacting the IRS or OTC. Enrolled agents should note the disaster declaration number on relevant forms and assist clients in verifying eligibility to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary penalties. Links: IRS Guidance | OTC Order | FEMA Map | Federal Register

Government Shutdown Contingency Plan

IRS FY2026 Lapse in Appropriations Contingency Plan Date Announced: September 29, 2025 Summary: The IRS has confirmed that, due to supplemental appropriations from the Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. L. 117-169) available through September 30, 2031, normal IRS operations will continue without interruption in the event of a government shutdown starting October 1, 2025, with all 74,299 employees (adjusted for DRP) designated as exempt and expected to continue work for at least the first five business days. Enrolled agents should reassure clients that IRS services, including processing, audits, and taxpayer assistance, will remain operational, but stay vigilant for any updates if the lapse extends beyond the initial period. Link: IRS Contingency Plan

Upcoming OSEA Events

OSEA Education Committee Meeting Date: October 10, 2025, 9:00 AM Location: Zoom (virtual) Description: This regular meeting of the OSEA Education Committee welcomes all members and associates to discuss and contribute to planning educational events and resources for enrolled agents in 2025 and beyond, focusing on professional development and CE opportunities. Registration/Details: Join via Zoom—link available to members via email or on the events page (no public registration required for attendance). View event

Central Oklahoma Chapter Seminar - Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 2 Date: October 17, 2025, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM Location: The Big Biscuit, 6406 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Description: Edward Moore, EA, will present a one-hour CE session starting at noon on navigating IRS interactions, covering transcripts, research tools, communication, appeals, audit reconsideration, penalty abatement, and spouse relief, offering practical guidance for enrolled agents to address client compliance needs. This no-cost event (attendees purchase their own meal) provides 1 CE hour in Federal Tax Law (IRS Course ID: FAHHB-T-00185-25-I), ideal for both new and experienced EAs. Register here

Northeast Oklahoma Chapter Seminar - Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 2 Date: October 24, 2025, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM Location: The Big Biscuit, 5335 E 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135 Description: Edward Moore, EA, delivers a one-hour CE session starting at 12:30 PM, focusing on IRS interactions including transcripts, research tools, appeals, audit reconsideration, penalty abatement, and spouse relief, providing actionable insights for enrolled agents to support client compliance. This no-cost event (attendees purchase their own meal) offers 1 CE hour in Federal Tax Law (IRS Course ID: FAHHB-T-00185-25-I) and is suitable for all EAs. Register here

Major Annual OSEA Seminars

The 2025 OSEA Northeast Annual Seminar, held October 30–31 at Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow, offers up to 16 CE units covering key topics like Form 4797, ethics, federal tax updates, estate and trust returns, S corporations, and more, with headliners including Randy Adams, EA, MSA, and Melinda Garvin, EA. Attendees can choose in-person participation with lunch provided or virtual attendance via Zoom, providing flexible professional development opportunities for enrolled agents to stay current on tax practices. Register early for special pricing through September 30, 2025. Register here

The 2025 OSEA Oklahoma City Annual Seminar, scheduled for November 13–14 at OSU-OKC Student Center, delivers up to 16 CE units on topics such as partnerships, IRS updates, gross income, tax matters for lawsuits, and ethics, featuring headliners Francis X. Degen, EA, USTCP, and Jane Ryder, EA, CPA, along with IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service presentations. This event supports enrolled agents' continuing education needs with in-person (including lunch) or virtual Zoom options, fostering networking and knowledge on state and federal tax issues. Register here

The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is a professional organization dedicated to representing and supporting enrolled agents in Oklahoma through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Visit us at EAOK.org for more information and resources.

