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.