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

• 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.

The renewal cycle for Enrolled Agent renewals opened on November 1, 2024, and will remain open until January 31, 2025.  The current renewal cycle is for all Enrolled Agents with Social Security Numbers ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Enrolled Agents (EAs) must actively maintain their status through timely renewals and fulfilling continuing education requirements.  The renewal cycle operates on a triennial basis tied to the last digit of the EA’s Social Security Number, requiring 72 hours of IRS-approved continuing education during each cycle, with at least 16 hours completed annually.  This coursework includes two hours of ethics per year.

To ensure uninterrupted practice, EAs should renew promptly during the designated enrollment period (November 1 to January 31).  Failure to renew on time leads to lapsed status, barring EAs from representing taxpayers.  The IRS also highlights the importance of keeping personal contact details current to receive timely renewal reminders and updates.

EAs should monitor the IRS’s guidance for any changes or updates in renewal procedures to remain compliant.  Ensuring a proactive approach toward education credits and renewal submissions helps agents maintain their ability to represent clients effectively. For comprehensive details, EAs can visit the IRS's Enrolled Agent Renewal page and the IRS's Enrolled Agent Renewal Reminders List page.

The IRS reminds tax professionals to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) for the 2025 tax season. Current PTINs expire on December 31, 2024, and the renewal fee is $19.75. The renewal process can be completed online in about 15 minutes, or by using a paper form, which may take up to six weeks. First-time applicants can also apply online. All tax professionals who prepare most types of tax returns, as well as all active Enrolled Agents, are required to renew their PTIN on an annual basis.   For more details, visit the IRS website.

In an article published by The Wall Street Journal on October 4, 2024, Ashlea Ebeling reports on the growing issue of tax refund check theft, with millions of dollars in refund checks being stolen from the mail. According to the IRS, nearly 10 million taxpayers received paper refund checks last year, making them a target for fraud. Even replacement checks are being stolen, leaving taxpayers in a cycle of requesting new ones.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R., N.Y.) has handled 218 cases of stolen refund checks in her district, totaling $3.8 million. One taxpayer, Bennett Grimm, has had multiple checks stolen and is still awaiting his $96,000 refund after the sale of his medical practice.

The IRS is working on a technological fix that will allow taxpayers to switch from paper checks to direct deposit, but it is still years away. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel urges taxpayers to opt for direct deposit, which he says is faster and safer. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department continues to deal with the rise in mail theft-related check fraud and has prosecuted several individuals involved in these schemes.

The IRS is also modernizing its system to address this issue, but for now, those affected must go through a lengthy refund trace process. Despite efforts, the thefts persist, putting pressure on the IRS and Treasury to find more immediate solutions.

(Source:  Ashlea Ebeling, "Millions of Dollars in Tax Refund Checks Are Getting Stolen," The Wall Street Journal, October 4, 2024)