In response to the devastating wildfires and straight-line winds across Oklahoma earlier this year, federal and state authorities have announced coordinated tax relief measures for affected taxpayers.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on June 9, 2025, that filing and payment deadlines falling on or after March 14, 2025, and before November 3, 2025, are automatically postponed to November 3, 2025, for individuals and businesses in disaster-designated counties.  This relief applies to income, payroll, and excise taxes, as well as quarterly estimated payments and retirement plan contributions.  Full IRS guidance is available here.

At the state level, the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) has aligned with the IRS by extending similar deadlines for Oklahoma tax filings.  The OTC order, filed August 26, 2025, formalizes this relief for residents in the federally declared disaster area.  The full OTC order is available in PDF format here.

The disaster declaration, FEMA-4866-DR, signed by the President on May 21, 2025, authorizes federal assistance programs for six Oklahoma counties.  Designated areas are eligible for individual and public assistance, debris removal, and hazard mitigation funding.  FEMA’s official disaster map can be viewed here.  The Federal Register notice of this declaration is published here.

Affected Counties:  The declaration covers six counties, including Oklahoma, Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Pawnee, and Payne.

Next Steps for Tax Return Preparers:

• Eligible taxpayers do not need to file special forms to claim relief; the IRS and OTC are supposed to automatically apply deadline extensions based on address.  However, it might be a good idea to identify the disaster declaration number at the top of the first page of the form when filing or paying outside the normal or extended filing or payment deadlines.

• Those who receive penalties for late filing or payment can call the IRS or the OTC at the number listed on the notice to request abatement.

• Taxpayers with addresses outside designated counties who were directly affected may also qualify upon request.

As enrolled agents assisting clients with federal and state tax matters, staying informed on the latest IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) developments is crucial. Below is a curated summary of press releases and news items from the past week, including key highlights relevant to your practice, along with direct links to the source materials.

IRS News Releases

• Treasury, IRS Issue Final Regulations on New Roth Catch-Up Rule, Other SECURE 2.0 Act Provisions(September 15, 2025) The Treasury and IRS have issued final regulations on catch-up contributions under the SECURE 2.0 Act, which tax professionals and enrolled agents should review to ensure compliance with updated retirement plan rules, particularly regarding Roth catch-up contributions for higher-income employees. Source Link

Oklahoma Tax Commission News Releases

No new Oklahoma Tax Commission news releases were identified within the past week.

Upcoming OSEA Events (September 17–23, 2025)

• OSEA Board Meeting (September 18, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, Zoom) This is a regularly scheduled board meeting of the Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents. All members and associates are welcome to attend. No CE hours specified. No cost; no specific registration required. For more details, visit the OSEA Events Page.
• OSEA Northeast Oklahoma Chapter Event - Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 1 (September 19, 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, The Big Biscuit, 5335 E 41st Street (41st and Yale), Tulsa, OK 74135) Edward Moore, EA, will provide a one-hour CE presentation starting at 12:30 on "Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 1." Topics include understanding IRS employee roles, levels of authority, IRS transcripts, communication channels, and tools for client outcomes. IRS Course ID: FAHHB-T-00184-25-I, 1 CE Hour -- Federal Tax Law. No cost, but attendees must purchase their own meal. For registration and more details, visit the OSEA Events Page.

Major Annual OSEA Seminars

OSEA hosts two major annual conferences offering extensive continuing education opportunities. For more information, descriptions, and registration, visit the OSEA Events Page.

• OSEA Northeast Annual Seminar (October 30–31, 2025, Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow, 3100 New Orleans Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74014, Business and Technology Building, Room BATB 225) A two-day event with up to 16 CE units on topics such as Form 4797, estate and trust returns, ethics, and more, available in person or virtually. Registration now available with special pricing through Sept 19, 2025. Attend both OKC and NE OK conferences for a $25 discount for a 2026 conference. No price increase from last year. Lunch provided for on-site attendees; virtual attendees get the link one week before the event.
• OSEA OKC Annual Seminar (November 13–14, 2025, OSU-OKC Student Center top floor, 900 N. Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73107) A two-day event with up to 16 CE units on topics such as gross income, partnerships, ethics, and more, including Taxpayer Advocate Service presentations, available in person or virtually. Registration now available with special pricing through October 3, 2025. Attend both OKC and NE OK conferences for a $25 discount for a 2026 conference. No price increase from last year. Lunch provided for on-site attendees; virtual attendees get the link one week before the event. Includes a presentation by the Taxpayer Advocate Service with in-person case resolution services.

The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is a professional organization dedicated to representing and supporting enrolled agents in Oklahoma through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Visit us at EAOK.org for more information and resources.

As enrolled agents assisting clients with federal and state tax matters, staying informed on the latest IRS and Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) developments is crucial. Below is a curated summary of press releases and news items from the past week, including key highlights relevant to your practice, along with direct links to the source materials.

IRS News Releases

• IRS Urges Emergency Preparedness Ahead of Peak Disaster Season (September 4, 2025) The IRS urges tax professionals to create or update emergency preparedness plans as part of National Preparedness Month, especially given the peak hurricane season and high wildfire risks, which could impact federal tax filing and payment deadlines for affected clients. Source Link
• IRS Assesses $162 Million in Penalties Over False Tax Credit Claims Tied to Social Media (September 8, 2025) The IRS is alerting tax professionals to fraudulent schemes on social media promoting misuse of credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and Sick and Family Leave Credit, emphasizing the need for vigilance to ensure clients' compliance with federal tax laws and avoid penalties. Source Link

Oklahoma Tax Commission News Releases

• Sales Tax News Release September 2025 (September 2025) The report details sales tax revenues for various cities and counties in Oklahoma for September 2025, with city revenue totaling $212,030,286.11 (up from $203,259,579.41 in September 2024), county revenue at $39,539,743.54 (up from $34,191,507.65), and combined total at $251,570,029.65 (up from $237,451,087.06), providing insights into state tax trends that may affect distributions and client planning. Source Link

Upcoming OSEA Events (September 12–18, 2025)

Stay connected and earn continuing education credits through these upcoming events. For registration and more details, visit the OSEA Events Page.

• OSEA Education Committee Meeting (September 12, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom) A regular meeting for members and associates to plan educational events for 2025 and beyond.
• OSEA Central Oklahoma Chapter Event (September 12, 2025, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, Ted's Café Escondido Banquet Room, Oklahoma City) Includes a 1-hour CE presentation on "Beyond the Return: Solving IRS Issues for Your Clients, Part 1" (1 CE Hour – Federal Tax Law).
• OSEA Board Meeting (September 18, 2025, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM, Zoom) A regularly scheduled board meeting open to all members and associates.

Major Annual OSEA Seminars

OSEA hosts two major annual conferences offering extensive continuing education opportunities. For more information and registration, visit the OSEA Events Page.

• OSEA Northeast Oklahoma Conference (October 30–31, 2025, Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow) A two-day event with up to 16 CE units on topics like Form 4797, estate and trust returns, ethics, and S corporations. Available in person or online.
• OSEA Oklahoma City Conference (November 13–14, 2025, OSU-OKC Student Center, Oklahoma City) A two-day event with up to 16 CE units on topics like gross income, partnerships, and ethics, including Taxpayer Advocate Service presentations. Available in person or online.

The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is a professional organization dedicated to representing and supporting enrolled agents in Oklahoma through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Visit us at EAOK.org for more information and resources.

We’re excited to announce the organization meeting for the brand-new Sooner Chapter of the Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents, and you’re invited to be a part of it!

Date & Time: May 15, 2 pm

Location: Online via Zoom

Register Here: Zoom Registration Link

At this important first meeting, we will:

✅ Approve the Chapter Bylaws (Draft HERE)

✅ Elect Chapter Officers

✅ Establish Committees and Seek Volunteers

We’re looking for passionate members who want to get involved and help shape the future of our chapter. Whether you’re interested in leadership, committee work, or just being part of something new—now’s the time to jump in!

Have any questions? Please email John Veal at jdvealjr@gmail.com.

Greetings Fellow Enrolled Agent:

 

The Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents (OSEA) is excited to announce the establishment of a Virtual Chapter to better serve Enrolled Agents across the state. We recognize that many professionals are unable to attend in-person meetings held by our Northeast and Central Oklahoma chapters, and we want to ensure that all Enrolled Agents have access to networking, professional development, and continuing education opportunities.

 

The Virtual Chapter will function similarly to our existing chapters, with the primary difference being that meetings will be conducted via Zoom. Our goal is to hold the first meeting in June 2025, and we are currently gathering interest and input from potential members. Members of the Virtual Chapter will still have the opportunity to participate in the annual meeting held by the Northeast and Central Chapters each year.

 

How You Can Get Involved

 

If you are interested in being part of this new chapter, please take a moment to complete our short Google Form:  https://forms.gle/Z5r6MMrywACwq7N46

 

Your response will help us shape the chapter and keep you informed as we move forward. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at jdvealjr@gmail.com or 580-695-9090.

 

We look forward to building this new virtual community with you!

 

Best regards,

John D. Veal, Jr.
Chair, OSEA Virtual Chapter Committee
Oklahoma Society of Enrolled Agents

The Treasury Department and IRS have proposed regulations to modernize rules for tax professionals authorized to practice before the IRS, including enrolled agents, CPAs, and appraisers. Key changes address:

• Ethics Standards: Clarifying professional responsibilities.
• Contingent Fees: Refining when such arrangements are allowed.
• Disqualification Criteria: Expanding reasons for suspending or barring professionals.
• Appraiser Requirements: Updating compliance rules for accurate valuations.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2025, and the IRS welcomes written feedback. Learn more at IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The IRS is introducing a major update for the 2025 tax filing season that will allow duplicate dependent tax returns to be filed electronically, provided they include an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This change is designed to help families and taxpayers avoid refund delays caused by disputes over dependent claims.

Previously, duplicate dependent returns often required time-intensive manual processing, leading to significant delays for taxpayers. Starting with the upcoming filing season, both duplicate claims for the same dependent can now be processed electronically if an IP PIN is included. This six-digit code, unique to each taxpayer, ensures secure verification and expedites return processing.

Key Highlights of the New System:

• Duplicate Dependent Returns Accepted: Both returns claiming the same dependent can now be e-filed, provided each includes the required IP PINs.
• Simplified Dispute Resolution: The IRS will process both returns but flag them for review to determine eligibility, reducing long delays for refunds.
• Enhanced Security: IP PINs protect taxpayers from fraud by verifying identity on tax returns.

How to Obtain an IP PIN:
Taxpayers, including dependents, must complete identity verification through the IRS Online Account at IRS.gov. IP PINs for the 2025 tax year can be requested until November 23, 2024, before the system undergoes maintenance until January 2025.

This update underscores the IRS’s commitment to improving filing accuracy and security. Tax professionals are encouraged to inform clients of the benefits of obtaining IP PINs, particularly for households where duplicate dependent claims may arise.

For more details, visit the IRS IP PIN webpage.

The IRS has announced that 1040 MeF production shutdown for Form 1040 will commence  on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, in order to prepare the system for the upcoming Tax Year 2024 Filing Season.

Modernized e-File (MeF) provides electronic filing and payment options for filers of Corporation, Employment Tax, Estates and Trusts, Excise Tax, Exempt Organization, Individual, and Partnership Tax Returns.

In its announcement, the IRS stated:

Important Note:  Only "Send Submissions" for 1040 (both State and Federal) will be affected by this shutdown, all other services such as "Get Acks" and all state services will not be affected by the shutdown and users should be able to continue to use those services.  Business (BMF) returns are not impacted by this IMF Production Shutdown schedule.